Streets of Hanoi
A story of motorbikes and sidewalks
There is something magical about the streets of Hanoi. The city is an organized anarchy both practical and in a certain way beautiful. The streets of Hanoi are a pleasing chaos. They were built and then left to the imagination of the city dwellers, arranging them as they wished.
For those who have not had the chance to visit or live in Hanoi, I find it crucial to tell them about motorbikes. We usually know motorbikes as two-wheel engines transporting people, usually one or two. In Hanoi and Vietnam in general, it is not uncommon to see 3, 4, or up to 5 people on a motorbike.
Families are the most impressive; the youngest 5-year-old stands in the front of the motorbike, while his Dad drives with the two older siblings sandwiched behind with their Mom. Motorbikes are also used to transport animals like chickens, dogs, pigs, or furniture like tables, fridges, anything that can fit. And a lot of things can fit…
Parking lots for motorbikes are cheap but scarce, that’s why sidewalks when not occupied by a shop are often used as improvised parking lots. As a pedestrian, you often end up walking on the street while sidewalks are too busy to set a foot on.
Walking on the street is what I did on a fresh evening to offer you a glimpse of Hanoi.
