The 12 students (pictured above) on the LEAD winter study abroad trip endured a 14 hour plane ride from New York to Hong Kong, losing the entire 2nd day of January with the time change. The Hong Kong Airport served as a makeshift classroom, as an extended layover turned into an impromptu "syllabus day." When the second flight (only 2 hours this time) landed in Hanoi, Vietnam, we had arrived in our destination city.
As two vans transported us to our hotel in the Hoan Kiem district, we marveled at the thousands of mopeds racing around turns without regard for their safety. We had heard legends of the chaotic city streets in Hanoi, but no verbal explanation does this concrete jungle justice.
By dinnertime, every member of the group was struggling to keep their heavy eyes open. The aggregate travel time exceeded 24 hours, and we all craved sleep. Determined to beat the jetlag however, we willed our way to streets of Hanoi in search of an authentic bite. The Vietnamese fare was great, but the price was astounding! We fed all fourteen of us (including Dr. H and Lynn) for less than $100 USD. Shops line many of Hanoi’s streets from end to end, and the exchange rate is one thing we need to time to adjust to.
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