Pure Joy

The government of Hanoi has closed the roads to traffic along Hoan Kiem Lake from Friday evening to Sunday evening every weekend.  This is a pilot program that started less than a year ago.  Experiencing this area around the lake, full of people, students, children, families–all gathering to play, sing, eat, walk–without cars or motorbikes is fantastic.  It is an amazing wonderland of wholesome fun.  Young people and old people gather in the street, sprawl out and play games–Jenga (wooden block towers), Moncala (chalk and rocks), jump rope, tugawar, ballroom dancing, roller skating, concerts and hackysack (played with a weighted birdie), henna tattoos, puzzles and Kareoke.  The area provides breathing room and space to gather and play in a crowded and congested city.  All are welcome.  In contrast, when traffic resumes on monday, the sidewalks are packed with parked motorbikes, noise has increased tremendously and our experience diminishes.  While I am happy that Hanoi has created this haven for pedestrians, it saddens me to have the return of motor vehicles during the week.  However, if everyday was like this, maybe the three-day reprieve would be less joyous.

Hover boards attached to a seat

Jack and Addie swerving through the crowd

One of the highlights for the kids was renting hover boards with seats attached and driving them through the crowd.  Its really quite fun to watch.

This was our last night in Hanoi.  Saturday morning we go to the countryside to volunteer.  We do not have a clue what it will be like and are nervous.  A leap of faith.  That is what this whole trip is about.