After a long night journey by train from Saigon, Paco is now in Hanoi. He has read in his guidebook that one of the best hotels is the Metropole. There, the witty English novelist Graham Greene wrote his work The Quiet Man. So, he has thought it would be nice to host there and feel like a real writer in search of his muse. Why not? he has thought. I can afford it for once in my life; if my backpacker friends saw me here, they would probably reproach me for it. Well, I won't tell them!

He has already booked a room, left his luggage there and he is waiting at the reception desk. He has fixed his eyes on a receptionist girl and he is waiting his turn to speak to her...

By Anders Alexander. Creative Commons

Paco: Good afternoon. I have just arrived and I would like to visit something, what can you recommend me?

Receptionist: Good afternoon, sir and welcome. The Temple of Literature would be a nice beginning, it's very near here. If you are in a hurry, you will get there in ten minutes.

Paco: It sounds nice!

Receptionist: If there aren't many people, stay for a while inside the main room. You will feel relaxed for a time away from motorbikes. Would you like a map of the city?

Paco: Yes, please.

Receptionist: Here you are. This evening I can give you more suggestions for tomorrow.

Paco: OK, thanks. Sorry, what's your name?

Receptionist: Phuong, like the female protagonist in The Quiet American.

Paco: Nice to meet you. See you later!

Receptionist: Goodbye, sir.