Top ten things I miss about Việt Nam.

7. Beefsteak (Bò Bi Tết)
There was this joint, on a road right off of Phố Huế. Make a right and go down a little bit. The restaurant is always filled with people. When locals crowd a place, you know its good. I was introduced to this place by Jimmy, who was introduced by Quốc Anh. It is Quốc Anh's hangover joint, and it surely makes your headache go away, or perhaps distracts your mind from focusing on the headache because the bursting flavors from the dish rapes your tongue. Basically this dish is a sizzling platter with a fried egg, steak, meatball, french fries and loads of green onions on it. Served with freshly baked french bread. It really hits the spot. Back here, there really is no equivalent to such a "ghetto" meal. No pizza puff, hot dog or gyros can compare to this marvelous creation of beef steak. When I return next summer, I plan to make it my very first meal.

6. Exploring Hà Nội via Xe Máy (Honda Wave)
Although prohibited from driving motorbikes, most of the CIEE students rented bikes anyway--all Honda waves. Likewise, mostly all the EAP folks rented Honda waves too. Its the cheapest, and most reliable (well maybe not) bike for visiting college students. It is a possibility that we're just so used to ascribing Honda with "reliable" in the states that we rented the waves. One of the greatest things about Hà Nội life is being able to just cruise around the city. Take the side roads and get lost. That is one of the best ways to get to know Hà Nội. See new things, and learn new shortcuts. I miss the wind blowing in my air, and as December strolled along, the cold air scrapping my tender skin. In one memorable event, Kevin and I decided to be adventurous and circle the circumference of Hồ Tây, which is the largest lake in Hà Nội, at around 1 AM. In order to fully grasp one of the essences of Ha Noi life, one must join the thousands of drivers in the organized chaos we call traffic.

5. Hà Nội's Old Quarter, Sài Gòn's Quận 1
Phố Cổ, as a Vietnamese would call it, is a very booming area. Although its history traces back to the original borders of what used to be Hà Nội, it remains one of the hot spots for not only tourist and expats, but also Việtnamese locals, which makes it so interesting. Each street is designated to a certain item or good. For example, Hàng Bạc consists of many DVD stores, which I frequented often. Within this area one could find gift shops, cafes, eateries, cheap clothes stands, lively night joints, and of course DVD stores. Essentially all one's tangible neccesities can be found within the confines of Phố Cổ. Tree lined streets, bustling with vendors everywhere, this was one of my favourite spots in Ha Noi. O and of course, I cannot forget, Hồ Hoàn Kiếm--Lake of the Returned Sword, resides just South, merely steps away from Phố Cổ.

While in Sài Gòn, I remained mostly in Q1, which is quite developed. What makes this district so interesting and enjoyable is that one can find "western" culture embedded within this area, but also the essence of traditional Việt Nam. A mixture between Western and Việtnamese cultures creates a unique identity; a very appealing one. Chợ Bếnh Thành resides in Q1, but of course, that place is such a rip off. Only the food is worth buying. From paper stores, to shoe shops, to good cafes and eateries, to lively night life spots like the Jazz Art jazz club, it really digs deep into your sense of appreciation for a place. Despite all the negative judgements of it being too commercialized or westernized, Sài Gòn comes in as second after Hà Nội on my list.