Vietnam Pics Bob and Ann in Vietnam 2005-2006 Eldertreks Tour

  • 12/20/05 - Hanoi
    Vietnam Pics
    Ho Chi Minh Tomb

    Vietnam Pics
    Exhibit at the Museum of Ethnology

    Vietnam Pics
    Temple of Literature

    Good breakfast - including brown bread and bananas! Ann took a walk along Phan Dinh Phang street which at 7:30A.M. is manageable. Wide sidewalks and long blocks intersected by one-way streets made crossing easier despite the heavy scooter traffic. Spotted two bakeries and what looked like Internet access for Bob, but when we returned at 5 the computers were limited to word processsing in the copy shop.


    First stop on our Hanoi tour was at the Mausoleum of Ho Chi Min - awesome! Hundreds of school children and older countrymen were lined up to walk around the preserved body on display. An official diplomatic legation (Cuban?) preceding our group laid a wreath on the steps. After we solemnly filed by the remains, we exited the tomb and crossed the plaza to see the exterior of the “official palace” never used by Uncle Ho according to Thuy, because he was a man of the people and distained the grandeur. We were moved by her fervent respect for and loving description of Ho Chi Min as a gallant, selfless and brilliant hero, beloved by his people. We saw the House on Stilts, his traditional home that was built for his residence which he lived in for 15 years. The bunker, built in the compound for his safety, he refused to occupy, although eventually he was convinced to hold meetings in the fortified walls for the safety of his staff and fellow leaders, according to Thuy.


    Our next stop was the Museum of Ethnology, Tribal Arts and Cultuire. Wonderful exhibits and full sized models of the hill tribe communal houses in several styles, on stllts, sparsely furnished with lovely bamboo floors. Walking through them was a sensual marvel. By lunchtime we were ready for the tasty buffet featuring seafood soup, special bread, violet cabbage salad and desserts of ginger and sticky rice puddings.


    On to the Temple of Literature, Confucian Stupas and across the street to the Fine Arts Museum, memorable because of the variety of Buddha representations including one who was cleaning his ear. Dinner was another Vietnamese feast at Quan Com Pho where we sat upstairs. The fried tofu and steamed fish were particularly delicious.


    Finally we found the Internet Cafe and enjoyed viewing the pictures that Karen took of K.D. to top off a long eventful day.


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