Guess What?

When you ride around Hanoi, sometimes strange things hit you or pass right in front of your face and shock you. Don't worry, these are only toys. The horses above are made to burn for our ancestors and for luck. Many different objects that our ancestors may need, wherever they are, are put together. These horses are of bamboo and are covered by paper of different colors. This kind of custom is popular in Vietnam and other parts of Asia.

What about these? Are they the biggest stubby holders for beer that you've ever seen? Not really, these are tea pot holders which are common all over the streets of Hanoi, out of which old ladies sell 500 dong cups of tea at their pavement teashops.

Both the tea pot warmers and horses are made from bamboo but the middle of the holders are made from fabric to keep the tea hot. Buying from these people who ride around the streets might be cheaper than in the shop but you have to be careful with the quality. When buying the tea holders, make sure you buy one that has been soaked in water as bamboo has insects which will ruin it after a week or so.