Ho Chi Minh Complex

Saturday, May 30, 2015
Hanoi, Vietnam
We are in the middle of a heat wave in Hanoi (heat is hitting over 40 degrees). I can assure you that our sweat glands are fully functional (I know, I know - too much information).
Our two student tour guides met us in the lobby & we headed over to the Ho Chi Minh complex . We skipped the mausoleum tour as the line up was simply too long in the heat. The Ho Chi Minh museum was extremely eclectic with an undertone of propaganda. "Uncle Ho's" residence when he lived in Hanoi then the One Pillar Pagoda, a tribute to the lotus flower that foretold the birth of a royal baby.
A quick stop for lemonade to escape the heat then a taxi over to the Temple of Literature, the oldest university in Vietnam.
After much needed siesta, we headed back out to the Green Mango for supper. Pho (noodle soup) and Bon Thang (grilled chicken, noodles & lemongrass). Vietnamese cooking classes may be an interesting option for Vic's retirement hobbies!
We checked out the famous weekend Night Market, where they shut down an major city artery to set up hundreds on booths. It's packed with locals and anything your heart desires can be purchased here!
Back to hotel to pack up for our early morning transfer to Halong Bay & our 3 day cruise on a Chinese Junk! Had to show the girls a picture of the Dragon Pearl to reassure them that this was in fact a 5 star floating hotel and not a refugee boat. FYI, we may not have wifi though, so next blog update may be delayed.
Another scooter fun fact... Hanoians avoid sun exposure at all costs. As our guides explained, for Westerners having a tan can be a sign of wealth but for Asians, having dark skin is a sign of poverty (you are a labourer in the fields). So, when they ride their scooters (no matter the 40 degree weather) they completely cover up. They wear these special cotton jackets that cover up their heads with extra longs sleeves to cover hands. Then huge sunglasses & face-masks. The women are also adept at riding "side saddle" on the back of scooters in their tight skirts and high heals! Yikes!
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Comments

mom
2015-05-31

thanks for the pics of my chickies ! missing you !
i would like to book a reservation ...way in advance for "dinner by Vic" !!!
weather there must be so oppressive ...good for you for keeping up the pace .we have had roller coaster of heat ,humidity high winds and then today rain and 12 .
again for first part of week .good for our gardens . i love the info on the scooters .BTW ..it will be the Black Hawks vs Lightning for the cup ! safe travels on the water !!! xxoo

2025-02-17

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