Another glorious rainy day in Hanoi — perfect weather for doing what any sane traveler would do: play pickleball inside a shopping mall. Yes, another mall. This one boasted “air-conditioning,” though the thermometer proudly flashed 26.5°C, which we now understand is Vietnamese for “you’ll still sweat, but less dramatically.” Still, spirits were high, and both Bram and I managed to avoid being placed in the consolation prize player group today. Progress!
After that athletic triumph, we returned to the hotel for a quick shower and lunch in a local pho restaurant. That afternoon we met our guide for the afternoon — the ever-smiling Thom — who whisked us away on a food tour and cooking class combo that could easily be described as “the best idea ever.”
We were picked up by a cyclo (10/10 for dramatic entrance) and dropped off at a bustling local market (Dong xuan). Imagine a sensory explosion: sizzling BBQ pork, mysterious rice cakes, fresh tofu made before our eyes, and yes… sand worms. Bram bravely volunteered to hold them, confirming his status as “Official Worm Wrangler of the Day.” The air was thick with the smell of spices, dried fish, and adventure — or possibly the poor turtles staring back from their little cages. Then came the culinary school: a serene, open-air oasis tucked in a lush zen garden, where our chef — a walking burst of positivity and charm— taught us to cook with a grin so wide it was contagious. We chopped, stirred, and fried like seasoned pros (or at least enthusiastic amateurs). The results? Our own homemade fried spring rolls, beef noodle salad, and chicken pho that, dare I say, tasted like victory.
By the time we rolled back to the hotel (quite literally, after all that food), I asked Bram what his favorite part of the trip had been so far. Without hesitation, he said, “The cooking class.” I think it’s official — a new chef has been born. The photos really say it all: rain, food, worms, and a lot of laughter. Hanoi, you’ve outdone yourself.
This blog is a contribution of Barbara Arnold. Follow her travel adventures on https://www.polarsteps.com/DBarbaraArnold/21929835-philippines-and-vietnam?s=b1a5f906-fcce-4aef-9241-f234d939d981&referral=true