Jul 24, 2024

2024-07-24 Hanoi Hustle and Hidden Costs


The afternoon unfolded in a haze of consumerism and indulgence. Tràng Tiền Plaza, a temple of luxury, yielded to the allure of retail therapy.





A subsequent retreat to the L’Opera offered a much-needed respite. The promise of absinthe, a potent elixir of myth and legend, was replaced by a benign concoction, more akin to a fruit-infused cordial. The jazz-infused atmosphere, coupled with the attentive staff, created an oasis of tranquility. Tapas, a pre-dinner snack, proved to be a miscalculation. The impending dinner cast a shadow over our appetites.



Vietnam, a country of captivating contradictions, revealed its darker side. Earlier, the Ho Chi Minh taxi driver's audacious attempt at price gouging was a stark reminder of the city's underbelly.



A chance encounter with a street vendor, a master cobbler with a penchant for drama, showcased another facet of Hanoi life. His skills were undeniable, his sob story less convincing. The final price, a compromise between extortion and gratitude, was a bitter pill to swallow.


Le Beaulieu, a gastronomic destination of repute, offered a fitting finale to our Hanoi sojourn. The bread, a masterpiece of culinary artistry, set the stage for a symphony of flavors. The chocolate bar, a mobile indulgence, was the pièce de résistance, a decadent conclusion to a sumptuous meal. Exhaustion, a welcome companion, crept in as the night deepened.The L’Opera, a sanctuary of comfort, awaited our weary bodies. The final curtain fell on our Hanoi adventure, leaving behind a tapestry of memories, both delightful and challenging.






NEXT: https://wheetecktravelogues.blogspot.com/2024/07/2024-07-25-from-hanoi-to-viral-fame.html

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