A Night In Hanoi

We made the long journey back from Hoang Su Phi to Hanoi today, leaving the valley much as we found it, shrouded in low cloud and mysterious. We retraced our steps, eating in the same restaurant for lunch, and arriving back in Hanoi by late afternoon.

In the evening, we went to see a performance at the Water Puppet Theatre. (see fuzzy extra) Water puppets have a long tradition in Vietnam; the performance takes place in a large pool of water, and the puppeteers operate the the puppets, which are about half life size, using wires, wading up to their waists in water, and hidden behind curtains. The plays themselves and techniques are closely guarded secrets and, when they join the group, puppeteers swear never to divulge them.

It was certainly a unique and entertaining show. Afterwards we strolled back round the Hoan Kiem lake where I took this photo of Jade Island. The extra shows Turtle Tower, a reference to the legend of the giant turtle reputed to live in the lake.