So nice to not rush too much this morning. Andy took all of the dirty laundry to a place that will wash it by the pound. We are looking forward to some clean clothes. We went and had a relaxing breakfast in our hotel. The restaurant is on the top floor, overlooking Vietnam. Saylor had pho and the rest of us stuck with basic egg dishes and of course croissants!
We went to the Ho Chi Minh memorial. Guards with bayonet (no cover on them BTW) were everywhere. As you enter they had me remove my sunglasses and for whatever the reason we couldn't have our hands in our pockets. I'm sure it was out of respect, but don't know and wasn't going to question those intimidating guards. There were four guards posted - one at each corner of his body. The entire case was glass and you could fully view him. A quick tour of his house, cars and garden.
Next we went to Hoa Lo Prison. The american prisoners nicknamed it the Hanoi Hilton. The walls around the prison had glass shards all around the top of the prison walls. A small taste of what was going to be inside. It was a hard place to visit knowing how many terrible things took place there but also felt important to visit.
Lunch and back to the hotel. Everyone is excited to have a little downtime.
Out for the evening. Found Hudson his knock-off Gucci tennis shoes and some chopsticks for their friends back home.
Just got back. Hanoi was an experience. Each street offered something different. Shoe street, Christmas street, restaurant streets, hair cutting stands on the sidewalk (with a mirror hanging on a tree) and endless amounts of scooters. I'm done with the crazy, scary traffic and loud beeping horns. I enjoyed Hanoi, but ready for the next step in the journey.
It's so good to read about your journey, wishing you good times as you continue your adventure. We celebrated Cindy's birthday yesterday, sending love and the very best wishes. Mom and Pops
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