Another early day on backpack. We were served with fresh French loaf with fried egg and a cup of Vietnam coffee at hotel. It was worth every cent spend in the hotel.
This was a packed day within the Hanoi City. Our first site of the day was the Museum of Ethnology. It was about 10km from where we stay. We hailed for a cab and speeded through the busy street of Hanoi. We arrived at the Museum at about 10am. Based on review online, we decided to check on the outdoor display and continue indoor if we have time left as those at outside seem more appealing and interesting. First we headed to the largest minority tribe house in the museum, the Cham House. It was a well organized compound with little huts with each serving certain people of the family and for specific purpose. The walls were made from earth and wood combination and the structures were slightly raise above ground.
Then it was hideout at the Ede House. The rain was very heavy forcing us into the house for about 30 mins. Ede House was pretty much like our 'Rumah Panjang'. It was a long house for the whole of the community. The most remarkable part of the house was the awkward shape on the staircase at the front. It seemed to me like boobs, non functionality, for decoration purpose only.
Then we headed to the Water Pavilion right in front of the Viet House. The water puppet show seemed less interesting due to the lack of maintainance. Those puppets' colour faded and the water was full of green moss. So we left half way through the performance to visit the Viet House. It was a concrete made structure with wooden door frame and a over 1 feet of obstacles.
Next in our list was the most interesting building, Bahnar Communal House. It was a high platform, high roof community hall for Vinh Quang commune. However I didn't get why they made it so hard to get into it. Beside the Bahnar was the obscene Giarai Tomb. We were not aware of it being a tomb and forgive our shallowness for taking it as a place to make out looking at the building was surrounded by obscene sculptures. 
got what drives us to conclude that way yet?
We continued on the Yao, Hmong and Hanhi House. From our visit, we could conclude that the minorities' houses were very simple and lacking. All made of earth, wood and bamboo. Everything was done under the same roof. It was their stores, their bed, their kitchen and workplace. Many were lacking of windows too. Perhaps windows were harder to make and most probably a luxury to them. There were a pottery workshop within the compound too. Some exhibits were great and were made by local children. No wonder they have so much of masterpieces available for tourist to carry home each day.
We ended our trip with the yummy chocolate tart purchase at the Museum Cafe. No wonder so many people recommended this cafe on the internet. The tart was indeed delicious. The crust were thin and have the correct hardness. We got a fruits tart and opera cheese cake too. These 2 were ok. I preferred the chocolate tart better.
Finally we got back to our hotel to meet up with HJs and to learnt that we each has been robbed off USD4. We each has to pay USD4 for a short shower. We have previously agreed on USD12 but when he learnt that we have 5 pax rather than 3, he was quick to remake his calculation. So just for that 10 minutes shower per person, we were made to pay USD20. For that price, I think we most probably can get a full body massage ready :S
So after meeting up those girls, we continued our exploration. We went to the Hoan Kiem Lake aka Sword Lake. This lake is believed to home an endangered species of long soft shell turtles but no luck. I detected none of them. If I did I would most prob be the luckiest person on earth since last detected in year 1997. Anyway I preferred the night view of the lake better with those colourful neon lights and the cooling breeze. It was hot and worsen by the water reflectance. Luckily they have lots of shady trees along the lake side.
The Ngoc Son Temple sitting in Jade Island at the Northern side of the lake was connected to the shore on the bright red lake. The temple's architecture and build up was pretty similar to any Chinese Temple back at home. Red was always the theme colour with paintings and sculptures of the 4 sacred animal sat on all corners. Opposite the entrance to the temple was the less interesting Martyrs' Monument. 
We continued our exploration into the old quarters...heading to the Dong Xuan Market. This was where I bought my pirated North Face smallest backpack. It was really cheap n worth every dongs. Backpacks were incredibly cheap...1 got 1, SY got 1 and SL got 2...shopping Queens! I thought I would have buy more if Dong Xuan has the same to offer as Ben Thanh. I could not get coffee here :-( and the food section was rather small.
Finally we rushed back to our hotel for our 10 minutes shower before our check out time at 5pm. Sadly we ended up being fool by the taxi driver. It was supposed to be few hundred meters of straight road then a right turn and continue straight for 1 or 2 more km only but he ended up taking us round and round in the opposite direction. There was no way he didn't know the direction when we newbies can easily walk around with that map. We kept telling him he was in wrong direction but he kept telling us he needed to make that turn...:S
After the damn pressure 10 minutes bathing time, we checked out from our room. We left our luggage behind and went hunting for food. The hotel reception counter was man by a friendly lady. We consulted her and found out that we are actually on the food street. She recommended us a couple of stalls next door. Finally we settled with the Net Hue. This was a lovely restaurant with air conditioned sitting place. They served real yummy local dishes. I ordered a grilled pork dish served with vegetables and vermicelli, 'Cuon thit Nuong', rice cake with shrimp, 'Banh Ram it nhan tom' and fried banana & coconut milk dessert, 'Che Chuoi'. I loved them very much! This would most probably be our best dinner here. Looking forward to discover more great place to eat.
After dinner, we walked along the Silk road again. We just have too much time to till until 8pm when Anh was supposed to picked us up. We waited from 7.45pm till 8.30pm when he finally showed up. We have a great conversation with our hotel reception lady again...talking bout travelling, schooling and etc. Anh arrived and walked us to the taxi...oh not to forget, then bakery nearby our hotel was great. They sells some interesting French pastries. We got ourselves some French macarons, almond crisps and chocolate cookies for supper in train.
We boarded our train to Sapa at about 9.30pm. Luckily we got the compartment to ourselves. 5 in a 6 beds compartment so that we could have some privacy. The bed was rather hard and the space above was limited. The higher the bed the narrower the space was. It was the opposite in India. As usual I was on the top berth. It was more difficult than I imagined. It was super bumpy and hot...the AC seemed to aim the lower berth...omg! With that condition, I was awaken every now and then....tired!
Today was less interesting due to much waiting time and less sight seeing time. Definitely hope that my bumpy sleepover was worth the scenery in Sapa. Looked forward to Sapa.
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