the Hershey Squirts... how lovely!

We had two more days left in Hanoi- and it was a good thing that Mrs. Chi had other plans this morning and couldn't meet us until dinner.
We knew this day would come. We dreaded it...but we knew it had to be faced.
The Hershey Squirts...as Steve so vividly calls it.
It hit me first. We decided to tour around Hanoi city- go to the market, walk into some cool little shops.
Hanoi is known for its silk. Around every corner there are beautiful little shops with handmade silk scarves, bags, wallets, flowers... Anything you can imagine- they've got it... And its all silk!
We were off to a great start to the day. It was swelteringly hot again and we were both sweating like pigs. And then I knew... Just like that, that something wasn't right.
Nonchalantly I turn to Steve and say perhaps it would be a good idea to go back to the hotel. We made it just in time. The chocolate factory was officially open- and then weren't running low on supply.
Holy moly- I realize now why they say that traveling as a couple is a make or break it situation.
We were meeting Mrs. Chi for dinner- and I had pulled myself together for that. At this point Steve had not yet been hit by the squirts, so we were doing pretty good.
We went out for some street food for dinner. It was pretty neat watching this guy toss rice in the air from his giant wok, and throw this and that in it to make it taste extra yummy. One of the many awesome things about Mrs. Chi, was that she actually knew Hanoi city- which meant she also knew the good places to eat and visit.

As I hadn't eaten in some time- I gobbled down my food lickadee-split. Steve on the other hand wasn't doing so hot. And that's when I knew. The poor guy. Just like that he turned to me and said 'I think maybe we should go back to the hotel now'...
And we did. Steve immediately ran upstairs and sprawled out on the bed. After a short visit with Mrs. Chi in the lobby, I went up to check on him and make sure everything was ok.
I've never seen Steve like this. So helpless..  Everything about him screamed uncomfortableness.
Right before he fell asleep, he told me. 'Everything hurts- my legs, my arms, my stomach...I think I want to puke'...

He didn't puke- but I don't think I need to explain what happened next.

The next morning was our last official day in Hanoi. We would be leaving that night for Laos.
Mrs. Chi again planned a great day for us, going to see the big Hanoi cites. We visited the Ho Chi Mnihn museum, the prison, the first Hanoi university... All kinds of cool things.
Mid way through the Prison tour I looked over at Steve, and when his weepy little eyes met mine I knew it was time to go home.
We booked it back to the hotel, and asked for a late checkout so that Steve could go sleep. He slept for 8 hours or something ridiculous like that.
I packed up the room- shipped a parcel out and went for a little walk, and woke Steve up just before our bus was supposed to arrive.

'Do you feel any better Steve?' I asked nervously. I knew we were faced with a 24 hour long bus ride...

'I feel much better actually' (I was relieved)
'I think I would have died if I didn't have that nap'

The expression on Steve's face when he said that to me was priceless as he was so sincere about it.
We waited with Mrs. Chi and her brother at the bus station  while sipping some delicious iced coffees- awaiting our bus to come.

Of course the bus was some 2 hours late. We were used to this though.
Just as we were leaving the most insane downpour overcame Hanoi. The three of us agreed that even the sky was sad we had to leave.

Alas it was time. And more adventure would meet us in Laos.