John was involved each day, illustrating the benefits of banking systems used globally to official representatives from the State Banks of Soviet Republic of Vietnam. I used this time to explore this fascinating, ancient city renown for its diverse lifestyle and market atmosphere. With my trusty street map clutched in my hand, I ventured forth each day to experience the sights and sounds of a people suppressed by continuous war for the past fifty years.
The people have survived constant invasion by the Chinese people over the centuries, suppressive occupation by the French. The Vietnam War of American and Allied occupation still scars the people physically and mentally today. The years of Communist regime have made the people cautious of accepting aid from foreign powers. The communist rule is absolute in the North, but has less hold over the people of the South.
Walking through the old city of Hanoi I learnt that barter is the accepted way of shopping. The local currency is the Dong, trading at about 13,000Dong to one US Dollar. I began to enjoy the challenge of bartering with the local shopkeepers and learnt to halve the first price, despite their cries of poverty or large families they supported. Many Vietnamese speak excellent English, or the older people speak French but mainly in the South. The bank exchange US$ dollars on a daily rate or you can visit the ‘Gold Shop’ for a better rate. The US Dollar remains strong in the tempestuous South East Asian market. The moneychangers constantly approach tourists on the street, offering an inflated rate of exchange. Be prepared to walk away from a ‘bargain’ if it becomes obvious that they are fleecing tourists.
My first experience of riding in the local cyclo (a bicycle with a seat in front) was terrifying, as they weave through continuous traffic, oblivious to your personal safety. Collisions that occur between cyclo’s, ancient trucks or the original mode of transport, Chinese built cycles happen daily.
I decided it was safer to walk and soon learnt to drift across the road, watching the on-coming traffic as it weaves around you. The Vietnamese people are oblivious to the danger of the racing, weaving, bell ringing, horn honking vehicles. But accidents do occur and are usually complicated by large crowds arguing, taking sides, until money changes hands and peace is restore by the police.
