BootsnAll Travel Network



Feb 16-19: Vietnam:Hanoi

masoleaum.jpg

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum – huge open space in front of the mausoleum – very tight regulations – line up in 2 lines, no talking, hats off, no shorts, need sleeve shirt, move slowly, guards every corner – only open for a couple of hours a day, huge lines (we got there right at closing), you shuffle through a darkly lit halway into the viewing chamber (no cameras allowd) and lo and behold – there lies the embalmed body of Ho Chi Minh – quite surreal experience.  They usually take him out once a year to Russia to get re-embalmed. 

Hanoi, Vietnam   The Paradox:  liberal capitalism with socialistic politics

We arrived here a little breathless and unplanned after our all night bus ride and visa issues in Thailand. So when we took a taxi from the airport into downtown Hanoi, we had no idea where we were going or where we were staying, other than that we wanted to be in the Old Quarter. Upon arriving in the Old Quarter, we could see that walking around looking for a hotel, with five of us trundling our backpacks along was going to be impossible. The streets are incredibly narrow, and FULL, (and I mean FULL, from one side of the street to other!) with motorcycles – all of them beeping their horns! I hope our pictures can show this, although pictures can never capture the cacophony!  We decided to have the taxi drop us off at a hotel we’d read about in our guidebook. When we pulled up to the hotel, someone ran out, asked if we had a booking, and hearing we didn’t, told us they were full. But, what do you know, they had another hotel that had space! We realized later we were being had by the oldest trick in the book, but this other hotel worked out great – soft beds, warm comforters, clean …and $15US per room! We’ve seen sights in Hanoi, but my favorite sightseeing is just watching the city go by. It’s amazing it all works! The streets are literally full of cars and motorbikes all day long. Shops spill out onto the “sidewalk” and shopkeepers and their friends or family (?) sit out on the sidewalk on these little plastic stools that would fit about ONE of my buns (no comments please!) At night, there are wide swatches of sidewalk set aside as “bia hoi” stalls, where men mostly sit and drink warm beer in ice-filled glasses, all perched on these little plastic stools.

It feels strange to think that technically we’re in a “Communist” or at least socialist country. Capitalism is alive and well here, as evidenced by all the stuff that’s offered for sale! But there are still a fair number of billboards with a hammer and sickle, and the Vietnamese star. Ho Chi Minh is still revered and referred to as “Uncle Ho.” We went to see his mausoleum, which could almost be called a “pilgrimage” to Vietnamese, at least here in the north. It was quite an experience in Social Studies!…

We also went to see Hoa Lo Prison, which is where John McCain was held and was known as the “Hanoi Hilton” during the war. The Vietnam War war here is called the “American War,” which makes sense if you think about it. Not much of the prison is left standing. It’s been razed to build a skyscraper called the Hanoi Towers. However, they did preserve the main gate and a section of cell blocks which has been made into a museum. There really wasn’t a lot about the American prisoners here. Most of the museum was about the Vietnamese who were incarcerated here during the French colonization of Vietnam. The prison was originally built by the French to incarcerate hundreds of Vietnamese revolutionaries who were fighting for freedom from the French. There was only one room dedicated to the American soldiers who were held here during the war, and it definitely had a certain slant to it, as it was depicted as a really quite pleasant place to be!

Governors residence of IndoChina

pp-21.jpg

Ho Chi Minh REsidence – he like the simplicity of life – not in the big mansion above – Frank Loyd Wright would have liked the wood work

hcm-living.jpg

French leftover – church – not kept up very well, but there is a thriving Catholic Community here

church.jpg

Temple of Literature:  This was basically a university for the study of philosphy, law, and literature dating back to 1070. They studied Confucious  teachings for feudal society in the orderly flow and ethical behavior of gentlemen – with respect to education self, organizing family, governing state, and ruling all nations.   And he wrote this back in 50 BC. A fabulous place to think of all the “learning going on”.

lit-3.jpglit-7.jpglit-21.jpg

These are called stelea – basically like a PH Diploma – it has there name, what they studied, etc on it once they passed their exams and the final exam given by the king. There were 13 thousand students that passed.  The turtle is an important symbol with the Vietnamese people.

lit-1.jpg

The Phoenix is also an important symbol and is represented in the temples.

lit-5.jpglit-4.jpg

Museum of Enthology – explains all the different people groups, language, culture, dress, occupations – outside they had these huge models set up that showed how they lived.  This was the meeting hall.

museum.jpg

HaLo Prison – aka – “Hanoi Hilton” as named by the US prisoners of war – the prison camp that the US airmen were housed in – including Senator John McCain.  This prison was built by the French and where they kept Vietnamese prisoners that were fighting against the French.  Most of the prison exhibits described the fight for Vietnamese independence from the French and the atrocities that they committed.  My camera gave out so we did not get many pictures including the guillitine.  What you see is only a portion of the prison that was saved for historical purposes, but the other half there now sits a hotel – ironically named Hanoi HIlton Towers.  Vietnam has a long history trying to get their independance – from the Chinese and the French – Ho Chi Minh was first trying to unify Vietnam by getting rid of the French – he actually wrote to 2 US presidents for help but got no reply – had communistic leanings – when independance was  declared he was the ruling party in the north, but there was a catholic president in the south who did not want to become communist – there lies the fighting and US involvement.  Vietnam has always in their history had a north – south type of split.

prison-61.jpgprison-7.jpgprison-1.jpgprison-2.jpgprison-1a.jpgprison-1b.jpgprison-3.jpgprison-4.jpg

Didn’t mean for this to come right after the prison pictures – Just Sayings –

bathroom-2.jpg

This sign is showing those individuals that have not used a “western” toilet how to do it.  The kids are liking Vietnam because they have western toilets (not squat pots or sometimes referred to as starting blocks), and they all have toilet paper rather than the perverbial hose with water.

bathroom.jpg

Sights of Hanoi in the old quarter – each street is named for the wares that are being sold on that street – totaly a crazy place with no traffic rules – we finally got the hang of how to cross a street -don’t stop, they will go around you – bicylces, cars, motorbikes – 2.5 million motorbikes in Hanoi with only a population of 4 million – following pictures are just street life – the most fascinating aspect of Hanoi (capital of Vietnam)

sights-9g.jpgsights-4.jpgsights-4.jpgsights-1.jpgsights-9f.jpgsights-3.jpgsights-5.jpgsights-6.jpgsights-7.jpgsights-8.jpgsights-9.jpgsights-9a.jpgsights-9b.jpgsights-9c.jpg

The favorite pasttime – sitting around on little stools eating, but mostly drinking cheap beer in plactic glasses with ice. –

sights-9e.jpg 



Tags:

26,019 responses to “Feb 16-19: Vietnam:Hanoi”

  1. JacobOxing says:

    промокод на 1хбет – комбинация из чисел и букв. Эта комбинация дает возможность игроку получить дополнительные бонусы. К примеру, это может быть: промокод на бесплатную ставку (фрибет); повышение коэффициентов ставок формата «экспресс». Промокод при регистрации применяется именно таким образом. Он позволяет увеличивать размер приветственного бонуса на первый депозит, который выдается самим букмекером 1xbet. Где найти? Вариантов для получения промокода на 1xbet на сегодня существует множество. Но мы предлагаем вводить наш собственный промокод для 1xbet. Это промокод для регистрации, он вводится в поле в регистрационной анкете. Промокод при регистрации на сегодня. Промокоды для БК и Казино — ежедневное обновление. Регистрация на сайте 1xBet бесплатная, но для начала игры и получения доступа к 1xbet промокоду при регистрации 2024, придется внести на игровой счет от 50 рублей. Особенности регистрации. Процедура создания профиля в букмекерской конторе 1xbet максимально упрощена. Для регистрации предусмотрены такие способы: В «1 клик». Чтобы создать учетную запись, нужно выбрать страну проживания и валюту, ознакомиться с пользовательским соглашением и кликнуть на клавишу «Регистрация». С помощью телефона – более подробно в этом материале https://ua-marine.com.ua/wp-content/pages/promokod_283.html

  2. Seo-Ul-Gax says:

    Мы служба SEO-экспертов, занимающихся продвижением вашего сайта в поисковых системах.
    Мы постигли успехи в своей области и желаем поделиться с вами нашими знаниями и навыками.
    Какие возможности открываются перед вами:
    поисковое продвижение заказать
    • Анализ всех аспектов вашего сайта и разработка уникальной стратегии продвижения.
    • Модернизация контента и технических аспектов вашего сайта для оптимальной работы.
    • Постоянное отслеживание результатов и анализ вашего онлайн-присутствия с целью его совершенствования.
    Подробнее https://seo-prodvizhenie-ulyanovsk1.ru/
    Результаты наших клиентов уже видны: рост посещаемости, улучшение рейтинга в поисковых запросах и, конечно, увеличение прибыли. Мы готовы предложить вам консультацию бесплатно, для того чтобы обсудить ваши требования и помочь вам разработать стратегию продвижения, соответствующую вашим целям и бюджету.
    Не упустите шанс улучшить свои показатели в онлайн-мире. Обращайтесь к нам уже сегодня.

  3. If some one needs expert view about blogging and site-building then i recommend him/her to go to see this web site, Keep up the nice work.

  4. Seo-Ul-Gax says:

    Мы специалисты SEO-экспертов, работающих над увеличением посещаемости и рейтинга вашего сайта в поисковых системах.
    Наша команда достигли значительных результатов и готовы поделиться с вами нашими знаниями и опытом.
    Какие преимущества вы получите:
    продвижение интернет магазина заказать
    • Подробный анализ вашего сайта и создание персонализированной стратегии продвижения.
    • Модернизация контента и технических аспектов вашего сайта для оптимальной работы.
    • Регулярный анализ результатов и мониторинг вашего онлайн-присутствия для его улучшения.
    Подробнее https://seo-prodvizhenie-ulyanovsk1.ru/
    Результаты наших клиентов уже видны: увеличение посещаемости, улучшение позиций в поисковых запросах и, конечно же, рост своего бизнеса. У нас вы можете получить бесплатную консультацию, для того чтобы обсудить ваши потребности и разработать стратегию продвижения, соответствующую вашим целям и финансовым возможностям.
    Не упустите шанс улучшить свой бизнес в онлайн-мире. Обращайтесь к нам уже сегодня.

  5. Michaelboowl says:

    http://indiaph24.store/# top 10 pharmacies in india

  6. ScottIders says:

    Understanding the complex world of chronometers
    Understanding COSC Accreditation and Its Importance in Watchmaking
    COSC Certification and its Rigorous Criteria
    COSC, or the Official Swiss Chronometer Testing Agency, is the authorized Swiss testing agency that verifies the precision and precision of timepieces. COSC validation is a sign of quality craftsmanship and reliability in chronometry. Not all timepiece brands pursue COSC certification, such as Hublot, which instead follows to its own demanding criteria with mechanisms like the UNICO calibre, achieving comparable precision.

    The Art of Precision Chronometry
    The core mechanism of a mechanized watch involves the spring, which supplies energy as it loosens. This system, however, can be vulnerable to environmental factors that may influence its accuracy. COSC-validated mechanisms undergo demanding testing—over fifteen days in various circumstances (five positions, three temperatures)—to ensure their resilience and dependability. The tests measure:

    Average daily rate accuracy between -4 and +6 secs.
    Mean variation, peak variation levels, and impacts of thermal variations.
    Why COSC Validation Is Important
    For watch enthusiasts and collectors, a COSC-validated timepiece isn’t just a piece of tech but a demonstration to lasting excellence and accuracy. It symbolizes a timepiece that:

    Provides excellent dependability and accuracy.
    Provides assurance of superiority across the complete design of the watch.
    Is likely to maintain its worth more efficiently, making it a wise choice.
    Well-known Timepiece Brands
    Several well-known brands prioritize COSC certification for their watches, including Rolex, Omega, Breitling, and Longines, among others. Longines, for instance, provides collections like the Archive and Spirit, which highlight COSC-accredited mechanisms equipped with advanced materials like silicone balance suspensions to enhance durability and efficiency.

    Historic Background and the Development of Chronometers
    The concept of the chronometer originates back to the need for exact chronometry for navigation at sea, highlighted by John Harrison’s work in the 18th cent. Since the official establishment of Controle Officiel Suisse des Chronometres in 1973, the certification has become a benchmark for assessing the precision of luxury watches, sustaining a tradition of superiority in horology.

    Conclusion
    Owning a COSC-accredited timepiece is more than an aesthetic choice; it’s a dedication to quality and accuracy. For those valuing precision above all, the COSC validation offers tranquility of thoughts, guaranteeing that each certified timepiece will function reliably under various conditions. Whether for personal satisfaction or as an investment decision, COSC-certified watches stand out in the world of watchmaking, bearing on a tradition of meticulous chronometry.

  7. EmporD says:

    Is it possible to get travel vaccinations without a doctor’s visit how to get Cheap clomid?

  8. Nzmiyc says:

    buy semaglutide 14 mg generic – rybelsus 14 mg drug buy desmopressin online

  9. Olimpngrpt says:

    Запускайте новую версию приложения БК Олимп для Android и переопределите свои стандарты в мире ставок! Олимп на андроид сегодня. С современным дизайном и быстрой загрузкой данных, доступ к различным спортивным событиям становится легкостью. Управление аккаунтом и навигация по приложению теперь настолько просты, что каждая ставка превращается в удовольствие. Скачайте последнюю версию без задержек и начните добиваться успеха с БК Олимп, где каждый шаг может привести к значимому триумфу!

  10. Hi my friend! I want to say that this post is amazing, nice written and come with approximately all significant infos. I would like to see more posts like this .

  11. Michaelboowl says:

    https://indiaph24.store/# cheapest online pharmacy india

  12. Dmfkjq says:

    buy semaglutide 14mg generic – buy glucovance online DDAVP

  13. Ygesfw says:

    lamisil canada – order lamisil 250mg online cheap griseofulvin price

  14. Olimpbswsm says:

    Откройте для себя новый горизонт ставок с обновленным приложением БК Олимп для Android! Обновленный дизайн и ускоренная обработка данных обеспечивают легкий доступ к широкому ассортименту спортивных событий. Скачать Olimp для вас. Простота ведения финансов и легкость использования делают ставки удовольствием. Установите это обновление сейчас же и выходите на новый уровень в ставках с БК Олимп, где каждое событие предоставляет шанс на успех!

  15. Dedicated Proxies

    I found a great…

  16. What’s up to every one, the contents present at this website are truly amazing for people knowledge, well, keep up the good work fellows.

  17. Heya are using WordPress for your blog platform? I’m new to the blog world but I’m trying to get started and create my own. Do you need any coding knowledge to make your own blog? Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *