Happy in Hanoi

Where to start? We began our tour of the city on the back of motor scooters with our lead guide Tuk and T’uan. Before we even saw a sight it was an experience—zipping in and out and head on into oncoming traffic, inches away from cars on the right, on the left, right behind you! Ho Chi Minh Memorial, Hanoi Hilton, markets, coffee with egg, vegan restaurant (so tasty).  The next paragraph contains material that will be troubling to some.  If you are an animal lover skip to the third paragraph.

Ho Chi Minh Memorial 

Presidential Palace

Every year 4 million dogs are consumed in Viet Nam.  I thought this wasn’t so but one of the markets we visited specializes in dog prepared in a variety of ways.  Dennis looked at several stalls which sold dogs of various cuts and ways of preparation.  I didn’t go near those stalls, much less photograph them.  However, I don’t judge how people get protein either.  Less than 50 years ago people in Viet Nam were starving.  All efforts were going toward becoming independent.  What would I eat or feed my children to keep from starving?

Then we spoke with several young people who all said the same thing regarding feelings toward Americans.  ‘We are Buddhist and we know how to forgive.”  This is the season of  Tet, welcoming spring and this year it is the year of the pig. It’s a beautiful time for family and friendships.  The colors of the celebration are all over the city.  What a celebration!

Remains of downed B 52 Bomber 

Entrance to the Hanoi Hilton 

We had a very solemn visit to the Ho Chi Minh Masoleum, a ride over one of the oldest bridges in the city and a visit to the Hanoi Hilton.  For lunch we went to a vegan restaurant, which after the market visit last night was a very good choice.  At the end of the day we stopped for the coffee that is famous —coffee made with evaporated milk and an egg.  Wonderful!

The World According to Dennis:
She’s driving me crazy so I told her I can add something later.  I have to admit the sight of the cooked dogs was a bit disconcerting but what makes one meat okay and another not?  All the dogs were smiling which was a little creepy but when you don’t have enough food you eat what’s in front of you. We did see where John McCain was held captive. He is now held in high regard by the Vietnamese people. Be warned—the narrative at the museum is from the north Vietnamese  perspective only.