Vietnam day 18 – Hanoi

Taxis,  don’t talk to me about Taxis.  Particularly taxis in Hanoi.  Over the last couple of days I’ve spent a lot of time in taxis as it’s the only practical way to get back and forth to the hospital.  All the taxis in Hanoi are metered but the fare for the journey varies widely.  The most expensive one clocked 143,000 Dong compared to the cheapest at 43,000 Dong!  We conclude that the best approach is to negotiate a fare at the outset.  Whilst this might work out slightly more expensive than the genuine metered fare, it does at least avoid Andy getting apoplectic over being ripped off for a few quid.  The good news today  is that Andy is discharged from hospital, but  in his eagerness to escape he completely forgets to reclaim his passport and by the time we realise we are back at the hotel.  Another round trip only serves to wind Andy up further as he watches the meter whizzing round at triple time.  Sun is still shining, though.