The transition from the coastal languor of Nha Trang to the frenetic energy of Hanoi was immediate and jarring. The Vietnam Airlines flight, a cocoon of comfort, offered a brief respite from the impending assault of the senses. Hanoi, a city of contrasts, welcomed us with open arms and suffocating humidity. Typhoon Praripoon, a menacing specter looming in the distance, promised a drenching baptism for our arrival.
Sen Hồ Tây, a buffet haven according to Raymond, our local oracle and cousin, was our first port of call. The restaurant, a bustling hive of activity, was a testament to its popularity. The cacophony of Vietnamese and sprinkling of Cantonese chatter, a familiar symphony to my ears, mingled with the general din of the crowd. A mountain of food, a tantalizing array of colors and textures, beckoned from every corner.
The sashimi counter, a siren song for seafood lovers, drew me in with irresistible force. The rhythmic cadence of "Happy Birthday" songs, a constant soundtrack to the dining experience, created a surreal atmosphere. Oysters, plump and briny, were my obsession for the first three rounds. Only then did I venture into the realm of boiled delights – seafood,vegetables, and a medley of flavors that danced on the palate. The buffet, a gluttonous paradise, was a symphony of indulgence.
As the night drew to a close, sated and slightly dazed, we parted ways. Raymond and his family, their knowledge of the city a trusted compass, disappeared into the Hanoi night. The L’Opera Hotel, a beacon of elegance in the city’s bustling heart, awaited our arrival.
NEXT: https://wheetecktravelogues.blogspot.com/2024/07/2024-07-24-wet-hanoi-and-pho-fantasies.html
#wheeteck #wheetecktravel #wheetecktravelogue
No comments:
Post a Comment