Life beside the railway

USPA NEWS - Hanoi is pretty much iconic for its narrow buildings and streets. And since the main train station is right in the heart of the city, it´s no surprise that the train tracks pass by busy streets. The houses here are so close to the tracks that people could easily get smacked...

Hanoi is pretty much iconic for its narrow buildings and streets. And since the main train station is right in the heart of the city, it´s no surprise that the train tracks pass by busy streets. The houses here are so close to the tracks that people could easily get smacked if they don´t watch their step, or decide to stick their hands out the window at the wrong time. It doesn't sound so fascinating until you see it with your own eyes.

Most of the time, railroad tracks are expertly marked, warning passersby to keep a look out for oncoming trains, but what if you the tracks were literally steps from your front door?
So is the case for many in Hanoi. Amidst a busy city street, people live and work alongside the railroad tracks found in the city's Old Quarter, and only move temporarily when the train passes through. Shops are shut down, and immediately re-opened just as soon as the train brushes past.

Adam Armstrong, who works for a travel company, said: "While wandering in the area, I not only saw the friendly smiles but also was invited to take dinner with the locals. The life was really peaceful, far different from the noisy sound in the living room every time the train went through."

The rest of the Old Quarter of Hanoi is an exciting and exhausting place. The traffic is often unfathomable, but the street food alone makes any trip totally worth it.