We spent the past two days exploring Hanoi and visiting some of the sights. The influence of the Chinese and French, who occupied Vietnam at different times, is evident in much of the architecture around the city; from Chinese pagodas to Parisian inspired buildings such as the Hanoi Opera House. It is also a city full of contradictions, where Communism and Capitalism are colliding. Elderly men wander around with Soviet style uniforms while young people carry iPhones and shop like there is no tomorrow. Outside St Joseph's Cathedral we watched a man dressed as Santa having to forcefully fend off children wrestling him for presents.
(St Joseph's Cathedral)
(Santa hands out presents in the grounds of St Joseph's)
(A quiet street corner opposite St Joseph's)
(A lady transports newspapers on her bike)
(The Hanoi Opera House)
(A busy street in the Old Quarter)
On Saturday, we visited Hoa Lo Prison in the French Quarter, which was built by the French and then later used by the Vietnamese to imprison American pilots during the Vietnam War. During the time of French occupation, the conditions under which the Vietnamese people, many of whom were revolutionaries, were kept were appalling. By comparison, the American pilots seemed to lead quite a civilised existence in Hoa Lo. It was an interesting experience to visit.
In the afternoon, Nicky went to a tailor in the hope of getting a winter coat made. As we've found in most cases, the sales woman was extremely helpful and patient and once the fabric was selected, the tailor did a very thorough job of taking measurements. In four days, the coat and two tops will be ready for collection.
(Emperor Ly Thai To's statue overlooks a busy road)
On Sunday morning we arranged a tour of the Perfume Pagoda and an overnight stay in Ha Long Bay. We then strolled through the city and made our way to the Ho Chi Minh Museum. On the way, we discovered a little cafe that reminded us very much of Melbourne and we returned there for lunch. Not realising that the mausoleum is only open in the mornings, we only visited the museum and learned a bit more about "Uncle Ho's" life.
Exploring the city has given us the chance to try out some fantastic food at a variety of different restaurants and cafes. We were on a mission yesterday to find a venue for Christmas lunch and settled on a place called Green Mango. While the city is decked out in Christmas decorations, most Vietnamese people don't really celebrate Christmas so we expect our fellow diners on the day to be other tourists.
(The main railway line running through the city)
(At least they are all wearing helmets)
(The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum)
(Inside the Ho Chi Minh Museum)
(Reindeer on the lawn surrounding Hoah Kiem Lake)
(Local men playing a board game in the afternoon sun)
(A couple stand for their wedding photos beside Hoah Kiem Lake)
(Scouting out our Christmas lunch location)
Tomorrow we will do a day trip to the Perfume Pagoda, with a 7.30am start from the hotel. We're looking forward to learning more about the Vietnamese culture from our guide.
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