Exploring Hanoi

Didn't have a good start this morning. We both didn't sleep well due to stomach issues. Geoff has it a bit worse than I do. Well, at least we don't have to get on a bike. It felt very strange not having to scurry to have breakfast and rush to get down to the bus or bike. 

The first order of business was to get our wash done. Hugh found a reasonably priced laundry around the corner at a tourist agency. The hotel laundry is a real rip-off. Stopped in at the pharmacy on the way back from dumping the laundry and picked up some medication - hope it helps.

Went to breakfast and met some of the group that are still in town. David is moving to a backpack hotel today. We decided to walk down with him and see if we could get a room for half a day on the 16th. Our flight leaves at midnight and we have to check our here by noon. His hotel was booked solid but we had success further up the street. Nice clean room for $20 from noon till 8pm -  Sold! At least we'll be able to rest up and shower before heading off to the airport.


The weather continues to be cloudy, but it is not raining and quite pleasant to walk around. Hanoi is much more organized than Saigon. Although the traffic is still nuts, there are many more traffic lights. It is a smaller city but more congested. We walked along taking in the sights.

Eventually, made our way over to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and viewed his body (no pictures allowed). Walked around the grounds and then headed to the Temple of Learning.

The Temple of Literature was founded in the year 1070, and was dedicated to the Chinese Philosopher, CONFUCIOUS.In 1076, it became Vietnam's 1st University. An archeological study has found that the majority of the site belongs to Ly (1010-1225) and Tran (1225 - 1400), it really is very olold. There are side passages between the five courtyards, and these were used by Royalty who entered through the main gate, and students had to enter via the side passage ways. The open pavillions in the courtyards were used for students to study. The 1st two courtyards are mainly gardens and trees, with the third courtyard being taken up by a large pond called 'The Well of heavenly clarity"
On either sides, there are pavillions with steles which are sitting on top of a large Tortoise. These steles honour the schools successful doctorate candidates. 
The next courtyard is the Sage courtyard which is paved and has buildings on three sides. Here, is the "great house of ceremonies " and inside is a large lacquered statue of Confucious. 
The last courtyard is Thai Hoc, and here you find the large Drum and Bell Tower.

Geoff wasn't feeling that well, so we headed back to the hotel. Stopped into a market along the way to pick up some drinks and a snack for me. Geoff needed to rest so I decided to go downstairs and partake in a two-hour salon treatment from head to toe. Vietnam traditional massage (not as rough as Thai), reflexology, and facial all for $50. The girl was terrific but the spa left something to be desired. No soft music or dim lights. Nonetheless, I left feeling much more relaxed. 

Got back to room and now my stomach is woozy. Maybe all of our gastro-delights have caught up with us. Time to rest the body. Bye for now

Next time... Hanoi Hilton