We took a taxi to West Lake otherwise known as Ho Tay, which is a large lake in English terms. \u00a0It lays to the north east of Hanoi. \u00a0To the southern end of the lake there are two temples, Den Quan Thanh and Chua Tarn Quoc.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
At 6 pm we met up with the group of people that we will spend the next 15 days with as we travel south through Vietnam. \u00a0Our tour guide (CEO) is called Dee and is certainly a character. He has been leading groups around the world for the last 18 years. He explains a brief outline of the trip and then tells us he will explain day by day what we need to do and at what time. \u00a0The meeting lasted a little over an hour and then we left to eat dinner together. There are 15 of us in the group from Canada, Germany, Switzerland, Britain and Ireland. \u00a0The age range varies with some in a similar bracket to ourselves to the younger ones at around 30.<\/p>\n
Dee led the way, skilfully getting all 15 of us safely across the crazy roads. \u00a0We walked a couple of blocks and he led us into a restaurant and up some stairs. \u00a0A large table was set for us to all sit together. \u00a0Dee suggested that we might like to all try some local dishes and eat as the Veitenese would. \u00a0We started with Pumpkin soup, spring rolls, a chicken dish, pork in honey sauce, an aubergine dish and followed by a platter of fruit which included red Dragon fruit and water melon. \u00a0All washed down with some local beer and a total cost of 515,000 dong.<\/p>\n
After the meal we had the option to explore that part of town. \u00a0The street was alive with people. \u00a0We sat with 4 of the group and had another beer before leaving them to it and heading back to the hotel. \u00a0Others went to the Night Market and some wandered around.<\/p>\n
We had arranged to meet the following day for lunch at 12 noon.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
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