Welcome Spring!

The Hanoian winter seems to finally be coming to a close; this past week has been sunny, at a steady 75 degrees. Everyone seems to be kicking off their winter boots, taking off their gloves and hats, and embracing the wonderful weather. I've welcomed the spring by lazing about on my roof, reading a great book, and loving the sunshine. A couple days ago, a group of friends and myself headed over to Lenin Park, where we sat alongside the lake, played some cards, and took in the beautiful day. The park was flooded with Hanoians, out doing the exact same thing; it was really wonderful to walk around and see so many people enjoying the sunshine. Given my background with cold weather (and I almost feel guilty writing such a welcome to spring when those back on the East Coast are still dealing with snow...) I have been okay with sitting outside, going to the park, or enjoying street food during the cold months in Hanoi. Locals, however, tend to disappear during the winter; street food stalls are less populated, the parks seem empty, and even the traffic is a bit less intense. With the coming of spring, and the return of the sunshine, the city finally seems to be getting back into full swing (albeit slowly, since the New Year celebrations officially ended a day ago). According to Son, this perfect weather is not the average phenomenon, and that the Hanoian spring can be compared to London's rainy season: fog, moisture, and rain. I definitely remember how it was a year ago, with moisture literally seeping from the walls; I guess I have to prepare myself to resume the battle with mold in my house.

Yesterday, Son and I decided to leave our motorbikes home and get out and walk around, enjoying the city and it's people on such a lovely day. We walked from my house down 2 blocks to the mausoleum, passing the restored French mansions, the old Citadel tower, and relishing the shade from the 100+ year old trees lining the street. We took a right after the mausoleum and passed some more government buildings, all decorated with perky daffodils and golden chrysanthemums. We continued walking by the old Citadel entry gate and some personal mansions of high-up government officials, until we circled back to my alley. I was already so grateful for the location of my apartment in the historic, government district in Hanoi, but walking along on this beautiful day made me feel all the more thankful for where I have made my life happen over this past year. Honestly, I live in the most beautiful, well-kept, and safe neighborhood in this city. Anyone that can appreciate architecture, landscaping, and history can see how lucky I am to live on such a famous street. Dien Bien Phu Street looked almost exactly the same 100 years ago, lined with the same French buildings, expansive sidewalks, and looming trees. The only difference is Ho Chi Minh's final resting place capping the end of the street. I will make an effort to take a video of a drive down my street so you can see how beautiful this area is for yourself!

Son and I are hoping that the nice weather will hold out until tomorrow (even though my computer forecast is telling me rain for the next 4 days) as we are planning a 3 hour motorbike trip into the countryside to do some sight-seeing. Driving around the city with the lovely weather is one thing, but doing the countryside drive would be a whole 'nother level of enjoying spring! So, keep your fingers crossed for me that the rain will hold out at least one more day... and I'll keep my fingers crossed that the snow back home will melt quickly. ;)