Hanoi is a very walkable city. I could wander out the door here every day, choose a different direction, and sit down to eat and rest just about anywhere along the way.
But if you want to get somewhere quick… the mototaxi helmets are clearly not designed for a giant’s head.
Hoa Lo Prison. The Hanoi Hilton. Perhaps surprisingly to us Americans, the Hanoi Hilton’s history doesn’t begin with the U.S. POW stories. The history goes much further back to Vietnam’s fight for independence from their French colonizers. This was where Vietnamese pro-independence political prisoners were held by their French captors. Their story was an interesting one, and the prison museum did a good job explaining it. Unsurprisingly, the American War (as it’s known here) POW’s time here is largely glassed over. There’s a few pictures of McCain and others smiling and looking healthy, but that’s about it. This was a fascinating peak into the old saying, “History is written by the victors.” It’s a view of things that us Americans don’t often get to see.
The City’s gate, dating back to 1749, still functions as a narrow passage into the Old Quarter of Hanoi.
Kumquat trees were for sale all over town. Around Tet, the Lunar New Year, they are placed at the entrance to homes to provide wealth, prosperity, and good luck. We’d see hundreds of these things zooming around on the back of motorcycles while we were here.
Another Lunar New Year tradition is the color red. Red brings good fortune and protection and again, is hanging on just about every door.
Shopping while in a pedestrian/bicycle/motorcycle traffic jam.
Geez, I’ve gotten old.
Straight razor shave by headlamp.
5 Comments on “Around Hanoi”
Absolutely fascinating! Your photos are always great, but this set seems especially good at giving an impression of the city.
Ditto
Amazing pictures. Thank you for sharing with us. Also your kids are growing up so fast!! They are learning history through all your travels. That is awesome. (I think my favorite picture is your two girls ❤️)
Thank you, again, for the amazing local photography. Are the kids still into taking their own shots? Cheers to you all, enjoy your travels, they are inspiring.
Hello You folks,
yes, I understand everything concerning Your decision going to Mexico (!) but I will definitely be missing Your stories and Photos from countries far far away!
Besides I‘m looking forward to vehicles like airplanes, motorcycles, bicycles and a balloon yet to come ;-}
My very best regards
Holger