Charming Hanoi setting the gold standard

At a big Games of large-hearted performances, there are always small moments which are unforgettable. Soon we will be calculating medals won, but it is a simple act of friendship from a stranger which can have an unquantifiable value.

Early in our visit to Hanoi, The Straits Times team chanced upon Malaysian diver Syafiq Puteh, who offered more than easy conversation. He also insisted we accept a large bag of halal food rations he had brought along in case it was hard to come by in Hanoi. For the record, there is a sufficient amount available, but it was the spirit of his gesture which was heartening.

These SEA Games promise to be colourful and clean. One of the first things that caught my eye after arriving in Vietnam on Wednesday was a man on a motorcycle, who was carrying so many straw brooms that I could see more of them than man or motorcycle.

It was one of several quirky, charming sights that welcomed us to Hanoi. The biennial regional multi-sport competition officially began yesterday and will end on May 23, after being postponed from November last year owing to the pandemic.

After waiting six months - and two years before Vietnam even re-opened its borders in February - the city is certainly in the mood to play host.

Games banners and posters line the streets, and television ads featuring mascot Sao La - a critically endangered forest dweller dubbed the Asian Unicorn - have been broadcast on loop. The official song Let's Shine has already been seared into our consciousness, even after just two days.

Volunteers have been strategically deployed - from the airport arrival hall to the lift lobbies of hotels - to render assistance to foreign visitors, and if that is not needed, to simply offer a pleasant smile and greeting.

The seemingly ceaseless stream of cars and motorcycles on the streets and highways - their persistent honks are an audible reminder - have also been indicators that life in Hanoi has pretty much returned to normal.

As of Tuesday, the country of 98.5 million had recorded a mere 2,855 new Covid-19 infections over the previous 24 hours and more than 80 per cent of its population are fully vaccinated.

My last work sojourn overseas, the Tokyo Olympics last August, was a very different experience.

Working in a Games "bubble" then meant we were allowed to travel only from our accommodation to the press centre or competition venues, and only on dedicated transportation. Our conversations were limited mostly to fellow journalists from other nations.

The streets in Tokyo then were also sparse, even more so at night as restaurants and bars were closed by 8pm because of the state of emergency the city was in.

Here in Hanoi, coffee shops and eateries are open till late, with their bright signs lighting up the city. In fact, the difference between this assignment and the Olympics was evident even before we left Singapore.

Last July, Changi Airport was so hollow that Daisy - the iconic 13m-tall mechanical flower in Terminal 2 with propellers that move when its sensors are triggered by travellers - sat as still as stone.

This time, the airport was a hive of activity as we saw familiar faces at the airport decked out in spiffy, bright-red Team Singapore blazers. Many had their loved ones there to send them off.

We also saw unfamiliar ones - like members of the Indonesian athletics and tennis team - who were transiting.

I headed to Tokyo with a face shield on and few words leaving my lips on the seven-hour flight.

On my three-hour trip to Hanoi, I learnt a bit about triathlons, duathlons - and even quadrathlons - from two Singapore officials who will be on duty at the SEA Games.

New friendships continued after we landed because it was then that we ran into Syafiq the Malaysian diver. He was scheduled to leave yesterday, having completed his event in the 3m individual springboard.

He gave us his food, but he went home with a medal. Considering his act of kindness, it was only fitting it was gold.