Just wandered the neighbourhoods of Hoan Kiem and the French Quarter. ‘Vi Mot Tuong Lai Xanh’ means ‘to a green future’.

I was mesmerised watching florist staff ‘reflexing’ roses, flipping petals outwards to create voluminous blooms.

The sun was shining and it was quite warm, a good reason for Hanoians eating ice creams today, from crispy cones shaped like conch-shells – the Trang Tien company has a business history of over 60 years and prides itself on an ice cream that’s free of additives, with a ‘gentle sweetness’.

The Children’s Palace, since 1976 has been a centre for culture, sports and political events for young people. This is a picture of Ho Chi Minh on the walls of the Palace. (Ho always had a commitment to promoting youth involvement in society, founding a National Youth Union in 1931). To keep pace with demand for activities, Government has announced an additional complex will be built for $56M – incorporating an 800 seat theatre, 200 seat 3D cinema, 500 seat stadium, 10 lane swimming pool, library and admin offices.

Tran Quoc Pagoda is the oldest Buddhist temple, constructed in the 6thC by Emperor Ly. Monks live onsite and teach Buddhism to locals. Incense is burned in the shrine to send wishes to the gods and receive good luck in return. Female Buddhas, known as “Mothers” are worshipped – the green mother has dominion over mountains and forests; the white mother over water; and red mother over the sky.The pagoda has a picturesque setting on West Lake.

On the way to dinner tonight, passed by locals shopping on their way home and eating at restaurants. Love the way trees and buildings are decorated with tiny lights…they make a colourful statement at night. Also found the famous ‘Train St’ – tiny, narrow, surrounded by high houses packed closely together, the train passes literally a few metres from houses. Because of tourists in the past being desperate to get an ‘Instagrammable’ photo (i.e. standing in the middle of the track to get a front-on pic), and on a few occasions, dying….there are now guards posted at the narrowest part, (trying to) prevent tourist entry.