Back in Hanoi....again

35 C and 90% humidity. A most uncomfortable time of the year to be here. Sieglinde's first trip, my tenth or eleventh.

So, there we are at the Temple of Literature, a 1,000 year old series of pagoda temples, gardens ponds and compounds where Confucian doctoral students studied. Very popular with tourists and locals alike, especially on a sunny Sunday morning. We're walking about and this group of giggling young girls descend upon us asking to have their picture taken with me. Every one of them had a phone camera. I'm guessing it wasn't my incredible good looks but sheer size that fascinated them. Made for a funny moment, but not the only time we were approached for pictures while walking about the Temple.

Had breakfast across the street at Koto, a fabulous multi-floor restaurant that is an intensive training/apprenticeship program for local street children teaching them life skills, English, customer service, food prep, etc. Always stop there at a couple of times when in Hanoi to support them. Can you decipher the meaning behind the sign on the bathroom wall?

Last picture is Sieglinde in "our" alley. To the left of her you can make out our hotel sign "Elegant 5". Huge, furnished bachelor suites. Quiet, table large enough for both of us to set up computers, nice ktichen area and great WiFi. Excellent for an extended stay and my absolute favourite Vietnamese restaurant is at the end of the alley.

So, back to the bathroom sign....they're asking that you use a scoop of water from the bucket to dump in the toilet instead of a full flush. The things you learn!