2024-07-24 Wet Hanoi and Pho Fantasies

(Photo from my previous trip)

The L’Opera, a bastion of Hanoi’s colonial charm, provided a luxurious backdrop to our city sojourn. Its neighboring streets, a stage for a daily performance of human vanity, was a captivating spectacle. Selfies, a modern form of narcissism, were captured with an almost religious fervor, while professional photographers, their lenses capturing fleeting moments of artifice, transformed the streets into a living catwalk. A particularly memorable image, etched into my memory, depicted a woman, her cleavage pressed into service as a novel storage solution for her smartphone.

Breakfast at the hotel was a leisurely affair. My culinary desires this morning were simple – an omelette, assembled with the chef’s liberal hand, and a strong cup of black coffee. The Viet Nam News, a daily chronicle of the nation’s pulse, offered grim tidings – Kamala Harris, a rising star in American politics, was poised to eclipse Joe Biden, while Typhoon Pariphoon, a tempestuous visitor, threatened to disrupt our plans.

Hoan Kiem Lake, a serene oasis in the heart of the city, was a microcosm of Hanoi life. A steady drizzle, a gentle kiss from the sky, failed to deter the city’s inhabitants from their daily rituals. Selfie sticks, a ubiquitous accessory, transformed the lake into a forest of outstretched arms. Ice cream, a defiant act against the elements, was consumed with gusto.

We introduced Shiqin to the legendary Kem Tràng Tiền, a haven for Instagram enthusiasts. The lake, a canvas of human activity, provided endless entertainment. People-watching, a timeless pastime, was elevated to an art form.

The Tràng Tiền Plaza, a glittering enclave of luxury brands, offered a stark contrast to the lake’s pedestrian charm. Here, the world’s elite vied for the attention of discerning consumers.

Our rendezvous with Irene and Ethan led us to Huyen Huong Pho, a hallowed ground for pho enthusiasts. The broth, a symphony of flavors, was a revelation. The chicken, a curious blend of tenderness and texture, hinted at a free-range existence. The accompanying condiments, a palette of tastes, elevated the dish to celestial heights. It was my second visit but remains a firm pho favorite.

A solitary afternoon beckoned. A business meeting with Tuan and Sophia, a partner in a nascent venture, demanded my attention. The Xanh SM app, a digital concierge, summoned an electric vehicle to whisk me through the city’s traffic. The meeting, a productive exchange of ideas, marked the beginning of a new chapter. As the day drew towards the evening, a sense of satisfaction washed over me. Hanoi, with its intoxicating blend of old and new, had recast its spell on me.

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