During the course of my journey around Vietnam, I'll be chatting to various people involved in a number of activities in an attempt to give readers first person tips, hints and advice.
The first victim is Ben Turner, a twenty-eight year old Australian who manages the Hanoi Backpackers' Hostel on Ma May in the heart of Hanoi's Old Quarter.
VI: Thanks for chatting to me, Ben. How long have you been here in Vietnam and how did you come to be here?
BT: I've been living in Hanoi now for five months, having chosen to come here by spinning a globe! My original plans were to ride a bicycle around south east Asia to Singapore, from where I intended to kayak around Indonesia, finishing up in Bali. Unfortunately I was robbed in Bali while I was there surfing, and bought my ticket to Hanoi, where I arrived with only $200 in my pocket!
VI: How do you like living in Hanoi?
BT: I love it! I find that it is un-sanitised, chaotic and raw, things which all appeal to me. I have a background as a photographer and love the all-action nature of the city: my camera is never far away! I've also come to feel like I belong here, especially since the death of a friend here a couple of months ago. The way in which people rallied after such a tragedy made me feel part of a massive extended family, something which makes me love being here even more.
VI: How have you found living among and working with Vietnamese people?
BT: At first it was difficult, mainly due to cultural and linguistic barriers. For example, I have quite a sarcastic sense of humour, which my Vietnamese colleagues just didn't get. Now, it's great and I am learning all the time from them, especially in cultural areas. In Australia, for instance, it's perfectly acceptable to walk around barefoot, whereas here it's a sign of shame and disrespect. I didn't know that when I first arrived, so that's an example of how much I'm benefiting from those around me.
VI: What are the best things about Hanoi?
BT: Hanoi is full of little nooks and crannies which you only find by exploring. It's the sort of place where you explore simply by wandering and then, wow, you come across a nice little cafe or awesome little food place. I also think that Hanoi allows you to really get under the skin of Vietnamese culture, while the people are really dignified; there's no hassling you for money or trying to sell things to you all the time.
VI: Hanoi is infamous for its chaotic traffic. What's your take on it?
BT: I have gone through three stages with the traffic. The first was amazement at the chaos, so I guess that it didn't really bother me. Then I progressed to the second stage, which was extreme worry! Now I am completely fine with it, it's organised chaos and I can cross the road with my eyes closed! Honestly, though, it is over-hyped. My friend died on the roads here and there was no traffic at all, which goes to show that accidents don't have to happen on crowded streets.
VI: Personally speaking, what would you say is Hanoi's best-kept secret?
BT: Without a doubt I have to say the Oasis Deli on Xuan Dieu Rd. It sells the most amazing baguettes, meats and cheeses and is a real taste of Europe. I also really like the view from the top of the Sheraton Hotel, which is awesome.
VI: Finally, then, can we have your three survival tips for those coming to Hanoi?
BT: Hmmm. Okay, here we go. Number one: be brave when crossing the road and don't stop! Number two: don't be rigid in your plans, because you'll always end up staying here longer than you intended. Number three: of course, stay at the Hanoi Backpackers' Hostel!
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