Return to Hanoi (October 2015)

Was back again in Ha Noi in October 2015.  Stayed at Melia Ha Noi and was fortunate to be accommodated at the 22nd Floor where the Presidential Suite was located.  The room I got was spacious and interesting decorated with a see-through toilet.

As my colleagues were new to the area, I proposed that we had dinner at Quan An Ngon which was located nearby - about three junctions away.  Going there would allow them to try a large selection of famous street food of Viet Nam since we only have two nights in town.

Nem Ran - Vietnamese Fried Spring Roll

Close-up of the Bun Cha dish

Banh Xeo - Vietnamese Crepe Omelette

Beef Rice dish

My favourite - Bun Cha

  

Near the Old Quarters, we went a quaint Vietnamese Cafe overlooking Hoan Kiem.  Part of a living quarter, the interior of the Cafe was delicately decorated.

Cafe Trung (literally Egg Coffee) - described by some as liquid Tiramisu

Reference:

Was doing some research and found this relatively affordable and good accommodation in the Old Quarters called Hanoi Inn Guesthouse.

Japan January 2015 - Final Day

Last day in Japan, we departed Tokyo via Shinagawa by Shinkansen for Kansai International Airport in the morning.

Along the way, we came across a location where there was a great and close-up view of Mount Fuji.

Shinkansen passing by Fuji City with Mount Fuji in the background

As we would be going directly to KIX, we decided to try the bento sets available at Shinagawa Station.

We also did last minute shopping at KIX and got loads of Japanese confectionaries.

Here are some interesting sewer covers which I sighted in Osaka and Tokyo.

Japan January 2015 (Penultimate Day 10) - Tokyo/Yokohama Sights

Before we depart the next day, we decided to go around Tokyo and Yokohama to enjoy some of the sights.  The first order of business was to see the Yasukuni Shrine which is located close to the Imperial Palace ground.

Along the way, we decided to try the numerous canned coffee which you can find at the many 24-hour convenience stores in Japan.

Even though it was the New Year period, there were not many crowds at the Yasukuni Shrine.

After visiting the shrine, we walked across to the Imperial Palace ground.  Unfortunately as it was winter, there were not many flowers on display.

After visiting the Imperial Palace, we proceeded to visit Chinatown in Yokohama via the JR Tokaido Line and switched to the Negishi Line heading for Ishikawacho Station.

From Chinatown, we decided to visit the Cup Noodles Museum located in Yokohama's exclusive Minato Mirai District.

Walking from Minato Mirai Station towards the waterfront for the CupNoodles Museum

Destination Cup Noodles Museum.

Besides viewing the Cup Noodles-related exhibits, visitors can also participate in making their own Cup Noodle.  This is a popular activity and be prepared to queue.  The process is to buy a cup at Yen 300, personalise your own cup, proceed to design (the factory assistant will help to add the ingredients) your own CupNoodle and finally to vacuum seal your CupNoodle.

Chicken Ramen Factory where you make ramen from scratch.  This is co-located with My CupNoodles Factory.

On the way back from Yokohama, we stopover at Shinjuku to take in the sights and have our dinner.

One of the many Japanese chain restaurant which serves cheap meals

Interesting spice shaker