August 26, 2026
A Special Day in Hanoi
What truly left an impression on me in Hanoi today wasn't a tourist spot or the food, but rather meeting our female guide, Ms. L.
In the afternoon, I met Ms. L at the designated meeting point, and we set off into the streets of Hanoi with me riding on the back of her motorbike.
To be honest, I was a little apprehensive before we started. Hanoi's roads have far more motorbikes than I imagined, with cars and people intermingling, creating traffic conditions completely different from Japan. Even walking through the city, I thought, "Is it really safe to ride a motorbike through all this?"
However, as soon as I got on behind Ms. L and we started moving, my anxiety quickly disappeared.
Ms. L's driving was incredibly careful and considerate from beginning to end.
Her starts and stops were gentle, and even on crowded roads, she drove calmly while carefully checking her surroundings. I could feel her consideration for me, riding on the back, and despite how chaotic Hanoi's roads had seemed, I felt surprisingly safe and secure.
And precisely because I felt safe, I was able to relax and enjoy Hanoi from the back of the motorbike.
The sounds of the city, the countless motorbikes, the small shops along the roads, people's daily lives. It was completely different from viewing it from a car window; I felt intimately connected to the city of Hanoi.
Along the way, I ate local food with Ms. L, walked around Long Bien Bridge, and had Vietnamese coffee by the railway tracks. We also took many photos.
Ms. L is not just someone who drives a motorbike.
She was a wonderful guide who carefully showed me around for meals and the city, making sure I was comfortable and helping me enjoy Hanoi.
As the tour progressed, I felt less like I was "sightseeing" and more like the time spent exploring Hanoi with Ms. L herself was enjoyable.
Although it was about three and a half hours, it was a very rich and unforgettable experience.
Even if I had visited the same places and eaten the same food, I believe my memories would have been different if today's guide hadn't been Ms. L.
Travel memories become special not just because of the places, but also because of the people you meet there.
I strongly felt that today.
Ms. L, thank you so much for your consistently safe and careful driving, and for your heartfelt guidance from beginning to end.
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