Staying until Friday

Wednesday, Dec 3 4:10 pm

We decided to stay until Friday, which is our original departure date. My father isn't feeling well and although the cost to change the flights was nominal, he thought he wouldn't be able to travel until Friday. I think he caught what Isabel had on the trip over. Otherwise, everyone else feels well and I hope no one gets sick before we leave. So, since we have a few extra days we are doing some sightseeing. Today, we went to the Hanoi Hilton, and then we walked around Hoan Kiem Lake, which is in the center of Hanoi.

The Hanoi Hilton or Hoa Lo Prison is now a museum. The prison was originally built by the French in the late 1800's and was intended to hold Vietnamese prisoners. Since then it was used by multiple warring factions to imprison people who opposed the ruling government. Most of the information in the museum was about the French dominance of the Vietnamese and there was a small section about the American pilots captured in the Vietnam War.

I found it interesting that the information and photos presented were very positive about the treatment of the American prisoners held there. It showed them celebrating Christmas, playing volleyball, getting medical treatment, and other "luxuries" like tooth brushes. There was no mention of any of the torture we hear about in the US from the priosoners. John McCain was prominent in the photos and had a display of his personal items while he was a prisoner. There was also a large display showing the protests in America against the war.

Only part of the prison is still standing and the hotel we are staying in was built on the remaining site of the complex.

The Tortoise Temple is built on a little island in the center of the Hoan Kien Lake. The photos below are from another temple built on the northern edge of the lake. I thought the red doors were brilliant against the grey stone building.

This lady below is in a garden along the lake filled with statues that all seem to represent mothers and children. I thought her face was beautiful and calming in the midst of the hustle and bustle of the city. Just like in Ho Chi Minh City, the traffic noise in Hanoi is very loud. Every driver must honk their horns at least 100 times a day. I'm not a fan of the traffic noise and the dust & smog.

This afternoon, we are relaxing and taking naps. We'll probably go out again before we turn in for the night. Tomorrow we will go shopping and see some more sights.