My New Friday Night Ritual

After only one week in Hanoi, I have found what will be my first weekly ritual--2.5-hour wine tastings at Vine Cellar Door in Tay Ho (just down my new street!) every Friday. For the unbelievable price of 150,000 VND (about $7.50), you get 8 drink tickets and a coupon for 150,000 VND toward any purchase in the store. Last night was South African wine night featuring wines from Stellenbosch, South Africa, near Cape Town. After 8 healthy pours, my roommate, D, and I headed to a Hookah bar down the street with some new friends we made at the wine tasting. It was my first time doing Hookah--yes, I know I am seriously behind the times here, but I'm catching up. I highly recommend the apple flavor. 

New friends at Hookah bar

After leaving the Hookah bar, D and I caught up with two of her friends to check out the Vietnamese club scene. That is where the party's at! Girls decked out in 4-inch heels and wrapped in outfits that are so tight they don't move when you dance; a DJ spinning in front of a massive screen that flashes light all around the room at super high speeds; and police officers in bullet-proof vests intermingling with the crowd (one of the officers told us the vests are not for protection from bullets, but knives, which are more common here). I would have loved to supply you with a picture of this awesome scene, but alas, the cop wouldn't let me take a picture. After all the overstimulation, we hopped in a taxi and called it a night. Waking up this morning, I have to rate my first night out in Hanoi at least an 8 out of 10. Can't wait to see what tonight brings!