On Saturday morning, it was raining but we visited Ho Chi Minh's mauseleum. Security was very tight and there were so many rules....no eating, no drinking, no talking, no stopping, no caps or hats, properly dressed, hands by your side,etc. etc. It was my first visit to communist mausoleum with a preserved body. Although I have visited Beijing, I did go to see Mao's body.
We had to line up, wait, walked a lot for just one minute walk round the place...but still I suppose it was worth it. The Vietnamese really have the respect for Uncle Ho.
There was also a huge battery of soldiers guarding the place.
Next to the mauseleum was the One Pillar Pagoda. It is a small pagoda situated with only a pillar supporting it.
And next to this was the Ho Chi Minh museum which depicts the live and struggles of Ho Chi Minh and his other senior comrades. Whilst it is a propoganda place, it was also very informative about the life and struggles of Uncle Ho and other Vietnamese people during that time. Obviously, you will be greeted by a large stutue of Uncle Ho as you enter.
As the rained stopped, we noticed a huge number of earth worms that were more than 1 foot long. It was everywhere but it was not clear where they were actually going. If only they were to use them as fish baits.....
Breakfast is served in the hotel at the top floor which is the 8th floor. As the other surrounding buildings are not as tall, we could get some nice views and take in the surrounding daily hustles and bustles.
The lake near the hotel is a pleasant place to just sit and relax. It is also a very popular tourist place as it contains an old pagoda and temple.
On Sunday morning, we went to see the famous Thang Long Water Puppet Show. This was the only show available. I was not sure what to expect as I am not a fan of puppets show. However, as it came highly recommended in travel websites and blogs, we had to try. It is a thousand year tradition and a main entertainment during festivals in the wet season.
After watching the show, I truly respect those that created the show over many many generations I suppose. The inginuity to blend water and puppetry is simply amazing. This is one thing I recommend to anyone visiting Hanoi.
We also visited St Joseph Cathedral. The Cathedral is very much similar to those in France built during the period as Vietnam was under the French.
Until the next time, cheers.
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