Hanoi Train Street: Memory Lane

French imperialists claimed that it was their responsibility to colonise undeveloped countries in Asia to introduce social reforms, industrial methods and new technologies. Without intervention, these countries would remain backward, uncivilised and impoverished. Since France pulled out Vietnam in 1954, how has Vietnam developed ? Is it still uncivilised as France claimed ? Ho Chi MInh City has been developing drastically and I would have to say that it is one of the big cities today. How about Hanoi ? I personally prefer Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh. Hanoi makes you feel nostalgia for the old days with a retro touch. Aunties with the iconic huts sell fruits, vegetables, bread and more with the bamboo baskets over their shoulders on the stress. Countless cheap eateries welcome costumes on every single corner of the street. I love all the old sceneries. Yet, Hanoi also has been developing. When you open the faucet, you will have clear water. It might not be drinkable yet but it will be in the near future. Whenever you need electricity, you just turn on the switch. how convenient it is. Although I hope Hanoi will modernize as an independent country, I still hope that they will keep the good and old days atmosphere. The single track-railway, originally laid in 1902 in the midst of French colonial period, was built remote from the bustle of the city and a dormitory was built on either side of the tracks to house railway workers in 1956. The area used to be a poor street and considered a slum of the capital city but it has a name now "Hanoi Train Street" and is one of the curious places to explore the unique beauty and the daily life of people; catch sight of the local elderly playing chess, women preparing veggies for their meals, kids running around