Goodbye Thailand, Hello Vietnam!!

After a traumatizing day in Bangkok, we are happy to report that we have made it safely to Hanoi and Hanoi is glorious.

But first, here is a brief overview of our day in Bangkok: 

First of all, Bangkok is super busy and there are a million people and taxis and tuk tuk's everywhere. Also, it was super hot outside and very dirty. Every single cab driver we encountered over-charged us and refused to take us where we wanted to go. It was super frustrating and we missed out on seeing some cool stuff as a result of this. Lame!!!

[tuk tuk at night in Bangkok]

We did go on a boat ride through the canals (because every cab driver basically forced us into it), which was actually pretty cool (though overpriced, obviously).  It felt a little like we were at Disneyland on a combination of the Jungle Cruise and Pirates of the Caribbean, though much dirtier.

[I bought a souvenir from a lady in a boat along the way] 

After so many run-arounds by cab drivers, etc (by basically every inhabitant of Bangkok), we finally made it to Wat Pho, which is an amazing temple with a giant Reclining Buddha. We missed out on the Grand Palace and the Emerald Buddha because everyone is the worst. 

[giant Reclining Buddha at Wat Pho]

We did see multiple fake gem shops and silk shops. Scams!! So lame.

The best part of the day was when we went to this insane shopping mall and ate yummy cheap Thai food and then ran across an Anime festival where people were dressed as anime characters and the paparazzi was in full force. 

Also, there were dance performances of teenagers pretending to be famous K-pop bands such as Big Bang and it was amazing. Here is an example of Big Bang's work: http://m.youtube.com/#/watch?v=AAbokV76tkU&desktop_uri=%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DAAbokV76tkU

Luckily, we made it safely to the airport the next morning and made it to Vietnam with no problems. We are staying in an amazing hotel called Art Boutique Hotel in Old Town Hanoi where the people are super sweet and helpful. There is delicious street food everywhere. Obvious J and I are going nuts and eating like crazy. 

[Enjoying a welcome lemonade at the hotel]

Yesterday was our first day at the hospital and everyone here is super nice. We are working in the Department of Pediatrics.  I think it is safe to say that Vietnamese kids are SUPER CUTE. Also, they sent us to the hospital tailor yesterday to make us "doctors costumes" and as the largest person in Asia, my measurements dwarfed all others.  The pants were literally five inches too short. 

Okay. That's all for now. We'll be in Hanoi for another week and a half so there will be more to come.