Hanoi - The city where scooters rule

We arrived in Hanoi late afternoon after a short flight from Vietiane. Picked up a minibus from the airport into the city. By the time we left the airport (which took a while since they don't leave until they have a full carload), we arrived just in time for rush hour. Imagine about 50 scooters in the space that two or three cars would occupy. ALL scooters sit at the lights (which is amazing that they obey any laws)nudging themselves in front of the neighbouring vehicle - cars or scoooters- until they feel they have enough room for a break away.
The city is quite amazing. We have been staying in the Old Quarter. On every walkway women set up instant restaurants complete with plastic tables and stools. The funny part is that they are sets for children, so bending down to put your butt on the stool is probably the best squat exercise you can do!
The food here is wonderful. In the day we tend to eat at said "instant" restaurants; usually enjoying some type of pho ( soup noodles). I keep telling Jon that I am only eating chicken - I am sure that dog might look like beef!!(Kim -is the muscle the same?)
We are leaving this great city tonight on an overnight train up to Sapa. Let's hope we managed to get a sleeper bed(we did't for our last overnighter and that was mighty painful).
Happy New Year to e eryone!