Day 11 / 1: Hard to Say Goodbye
Weather Update: Sunny with a high of 31°C
Leaving Siem Reap
Day 11 and Day 1: The timeline becomes muddled here because day turns into night and night into day, I hope that makes sense, but bear with me as I try to get things back on track.
It was hard to pack up my gear and move on this morning. I've felt cared for and appreciated here, knowing I may never see these people again. Siem Reap's weather this time of year has been sublime. I have tears in my eyes thinking about leaving, I want to stay forever, but once I'm back on the road, this will become a distant past but not forgotten.
Flight to Hanoi
My flight tonight is at 7:30 pm to Hanoi in Vietnam for 2-3 days. I'm in Pub Street waiting for an Australian named Maddy (real name Madeline), who's having her hair done before her flight at 11 pm. Pub Street is the heart of the tourist centre of Siem Reap. Everything you do likely revolves around this part of town. Sitting down for a cold beer on a hot day, watching life pass by, you notice tourists talking into their phones or posing for photographs.
Pub Street
Pub Street is next to the Old Market and has become the centre of all nightlife in Siem Reap. It has restaurants, bars, nightclubs, street food, shops, market stalls, and more. Whether you're looking for a fish massage, fried ice cream, or a good meal after exploring Angkor Wat, Pub Street is the place to be. Added Photos Day 11
Airport and Flight Experience
The trip to the airport was long and hard to understand why it was so far from Siem Reap. The flight was good except for the passenger in front of me reclining their seat onto my knees. I banged on the headrest, and the seat was adjusted. The distance between seats was the smallest I've ever experienced. The lady next to me had to put her feet in the aisle because the passenger in front of her reclined his seat. When I spoke to him, he ignored me, but the distant look on his face when landing was priceless.
Day 1: Arrival in Hanoi
I arrived in Hanoi on the wrong day. Vietnam was playing Thailand in a football match, and Vietnam won 5-3. The streets were packed with motor scooters and motorbikes, horns blaring, flags waving—a manic, chaotic scene. The news estimated that a million people flooded the streets, nearly bringing Hanoi to a halt.
Finding Accommodation
This is where it gets messed up; I left on Sunday, but we finally arrived at the hotel on Monday the 6th. Now, let's begin.
Day 1: After arriving at the airport at 8:35 pm I met a Chinese man at the airport who had nowhere to stay so we hooked up and got a lift into the city. When we reached the hostel I booked at 2:30 am it was locked. We found another hotel close by for the night for only $39 US or $70 NZ. The porter asked if we wanted a double bed, but what came out of my mouth was not pleasing. After a restless sleep, I discovered the Wi-Fi was poor, and for me, it was like losing an arm, but after a few days, I discovered that Vietnam restricts certain websites, No not that, I was trying to watch the BBC Sport. I will attach a photo later of (Huang from China) We separated in the morning but we exchanged details so hopefully we might connect in the future.
Challenges in Hanoi
I was robbed in Singapore so I had to go to the British Embassy to get it sorted with my ANZ bank in NZ, I arrived just before midday only to find out they had a long lunch break, and because of the time difference I had to return on Tuesday.
Hostel Misadventures
I booked a hostel for $8 NZ for the night, but no one was there when I arrived so I found another place close by. I stopped for a beer and discovered the complexities of currency exchange. I ended up paying the correct amount after "some discussion". 1 Tiger beer costs 35000 dongs in local currency, if you pay in US dollars the costs rise to 45000 dongs, while the currency rate is $25386, you can work out the costs but on the black market, US dollars are over $28000. What a crooked world we live in. Overseas pay in local currency.
Hỏa Lò Prison
I visited the Hỏa Lò Prison, known as the "Hanoi Hilton" during the Vietnam War. Originally used by French colonists for political prisoners, it was later used by North Vietnam for U.S. prisoners of war. The prison was demolished in the 1990s, but its gatehouse remains a museum. It serves as a reminder of mankind's cruelty. The harsh reality is that mankind is a cruel species and one day we will get what's coming, whether an asteroid, aliens, a disease that we created like COVID-19 or the return of Jesus Christ which is stipulated throughout scripture. History depicts that civilisations come and go it is just a matter of time before it is us.
Reflections
Day 1 was filled with emotional farewells, chaotic arrivals, and historical reflections. For those following my journey, I hope these updates provide a vivid picture of the adventures and challenges along the way.
Cheers to the adventures ahead and the stories yet to unfold! 🌏✨🏨🍺
Stay tuned for more updates as I continue my travels! 🌞✨
Feel free to share your thoughts and tips on making this blog more engaging. Let’s keep this journey interesting together! 🚀📖
Additional Information: Hỏa Lò Prison
Historical Context
French Colonial EraF: Used for political prisoners by French colonists in Indochina.
Vietnam War: Known as the "Hanoi Hilton," it housed U.S. prisoners of war.
Post-War Use: Incarcerated Vietnamese dissidents and political prisoners.
Modern-Day Museum
Gatehouse: Remains as a museum, preserving the history of the site.
Exhibits: Highlight the prison's history and the harsh realities of imprisonment.
Thank you for sharing your journey with me. Enjoy the rest of your travels and stay safe! 📸🌏🏨🍺
The harsh reality is that mankind is a cruel species and one day we will get what's coming, whether an asteroid, aliens, a disease that we created like COVID-19 or the return of Jesus Christ which is stipulated throughout scripture.