Signs of Winter.

We're learning the signs of winter here in Hanoi. The weather continues delightful--mid -70s during the day, mid-60s at night--with low humidity. The horrors of heat and humidity seem long ago, and we're in denial about the chill we know will return all too soon.

The signs are there: the fierceness of the sun has diminished a bit as it has declined ever so slightly in the sky. The days are marginally shorter. People are still wearing coats and sweaters even though the temp is pleasant.

And then there's this:
Little fritter stands like this one at the mouth of our alley have sprung up all over, offering crunchy deep-fried treats filled with banana, sweet corn, or slices of potato. Served almost scorchingly hot, they are sweet, warming, and just slightly greasy. Just the thing for a cold weather snack.

P.