Jiminy Cricket Culture Shock!

I have arrived, safe and sound in Hanoi after an 11 hour flight! The flight was on time, and I breezed through customs in about 2 minutes. There was a huge line for the 'visa on arrival' counter, but since I already received my visa in New York, I was able to skip the crowds.

... not that it helped me though. Once I hit the main lobby, I was at a compete loss. I don't speak the language, I can't even try to read it... I ended up sitting for a few minutes to get my bearings. It's kind of funny because in the interim, I've been mistaken as Vietnamese a couple of times already. So my original (cheaper) plan was to take a Vietnam Airlines shuttle into the main city, and then cab it over to the hotel. But alas; I took one look at the empty, shady minibuses outside and I chickened out. I ended up taking a cab directly from the airport (which took 1 hour and cost $17 USD).

Wow. I mean, I knew to expect a very different atmosphere than I've ever seen before... I watch plenty of Anthony Bourdain! :P But the reality has been quite overwhelming. So. Many. Motorbikes. I feel like I don't know how to cross the road anymore! And yes, there are dozens of little hole in the wall places on every block offering all assortments of food. I really don't know how I'm going to stomach a steaming bowl of pho in this humidly oppressive heat, but I am sure going to try!

This is going to be a fun few weeks... it's so unlike anything I've come across before and I'm definitely looking forward to it.

On another note, my room is significantly better than what I was expecting. I paid extra for single occupancy, so this is where I'll be staying for the next 2 nights:

Not bad, eh?

Jetlaaaaaag. The bed is calling my name for a nap before my tour meeting this evening.