Hanoi, Christmas day and Halong Bay

Rosie loves to find cats and dogs on her travels and this one befriended her at the pagoda on the lake in central Hanoi near our hotel.




The Catholic cathedral where main Christmas services were held.








On the street Christmas day was business as usual. After modest present-giving at the hotel and breakfast, we took the Lonely Planet walk around the old quarter.




Found a chihuahua this time.








Women often use this traditional carrying method.




Informal restaurants on the street are everywhere.




I found undies with padded bottoms at the market - I didn't get any, I hasten to add.




Typical Hanoi.




Visit to Vietnam's first university, dating from about 1050.








Bonsais are very popular here.







Peter and Sophie having icecreams.



Will continue this blog later but will post this much now in case it gets magically lost as sometimes happens!