A Cuppa in Ha Noi, Vietnam

Ha Noi Vietnam, rush hour.

Ha Noi is a busy place!  Corey and I traveled there about 8 years ago and it has certainly changed since that time.  The city feels more modern as there are many new buildings, trendy shops, groovy bars, and restaurants.  In fact, I was only there a few days this trip and now want to go back and explore!!

One thing that hasn't changed much is the crazy traffic!  Motorbikes still appear to out number cars.  They take advantage of their size and nimble movements to get through traffic as quickly as possible- even if it means driving on the sidewalk.  I was quite surprised that I did not see a fender bender or worse on every corner.  There are traffic lights and lanes but they seem to be more of a suggestion, not necessarily something to be taken seriously.  

The local team I was working with took me to Mai Coffee.  It is one of the most famous local coffee roasters and shops.  My goal was to purchase local coffee for one of Corey's Christmas gifts.  Mai sells a variety of coffees.  Of course we stayed for a cuppa!

I was told that the one we tasted was "weasel coffee."  After working through some translation I determined that Vietnam also has a similar coffee to Kopi Lewak in Indonesia.  The Civet Cat eats the coffee beans and then poops them out.  They are gathered, hopefully cleaned, and made into a very prized bean.  I had tasted it in Indonesia and enjoyed a nice cup at Mai Coffee.  Yum!