Journey to Peace Village

Old Town is so named because it is the oldest part of the city of Ha Noi. It is also a very "touristy" part of the town. There are many souvenir shops, posh hotels, western type restaurants in this area. I went there to purchase books, both for the children and for myself. Since I arrived I've got a craving for English reading materials even though I know I need to focus on my Vietnamese, which is progressing slowly. I also indulged another craving, I stopped in a little restaurant and bought myself an ice cream. Not as good as Robert's, but they make up for it in presentation, it comes with a vase filled with napkins for the sloppy tourist, a tiny spoon for savoring, and a decorative umbrella.
But in Old Town I am besieged! I bought two novels from a lady who diverted me away from a bigger bookstore. A guy on the streets was selling postcards and a guidebook, and I ended up buying "Lonely Planet--Viet Nam" from him. "Hey I waited for you outside the bookstore" was his pitch. One vendor followed me down the street, after I bought a t shirt, trying to sell me more. It was like the girls at the Hmong village, I felt hounded, wanted to throw them business, but ended up saying "No" a lot--and Yes--probably more than I should...