we flew today from Siem Reap, Cambodia, to Hanoi on Vietnam Airlines. The airplane was new, and most of the signage was in English. Every seat had a head rest that said “Vietnam Airlines.”

We arrived at Hanoi’s super modern new airport. Again, plenty of English signage. The entry hall had a Burger King and Popeye’s. We were whisked to the Intercontinemtal, a splendid hotel. The guide explained on the way to the hotel that Russian was a required second language until 1993. That year, English became the mandatory second language, starting at age 8. However, he said, most children already know English from watching the Disney Channel and playing video games. He described the economy as “capitalistic.”

The sinks in the bathroom are made by “American Standard.”

We tour tomorrow and will learn more.