Curt & Laureen From Outback to Asia: Day 26

I must have almost nodded off at least three times while trying to write the blog last night. We seem to pack so many things into the day that it takes a while to get them all written down. I forced myself to stay awake long enough to articulate everything we did - but not really in the detail that I would like.

Woke up at about 6:30AM this morning so that we had time to shower and have breakfast before being picked up by Kim and our driver. Laureen noticed that an LED in the thermostat that was in our room started blinking at about 3:30 AM. Isn't it interesting how bright a tiny little LED can be in a pitch black room?

We headed down to the "first basement" floor in the hotel where the buffet breakfast is served. This is the same place that we had dinner at last night and had the entire place to ourselves. This morning, it was bustling with people. Breakfast was fantastic. I don't think we've had a bad meal since we've been on our trip. I even had a decaf Americano that was passable.

We were done breakfast a little early, so we decided to go for a little walk along the streets nearby so that we could see them in the daytime. As we went to step out the door, we noticed that it was raining, so the hotel offered us a couple umbrellas for the day. They came in very handy for the morning.

As we made our way out of the hotel, we walked by someone who was sitting near the entrance who looked a lot like our guide. Turns out, it WAS our guide. So we joined up with him a little early and they took us to our morning activity: Cooking with Chef Ai.

Based in Hanoi, Chef Ai has over 15 years of culinary experience shaped by culture, creativity, and passion. Long before earning a place among the top five finalists in MasterChef Vietnam (2014), she honed her skills as a private cook for international families - including at the Japanese embassy in Vietnam. She also designed personalized menus and hosted intimate home gatherings. These early years gave her a unique appreciation for global cuisines and cultural diversity, all of which now infuse her now signature style.

But before we went in to do some cooking, we were met at the car by Chef Ai's nephew, Hieu. Hieu took us on a short trek through the community and neighbourhood market where a majority of Vietnamese people still shop at the market daily for their meal ingredients. He described that only a few were "farmers" (linking back to the farmer's markets we have back home), and the rest were business people who go to a wholesaler and buy their items (early in the morning - like 3:30 - Green LED flashing - AM) and then set up for the day to sell to those in the neighbourhood.

We also found a little park where the government has been putting in community exercise equipment so that the people can exercise. I did a few laps.

We then went to their home where we got the chance to meet Chef Ai and also the GoWay supervisor was there to check in on how things would go. Chef Ai joked that they were checking up on her.

Huy (another assistant), Laureen, Curt, Chef Ai and GoWay Supervisor

We started out by cutting and then marinating the shrimp.

This was just prepping them for the flambe part of the process.

Yes, I still have my eyebrows. Hieu then peeled a pomelo (similar to a grapefruit) which we broke apart in to pieces for the salad that we would make later. The first one was too dry, so they cut up another one.

The shrimp, pomelo and salad were then ready to go, what we needed next was a salad dressing.

The salad dressing was made from a base of fish sauce and a progression of a number of other ingredients. In this way, you can make multiple different versions with very similar ingredients.

After this we made some fresh spring roles. The process is not too hard once you learn some of the tricks, which they showed us. Apparently I'm an excellent spring roller. Laureen says that since I’m “excellent” at this, she’ll be expecting these lovely fresh spring rolls often.

Here are the items that we helped make.

Then we sat down with both Hieu and Huy for lunch with the items above and some fish that went into a soup like broth (pho). After lunch Huy showed us how to make Egg Coffee. That was an interesting process. It wasn't too complicated, which means it's something that I might be able to try at home.

Egg Coffee, Egg Mocha, Chocolate Egg and Egg Macha - All Were Delicious

We took a photo with the entire cooking crew.

Curt, Laureen, Hieu, Huy and Another Aunt

After this it was time to say goodbye and move on to the next activity for the day. But before I do that, should note that I shared one of those Canadian Maple Syrup candies with the folks at the location. Chef Ai liked them enough that I offered her a second one.

Kim took us back to the hotel for a short 30 minute stop before the next item on the list; We used that time to take a bio break and grab a short umbrella in case we needed it for the next iteration. It was 2:00 PM when we popped back downstairs to find we had a new ride for the afternoon.

Yes, we spent the afternoon driving around to the various scenic parts of Hanoi city in this world war two era Jeep. Thankfully the rain had stopped, but it remained cloudy so that it was not unbearably hot.

Located on a small island in West Lake, Tran Quoc Pagoda is the oldest Buddhist temple in Hanoi, with origins dating back over 1,500 years. Originally constructed during the reign of Emperor Ly Nam De in the 6th century, the pagoda has long been a spiritual anchor for the city. Surrounded by tranquil waters and ancient trees, it blends harmonious architecture with a peaceful atmosphere, making it a meaningful stop for those seeking both cultural insight and quiet reflection. Its towering stupa, intricate carvings, and serene setting offer a glimpse into Vietnam’s deep-rooted Buddhist traditions.

Our next stop was a B52 Memorial. Huu Tiep Lake, often referred to as "B-52 Lake," is a small artificial freshwater lake located in Ngoc Ha Ward, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi. The lake gained historical significance during the Vietnam War. On December 27, 1972, amidst the "Hanoi-Dien Bien Phu in the Air" campaign, a U.S. B-52 bomber was shot down by Vietnamese forces, with parts of the wreckage landing in Huu Tiep Lake. This event has left a lasting imprint, as remnants of the aircraft remain visible in the lake to this day.

In recognition of its historical importance, the site was designated as a national historical vestige on April 22, 1992. To preserve and honor this landmark, the lake and the wreckage underwent renovations completed in 2022, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of the event.

Our next stop was the B52 Victory Museum, but before we arrived there, I tried to take a bit of a video to show what it was like to ride in an open jeep on a Hanoi street.

The B-52 Victory Museum, located at 157 Doi Can Street in Hanoi's Ba Dinh District, commemorates Vietnam's resilience during the 12-day "Dien Bien Phu in the Air" campaign of December 1972, also known as Operation Linebacker II. Established on December 22, 1997, to mark the 25th anniversary of this pivotal event, the museum spans 7,550 square meters and features both indoor and outdoor exhibits. The indoor section offers detailed narratives, photographs, and artifacts that chronicle Hanoi's air defense strategies and the broader context of the Vietnam War (the locals call it the “American War” or the “Vietnam War that the Americans caused”). The outdoor area prominently displays the wreckage of a downed B-52 Stratofortress, serving as a tangible testament to the conflict. Visitors can also explore various military equipment and weaponry used during the war, providing a comprehensive insight into the historical significance of Vietnam's defence efforts.

What is cool about this B52 is that you can walk right up to it an touch it - unlike what you would find in museums in North America. I placed my hand on the tail section.

From the B52 Victory Center we made our way to the Temple of Literature. Established in 1070 by Emperor Lý Thánh Tông, the Temple of Literature (Văn Miếu) in Hanoi stands as a testament to Vietnam's dedication to education and Confucian principles. Originally built to honor Confucius, it became home to the Imperial Academy (Quốc Tử Giám) in 1076, the nation's first university, which educated the country's elite for over seven centuries. The temple's architecture reflects traditional Vietnamese design, featuring five distinct courtyards adorned with ancient trees, serene ponds, and intricate pavilions. Notably, the third courtyard houses the Thien Quang Well, flanked by 82 stone stelae mounted on turtle-shaped pedestals, inscribed with the names of scholars who achieved doctorates between 1442 and 1779.

It was also here that Kim found me a vendor (who was set up out front) with a Vietnam hat that I could pick up for my collection. Laureen also grabbed another fan - probably the nicest one we have picked up thus far (and by far the most economical).

This was the last of our stops with Kim who dropped us off at the hotel and let us know that he would be picking us up at 8:30 to take us to Lan Ha Bay (a quieter alternative to the famous Ha Long Bay) where we will spend the next two nights and three days on a boat moving from beach to beach.

We made our way back to the room and then Laureen scouted out a decent nail place which happened to be just a couple buildings over from our hotel. We both went in and Laureen had her nails filled and I had my second manicure of my existence. It's a whole lot easier to trim your nails when someone else does it.

This is Her Impressed Face While I Was Taking Yet Another Photo of Her

After this we made our way back to the hotel for dinner. Just not quite adventurous enough to wander out on the street and find a place to eat. Maybe the next time we visit Vietnam we'll do that. ;-)