(FORTUNE Magazine) – Mid-stay in Hanoi, assuming can avoid death by bicycle. Communism tough on business, tougher still on comfort. In Graham Greene suite (each according to his needs!) at grande dame Metropole and feeling literary--just don't dwell on Jane Fonda's leftist rantings from said hotel, or yesterday's sighting of actor Chris Noth in swim trunks and T-shirt in lobby. Americans not fully embraced as is--Mr. Big in bathing suit certainly no help. Only change since last visit is addition of country's first Louis Vuitton--Xmas shopping for staff done in minutes. Communism at its finest.