And So It Begins - July 23, 2006

Less than two months into the posting to Hanoi the early morning sun wakes me at an insane hour just to remind me that this place really is something quite different, so I had better begin penning my impressions.

As Simple As Crossing the Road - August 28, 2006

The language and how to cross the road are two of the first all-consuming experiences that many a newbie to Hanoi needs to master. I’m not quite sure which is more difficult.

Movies and Menus - October 23, 2006

Just in case it was not obvious enough, there are plenty of opportunities around town to remind you that English is not very widely spoken here.

Piaggio - December 11, 2006

Never having ridden a motorbike before, I have thrown caution to the wind and bought a Piaggio Typhoon to zap around the crazily fun streets of Hanoi.

Tales Of Two Cities - April 22, 2007

A visit to Ho Chi Minh City from Hanoi is like visiting a different country, but both have their reasons to visit.

Winter Is Upon Us - February 3, 2008

After 8 years of no winter, Hanoi has given me the chance to pull out those winters woolies and put a few layers of clothes on again. Not quite freezing, but it is so nice to feel the cold after all these years.

Somewhat Of A Travel Guide - Part 1 - June 9, 2008

Part 1 of a very subjective travel guide to some holiday destinations in the region.

And Then We Were Three - October 20, 2008

The birth of our daughter here in Hanoi has provided us with some really special memories that will ensure this town remains special in our hearts.

Keeping Fit In Hanoi - February 22, 2009

With it’s busy streets and my inability to stay on a treadmill for longer than 10 minutes has made keeping fit in Hanoi a bit of an exercise, but somehow a few of us managed to get enough training in to compete in the Vietnam triathlon.

Off The Beaten Track - Ha Giang Cycling Trip - May 11, 2009

5 days of gruelling cycling up and down mountains, rewarded by some of the most impressive scenery I’ve ever seen.

Food, Art, And Fashion - July 7, 2009

The cafes, bars, and restaurants, the art galleries, and the fashion stores around Hanoi have really made this town such a pleasant place to live in. There’s a romance about all these things that I’ll miss when I leave.

Somewhat Of A Travel Guide - Part 2 - August 13, 2009

Part 2 of a very subjective travel guide to some holiday destinations in the region.

So Long Hanoi - November 27, 2009

After just over three years living in Hanoi, it was time to bid farewell in August 2009. Having been back in Singapore for three months, it is now time to reflect on what made my time there so memorable.