The DMZ (zzzz) and the Hanoi arrival

We spent Monday visiting the the DMZ area of Vietnam by bus (something Mark wanted to do), however, on reflection we were disappointed by tour overall. We spent most of the day on the bus, a very slow bus. A number of the sites were interesting and our guide was very informative about what happened but we didn't see that much - apart from the countryside. We especially liked the Vinh Moc tunnels which we were allowed to go down. We did, however, meet some great Brits (a couple from Cambridge and a Mum & daughter combo). That passed the time as on the bus we discussed places we'd been to and passed on travelling tips. That evening we all agreed to meet up for a few beers and dinner - an excellent evening eating, drinking & chatting despite one couple needing to catch a 1am train and us needing to be up at 6am to catch the 7:15 train to Hanoi.
After not much sleep we rose on Tuesday morning and made our way to the train station. We decided that due to it being a day train we wouldn't get a sleeper bed so opted for a soft seat - error! The train was packed and we spent 13 hours sat amongst people eating (very weird things), sleeping and trying to talk over the very loud TV playing everything from pop videos, fashion shows and a Vietnamese version of Mr Bean! One old man who sat next to us tried to make conversation in Vietnamese but obviously we didn't understand a word. Instead he kept pointing at us and grabbing Marks arm. He had no teeth so sucked on his food, making a right noise! We got a bit of sleep and the ipods came in handy again. Arriving in Hanoi our first objective was to find a hotel (we didn't book in advance due to drinking the night before!) we got dropped off by the taxi driver whose meter was more like a fruit machine than a proper taxi meter. He tried to charge us $7 stating we'd travelled 11km in about 6 minutes (in traffic). Mark actually recorded his mileage on his speedo and we'd done 3km. After Mark explaining this to him that his scam wouldn't work on us we paid him $3, he smiled knowing what he'd tried to do and went on his way. Finally after asking several hotels for a room we a found place (Quang Hiep Hotel). We dropped our bags off, had dinner and then collapsed in our bed.
Today we got up and had breakfast at the hotel which consisted of a baguette and a weird so called omlette. Not the best but filling enough. We met a dutch couple at breakfast who had just booked their Halong Bay trip through the hotel after meeting some people who'd just done it and recommended it. We decided that it would save us hunting around for a reputable company so have also booked it for tomorrow - 2 nights and 3 days for $65 each all inclusive.
We went to explore Hanoi and within minutes of leaving the hotel the rain started again! We sheltered a while and fortunately it eased off so we continued our ramble around the chaotic city. It is much like HCMC but with more markets and tourist based shops. They also have streets full of shops selling the same items. The streets are actually named after what they sell, like sweet street and toy street. Very bizarre!
Tonight we are going to a 'Couch Surfing' party which is a group of people associated with an online travel group - not quite sure what to expect but we were invited by the dutch couple we met at breakfast. Apparently it's just a cheap drinking fest!
Next update will be after our Halong Bay trip so lots of pictures. Lets hope the weather is good!
Hope everyone is well in the UK and thanks for all your comments.
Love
Mark & Rach. xxx

P.S - Becky - put a fleece and warm socks on and turn that heating off!