Tourist in Hanoi

This was John McCain's jumpsuit which he was wearing when he was captured. Fellow Democrats, do not worry. I am not switching!!!

Hoa Lo Prison, built by the French to incarcerate dissidents, was used during the war and dubbed "Hanoi Hilton". Propaganda abounds here and pictures of the imprisoned POW's show all happy and healthy looking Americans. In addition to McCain the current US Ambassador to Viet Nam was imprisoned here.

Statue of Confucius at the Temple of Literature.

Entrance to the Temple of Literature. This temple was founded in 1070and was the first university in the country. Highly placed men came here to study Confucius.

The War Strategy room in Ha Noi. What could have been avoided here and in D.C.

Tran Quoc Pagoda, one of the oldest in the country, was restored after heavy damage in the war.

Sometimes a city tour is the best way to get to know a few interesting highlights of a place. I booked a tour through my hotel and I thought I had made a good decision assuming since my tour was only 3 people that we would all be English speaking. Sadly the other 2 were Vietnamese from Sai Gon, so I understood little of the commentary. Well, I did get to see some important and interesting places anyway.

The most interesting things often are not on the tour. I am staying in the Old Quarter of Ha Noi which has been the shopping area for centuries. No doubt many of the wares have changed although some things like gongs and ducks and straw mats must have always been available. What impressed me most however was a street dedicated to the sale of new clothes all with U.S. Army insignia. Weren't we the enemy? Go figure!