People exercising in Hanoi

Back in Hanoi we finally got to stroll and shop and enjoy the city. At 6:30 a.m. the rush hour is already crazy, and the whole city is fully alive! Around one lake near our hotel we observed nearly 2 dozen groups doing various exercises (aerobics, Tai Chi, fan dancing, weight lifting, badminton, hacky-sack, etc.), with hundreds of participants from 18 to 80. Nobody’s self-conscious, everybody stays in shape, and it makes so much sense! An hour later the sidewalks are empty of people and equipment, and ready for the day. The same thing occurs again at 5:00 p.m., for people who miss the morning sessions, or those who are compulsive exercise addicts. Surprisingly, Jane Fonda-type exercises and bump and grinds seemed to have replaced Tai Chi as a favorite exercise in Hanoi. Fran was surprised

Badmitten is this pair's game.

This group of people even brought out heavy weights. Wonder where they store them during the day?

A woman meditates quietly despite all the hustle and bustle surrounding her.

Bob does his own form of two-fisted exercise!