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Hanoi, Vietnam (December 2008)

Hanoi is the second largest city in Vietnam located on the right bank of the Red River. It is a combination of old and new, traditional and modern. Despite the fact that Hanoi was pummeled by B-52 bombings during the Vietnam War, the Vietnamese people do not seem to hold any grudges about that sad time in their recent history. Today, Hanoi has much charm with Vietnamese cafes and quaint shops in the Old Quarter section, with its French colonial architecture and wonderful museums. The first impression of Hanoi is of the masses of motorbikes swarming through the Old Quarter. Crossing the street in Hanoi is like playing a game of “chicken.” Tourists flock to Hanoi because its interesting combination of ancient history, its colonial legacy and its modern outlook.
Hanoi Vietnam cover page.
Hanoi Vietnam cover page.		 Map of Vietnam with the star indicating Hanoi.
Map of Vietnam with the star indicating Hanoi.		 My first experience in Hanoi was to go on a cyclo ride around the Old Quarter streets.
My first experience in Hanoi was to go on a cyclo ride around the Old Quarter streets.		 The cyclo driver rode me through motorbike traffic in Hanoi. The ride was exhilarating, but the exhaust fumes were terrible!
The cyclo driver rode me through motorbike traffic in Hanoi. The ride was exhilarating, but the exhaust fumes were terrible!
Santa Claus on display since it was December in Hanoi.
Santa Claus on display since it was December in Hanoi.		 An interesting cafe and coffee house in downtown Hanoi.
An interesting cafe and coffee house in downtown Hanoi.		 A typical Hanoi apartment building.
A typical Hanoi apartment building.		 We passed by the famous Cho Dong Xuan market in Hanoi.
We passed by the famous Cho Dong Xuan market in Hanoi.
A French colonial looking apartment building in the Old Quarter section.
A French colonial looking apartment building in the Old Quarter section.		 One of many shops we passed by in Hanoi. Capitalism has taken hold there!
One of many shops we passed by in Hanoi. Capitalism has taken hold there!		 Close-up of Vietnamese merchants at a toyshop.
Close-up of Vietnamese merchants at a toyshop.		 A Hanoi billboard.
A Hanoi billboard.
A backpack and luggage store in Hanoi's Old Quarter.
A backpack and luggage store in Hanoi's Old Quarter.		 More motorbikes buzzing through Hanoi's crowded streets.
More motorbikes buzzing through Hanoi's crowded streets.		 We passed by these parked motorbikes at the end of the cyclo ride. I never saw as many motorbikes as there are in Hanoi!
We passed by these parked motorbikes at the end of the cyclo ride. I never saw as many motorbikes as there are in Hanoi!		 Thang Long Theater where a water puppet show is held.
Thang Long Theater where a water puppet show is held.
Water puppetry is a traditional art form distinctive to the culture of Vietnam. It was developed in the rice fields.
Water puppetry is a traditional art form distinctive to the culture of Vietnam. It was developed in the rice fields.		 View of the musicians who provide the traditional Vietnamese music for the water puppet performance.
View of the musicians who provide the traditional Vietnamese music for the water puppet performance.		 Wooden ducks, snakes, dragons and other animals are depicted in the show. The puppeteers are hidden behind a screen.
Wooden ducks, snakes, dragons and other animals are depicted in the show. The puppeteers are hidden behind a screen.		 Puppets riding on a dragon boat. A large rod supports the puppets under the water and is manipulated by the puppeteers.
Puppets riding on a dragon boat. A large rod supports the puppets under the water and is manipulated by the puppeteers.
Some of the many puppets, which, in unison, appear to be moving over the water.
Some of the many puppets, which, in unison, appear to be moving over the water.		 The puppets are made out of wood and then are lacquered. The shows are performed in a waist-deep pool.
The puppets are made out of wood and then are lacquered. The shows are performed in a waist-deep pool.		 At the finale of the show, the puppeteers came out to receive a round of applause.
At the finale of the show, the puppeteers came out to receive a round of applause.		 War memorial, which is across from the Ngoc Son Temple at Hoan Kiem Lake.
War memorial, which is across from the Ngoc Son Temple at Hoan Kiem Lake.
I wonder if this elderly amputee next to the war memorial is a veteran of the Vietnam War?
I wonder if this elderly amputee next to the war memorial is a veteran of the Vietnam War?		 Hoan Kiem Lake, which is the center of Hanoi both literally and figuratively. The name means Lake of the Returned Sword.
Hoan Kiem Lake, which is the center of Hanoi both literally and figuratively. The name means "Lake of the Returned Sword."		 Legend is the emperor returned to the Golden Turtle God a magic sword that brought him victory against the Chinese Ming Dynasty.
Legend is the emperor returned to the Golden Turtle God a magic sword that brought him victory against the Chinese Ming Dynasty.		 Hence, the lake got its present name. View of the beautiful wooden Huc Bridge at Hoan Kiem Lake.
Hence, the lake got its present name. View of the beautiful wooden Huc Bridge at Hoan Kiem Lake.
The Hoan Kiem turtle actually exists, but the giant turtle is near extinction with only a few left in the lake.
The Hoan Kiem turtle actually exists, but the giant turtle is near extinction with only a few left in the lake.		 Strollers crossing over the Huc Bridge and the green water of Hoan Kiem Lake in Hanoi.
Strollers crossing over the Huc Bridge and the green water of Hoan Kiem Lake in Hanoi.		 Interesting modern sculpture near the entrance to the Ngoc Son Temple.
Interesting modern sculpture near the entrance to the Ngoc Son Temple.		 Entrance to the Ngoc Son Temple at Hoan Kiem Lake.
Entrance to the Ngoc Son Temple at Hoan Kiem Lake.
People coming and going at the Ngoc Son Temple entrance.
People coming and going at the Ngoc Son Temple entrance.		 There were some beautiful murals at the entrance including this dragon mural.
There were some beautiful murals at the entrance including this dragon mural.		 This tiger mural is also at the entrance to the Ngoc Son Temple at Hoan Kiem Lake.
This tiger mural is also at the entrance to the Ngoc Son Temple at Hoan Kiem Lake.		 Pathway leading to the Ngoc Son Temple in Hanoi.
Pathway leading to the Ngoc Son Temple in Hanoi.
This Ngoc Son Temple mural looks like a cross between a unicorn and a dragon.
This Ngoc Son Temple mural looks like a cross between a unicorn and a dragon.		 The other mural is a depiction of the Golden Turtle God with the magic sword based on the legend of Hoan Kiem Lake.
The other mural is a depiction of the Golden Turtle God with the magic sword based on the legend of Hoan Kiem Lake.		 Beautiful Vietnamese-style gazebo in the Ngoc Son Temple grounds.
Beautiful Vietnamese-style gazebo in the Ngoc Son Temple grounds.		 The Ngoc Son Temple is dedicated to the emperor Tran Hung Dao who returned the magic sword to the Turtle God.
The Ngoc Son Temple is dedicated to the emperor Tran Hung Dao who returned the magic sword to the Turtle God.
These old men were intently playing a game on the Ngoc Son Temple grounds.
These old men were intently playing a game on the Ngoc Son Temple grounds.		 Another beautiful mural of a fish at the temple at Hoan Kiem Lake.
Another beautiful mural of a fish at the temple at Hoan Kiem Lake.		 I think that this stork mural at the Ngoc Son Temple (I'm not a bird expert)!
I think that this stork mural at the Ngoc Son Temple (I'm not a bird expert)!		 This Vietnamese woman seemed to be preoccupied in her thoughts.
This Vietnamese woman seemed to be preoccupied in her thoughts.
The Ly Thai To statue is located at Indira Gandhi Park, nearby Hoan Kiem Lake in Hanoi to commemorate the Vietnamese emperor.
The Ly Thai To statue is located at Indira Gandhi Park, nearby Hoan Kiem Lake in Hanoi to commemorate the Vietnamese emperor.		 Statue of Ly Thai To (974-1028) was the founder and first emperor of Vietnam’s Ly Dynasty (1009-1225).
Statue of Ly Thai To (974-1028) was the founder and first emperor of Vietnam’s Ly Dynasty (1009-1225).		 After ascending the throne, he moved the capital to Dai La (which he renamed as Thang Long), the present day Hanoi.
After ascending the throne, he moved the capital to Dai La (which he renamed as Thang Long), the present day Hanoi.		 I liked this dragon sculpture at the entrance to Indira Gandhi Park.
I liked this dragon sculpture at the entrance to Indira Gandhi Park.
Outdoor market that I passed while walking in Hanoi (I was looking for an electronics street in Hanoi to buy a laptop battery).
Outdoor market that I passed while walking in Hanoi (I was looking for an electronics street in Hanoi to buy a laptop battery).		 I walked across this wide square in Hanoi taking my life into my hands with all the motorbike traffic!
I walked across this wide square in Hanoi taking my life into my hands with all the motorbike traffic!		 I couldn't resist taking a photo of this KFC in Hanoi. The Colonel is popular there!
I couldn't resist taking a photo of this KFC in Hanoi. The Colonel is popular there!		 On my trek to find buy a laptop battery, I spotted this balloon vendor in Hanoi.
On my trek to find buy a laptop battery, I spotted this balloon vendor in Hanoi.
View of the Tran Quoc Pagoda, which is the oldest of all pagodas in Hanoi. It is located beside the dazzling West Lake in Hanoi.
View of the Tran Quoc Pagoda, which is the oldest of all pagodas in Hanoi. It is located beside the dazzling West Lake in Hanoi.		 Me posing in front of the Tran Quoc Pagoda and West Lake.
Me posing in front of the Tran Quoc Pagoda and West Lake.		 One of several Buddhist shrines that were on display in the Tran Quoc Pagoda.
One of several Buddhist shrines that were on display in the Tran Quoc Pagoda.		 Close-up of an ancient Vietnamese warrior statue at the pagoda.
Close-up of an ancient Vietnamese warrior statue at the pagoda.
A Buddhist shrine with painted wooden artifacts on display.
A Buddhist shrine with painted wooden artifacts on display.		 In 1959, on his visit to Vietnam, Indian Prime Minister Razendia Prasat gave this (holy) Bodhi tree to the pagoda as a gift.
In 1959, on his visit to Vietnam, Indian Prime Minister Razendia Prasat gave this (holy) Bodhi tree to the pagoda as a gift.		 Entrance to the Tomb of Ho Chi Minh located Ba Dinh Square, the place where Ho read the Declaration of Independence in 1945.
Entrance to the Tomb of Ho Chi Minh located Ba Dinh Square, the place where Ho read the Declaration of Independence in 1945.		 Fountains at the Tomb of Ho Chi Minh.
Fountains at the Tomb of Ho Chi Minh.
Ho Chi Minh Museum, which is located next to this tomb.
Ho Chi Minh Museum, which is located next to this tomb.		 Another view of the mausoleum, which was inspired by Lenin's Mausoleum in Moscow.
Another view of the mausoleum, which was inspired by Lenin's Mausoleum in Moscow.		 Exterior view of people lining up to go into Ho Chi Minh's mausoleum (I'm 4th from the back in that line).
Exterior view of people lining up to go into Ho Chi Minh's mausoleum (I'm 4th from the back in that line).		 Made of gray granite, distinct Vietnamese architectural elements were added such as the sloping roof.
Made of gray granite, distinct Vietnamese architectural elements were added such as the sloping roof.
Nearby Ho Chi Minh's tomb is this house that he lived in, built in a French colonial style.
Nearby Ho Chi Minh's tomb is this house that he lived in, built in a French colonial style.		 This is one of Ho Chi Minh's cars. You can see a reflection of me in the window!
This is one of Ho Chi Minh's cars. You can see a reflection of me in the window!		 Ho Chi Minh preferred this smaller (stilt) house since he liked a simpler lifestyle. It is reminiscent of Frank Lloyd Wright.
Ho Chi Minh preferred this smaller (stilt) house since he liked a simpler lifestyle. It is reminiscent of Frank Lloyd Wright.		 This soldier was guarding the Ho Chi Minh stilt house.
This soldier was guarding the Ho Chi Minh stilt house.
Next to the smaller Ho Chi Minh house is this fishpond and bridge.
Next to the smaller Ho Chi Minh house is this fishpond and bridge.		 This small pagoda is on the grounds of the Ho Chi Minh tomb.
This small pagoda is on the grounds of the Ho Chi Minh tomb.		 At the base of the stairs of the pagoda is this stone dragon carving.
At the base of the stairs of the pagoda is this stone dragon carving.		 This Buddhist alter is inside the pagoda.
This Buddhist alter is inside the pagoda.
Close-up of the golden multi-armed Buddha inside of the pagoda.
Close-up of the golden multi-armed Buddha inside of the pagoda.		 Entrance to the Ho Chi Minh Museum, which is located next to his tomb.
Entrance to the Ho Chi Minh Museum, which is located next to his tomb.		 Dramatic image of Ho Chi Minh's imposing statue at the top of the stairs in his museum.
Dramatic image of Ho Chi Minh's imposing statue at the top of the stairs in his museum.		 Interior view of the statue with Ho Chi Minh's arm raised to salute the Vietnamese people.
Interior view of the statue with Ho Chi Minh's arm raised to salute the Vietnamese people.
Wreckage in Huu Tiep Lake where a U.S. B-52 bomber was shot down during the 1972 Christmas bombing of Hanoi.
Wreckage in Huu Tiep Lake where a U.S. B-52 bomber was shot down during the 1972 Christmas bombing of Hanoi.		 View of the Vietnam National Military Museum in Hanoi, which exhibits war relics from the Vietnam War.
View of the Vietnam National Military Museum in Hanoi, which exhibits war relics from the Vietnam War.		 Me posing next to a MIG fighter plane used during the Vietnam War.
Me posing next to a MIG fighter plane used during the Vietnam War.		 This ancient tower with a Vietnamese flag on the grounds of the museum was built between 1805-1812.
This ancient tower with a Vietnamese flag on the grounds of the museum was built between 1805-1812.
Vietnamese canons on display at the Vietnam National Military Museum.
Vietnamese canons on display at the Vietnam National Military Museum.		 Me saluting in front of the ancient tower.
Me saluting in front of the ancient tower.		 Wreckage of a U.S. bomber that was shot down during the Vietnam War.
Wreckage of a U.S. bomber that was shot down during the Vietnam War.		 This photo shows a Vietnamese woman dragging a piece of the wreckage.
This photo shows a Vietnamese woman dragging a piece of the wreckage.
Me sitting on a Vietnam era U.S. tank.
Me sitting on a Vietnam era U.S. tank.		 A U.S. Air Force propeller plane used during the Vietnam War.
A U.S. Air Force propeller plane used during the Vietnam War.		 Here I am getting ready to start her up!
Here I am getting ready to start her up!		 Me posing in front of the North Vietnamese tank that seized the Saigon Presidential Palace in 1975.
Me posing in front of the North Vietnamese tank that seized the Saigon Presidential Palace in 1975.
This statue of Lenin is across from the Vietnam National Military Museum. They now call themselves a socialist country.
This statue of Lenin is across from the Vietnam National Military Museum. They now call themselves a socialist country.		 The front gate of the Quan Thanh Temple in Hanoi. The temple is dedicated to Saint Tran Vu.
The front gate of the Quan Thanh Temple in Hanoi. The temple is dedicated to Saint Tran Vu.		 The three ancient Chinese characters, which can still seen today on the top of the entrance to the temple mean Tran Vu Quan.
The three ancient Chinese characters, which can still seen today on the top of the entrance to the temple mean Tran Vu Quan.		 Temples are places for worshipping saints while pagodas are dedicated to Buddha.
Temples are places for worshipping saints while pagodas are dedicated to Buddha.
This is the entrance to the front courtyard of the temple.
This is the entrance to the front courtyard of the temple.		 This large goldfish pond greets you as you walk into the yard.
This large goldfish pond greets you as you walk into the yard.		 This colorful banner was on display over the goldfish pond.
This colorful banner was on display over the goldfish pond.		 A turtle carving in the temple. It is Buddhist symbol that can signify longevity.
A turtle carving in the temple. It is Buddhist symbol that can signify longevity.
Interior structure of the temple. Quan Thanh Temple was built during the reign of King Ly Thai To (1010-1028).
Interior structure of the temple. Quan Thanh Temple was built during the reign of King Ly Thai To (1010-1028).		 View from a courtyard of the temple structure.
View from a courtyard of the temple structure.		 Interesting dragon sculptures are on the roof.
Interesting dragon sculptures are on the roof.		 One of many shrines inside the temple.
One of many shrines inside the temple.
This dragon-carved incense burner is used for burning religious incense.
This dragon-carved incense burner is used for burning religious incense.		 Some intricate wooden carvings inside of the temple.
Some intricate wooden carvings inside of the temple.		 A mother unicorn and her baby.
A mother unicorn and her baby.		 A stone Vietnamese warrior inside the Quan Thanh Temple.
A stone Vietnamese warrior inside the Quan Thanh Temple.
A shrine inside of the temple (to Saint Tran Vu, perhaps).
A shrine inside of the temple (to Saint Tran Vu, perhaps).		 These women performed for us at the Quan Thanh Temple.
These women performed for us at the Quan Thanh Temple.		 A guard tower inside of the temple grounds.
A guard tower inside of the temple grounds.		 A lily pond at the Quan Thanh Temple.
A lily pond at the Quan Thanh Temple.
Close-up of the lilies.
Close-up of the lilies.		 Entrance to the Hanoi Hilton, used by North Vietnam for prisoners of war during the Vietnam War.
Entrance to the Hanoi Hilton, used by North Vietnam for prisoners of war during the Vietnam War.		 Conditions were horrible in the Hanoi Hilton. This is a depiction of soldiers shackled together in one big room.
Conditions were horrible in the Hanoi Hilton. This is a depiction of soldiers shackled together in one big room.		 I am the latest prisoner at the Hanoi Hilton!
I am the latest prisoner at the Hanoi Hilton!
Another view of the long line of shackled prisoners.
Another view of the long line of shackled prisoners.		 Close-up showing the misery of the prisoners.
Close-up showing the misery of the prisoners.		 Depiction of a prisoner alone in his cell.
Depiction of a prisoner alone in his cell.		 These 3-dimensional works shows the brutality of life and inhumanity in the Hanoi Hilton.
These 3-dimensional works shows the brutality of life and inhumanity in the Hanoi Hilton.
Another 3-dimensional work showing the misery of prison life.
Another 3-dimensional work showing the misery of prison life.		 An outdoor mural depicting some of the Hanoi Hilton's prisoners.
An outdoor mural depicting some of the Hanoi Hilton's prisoners.		 Depiction of a prisoner in solitary confinement.
Depiction of a prisoner in solitary confinement.		 The face of misery of prisoner in solitary confinement.
The face of misery of prisoner in solitary confinement.
John McCain visited the Hanoi Hilton in 2000. He was one of 300 U.S. pilots held there during the Vietnam War.
John McCain visited the Hanoi Hilton in 2000. He was one of 300 U.S. pilots held there during the Vietnam War.		 This is the flight suit that John McCain wore when he was shot down over Hanoi in 1967. He was released in 1973.
This is the flight suit that John McCain wore when he was shot down over Hanoi in 1967. He was released in 1973.		 Photos of U.S. B-52 bombers on a bombing run over Vietnam.
Photos of U.S. B-52 bombers on a bombing run over Vietnam.		 Photos showing the destruction in Hanoi after the 1972 Christmas bombing by U.S. B-52s.
Photos showing the destruction in Hanoi after the 1972 Christmas bombing by U.S. B-52s.
Depiction of the women's ward at the Hanoi Hilton.
Depiction of the "women's ward" at the Hanoi Hilton.		 There is also a guillotine, which they call a head cutting machine, where many revolutionary fighters were beheaded.
There is also a guillotine, which they call a "head cutting machine," where many revolutionary fighters were beheaded.		 Painting showing men being whipped at the Hanoi Hilton.
Painting showing men being whipped at the Hanoi Hilton.		 Photographs of women prisoners at the Hanoi Hilton.
Photographs of women prisoners at the Hanoi Hilton.
It's appropriate that I show you the real Hanoi Hilton (Opera) Hotel that is next to the Hanoi Opera House.
It's appropriate that I show you the real Hanoi Hilton (Opera) Hotel that is next to the Hanoi Opera House.		 View of the French-colonial style Hanoi Opera House, which was built by the French between 1901 and 1911.
View of the French-colonial style Hanoi Opera House, which was built by the French between 1901 and 1911.		 Entrance to the French-colonial style National Museum of Vietnamese History.
Entrance to the French-colonial style National Museum of Vietnamese History.		 Me pretending to make pottery with this replica of an ancient Vietnamese woman.
Me pretending to make pottery with this replica of an ancient Vietnamese woman.
A wonderful wooden carving of a dragon's head in National Museum of Vietnamese History.
A wonderful wooden carving of a dragon's head in National Museum of Vietnamese History.		 Another wooden carving of a dragon's head. I have a thing for them!
Another wooden carving of a dragon's head. I have a thing for them!		 Some amazingly intricate iron work of art in the museum.
Some amazingly intricate iron work of art in the museum.		 This stone-carved creature with wings appears to be eating a snake.
This stone-carved creature with wings appears to be eating a snake.
An intricate wooden carving of a Buddha with dozens of arms.
An intricate wooden carving of a Buddha with dozens of arms.		 This surprised looking creature is obviously male!
This surprised looking creature is obviously male!		 This bustline on display at National Museum of Vietnamese History is obviously female!
This bustline on display at National Museum of Vietnamese History is obviously female!		 Entrance to the Museum of Ethnology in Hanoi which showcases cultures and customs of Vietnam's 54 recognized ethnic groups.
Entrance to the Museum of Ethnology in Hanoi which showcases cultures and customs of Vietnam's 54 recognized ethnic groups.
An interesting mask made by one of Vietnam's diverse ethnic groups.
An interesting mask made by one of Vietnam's diverse ethnic groups.		 This unusual ethnic costume on display was probably used for some kind of ritual.
This unusual ethnic costume on display was probably used for some kind of ritual.		 Part of the museum's collection of ethnic folk art.
Part of the museum's collection of ethnic folk art.		 The Museum of Ethnology is a popular spot for wedding photos such as of this young couple.
The Museum of Ethnology is a popular spot for wedding photos such as of this young couple.
The museum has exhibits of traditional architecture of Vietnam’s ethnic tribes including this Ede tribe’s long house.
The museum has exhibits of traditional architecture of Vietnam’s ethnic tribes including this Ede tribe’s long house.		 Interior of the Ede tribe’s long house. It is made of bamboo.
Interior of the Ede tribe’s long house. It is made of bamboo.		 This elevated Bahnar Rong house is on display at the museum, along with other traditional houses of various ethnic minorities.
This elevated Bahnar Rong house is on display at the museum, along with other traditional houses of various ethnic minorities.		 An interesting tomb design of the Giarai (or Jarai) tribe, an ethnic group based primarily in Vietnam’s Central Highlands.
An interesting tomb design of the Giarai (or Jarai) tribe, an ethnic group based primarily in Vietnam’s Central Highlands.
I can add nothing to this photo!
I can add nothing to this photo!		 The most prominent feature of a traditional Giarai’s tomb is the wooden sculptures of sexually explicit men and pregnant women.
The most prominent feature of a traditional Giarai’s tomb is the wooden sculptures of sexually explicit men and pregnant women.		 Tomb for the rich and high-ranking people in the Cotu society at the Museum of Ethnology in Hanoi.
Tomb for the rich and high-ranking people in the Cotu society at the Museum of Ethnology in Hanoi.		 As we left the museum, this woman was posing for wedding photos.
As we left the museum, this woman was posing for wedding photos.

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Walter Newman 21-Nov-2009 22:25
Hello Taboo5, artful pictures and notes behind the things. Have been in Vietnam 2005. Good Times. V
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