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Well, our strategy today was to go to a couple of air conditioned museums following a trip to the mausoleum of Ho Chi Minh. It was another hot, clear day in the city and we were amazed at the number of people who go to pay their respects to Uncle Ho as the local people fondly call him. They close the mausoleum at 11:00 a.m. due to the heat each day and we were surprised that nobody passed out from the heat. Some people take their children to Disneyland to wait in que for rides and we take ours to wait in long hot lines outdoors to see a "dead guy" as Daniel calls him.
All of that aside, the Ho Chi Minh museum was a very interesting exhibit on the 30 year revolution of Ho Chi Minh starting with the war with the French and following the war with the Americans. A very compelling exhibit on communism when comparing it to the preceding imperialists who ruled the country. All of that aside, things have certainly changed in this communist country where people can now openly practice Catholicism which is no longer perceived to be a threat to the government in this emerging capitalist economy. I need to go buy another book describing the other side because I am sure life has not been and is still not all rosy with the communists.
Our favorite part of the day was a trip to the 1000 year old Temple of Literacy where people received their doctoral degrees from the King. Their names are engraved on stone tablets! Beautiful garden and temples. It was very cooling being in the soft scape gardens under the shade of trees and away from the concrete of the city.
Lunch consisted of smoothies and croissants at the french pastry shop following by a trip to St. Joseph's Cathedral (built in 1886) for a sprinkling of some holy water. Sonja and Daniel appreciated the grandeur of the church and were surprised that it was Christian after all of the Hindu and Buddhist temples we have seen.
We are now taking our 3 hour mid-day Siesta. We all go out tonight for a nice dinner at a nearby French-Italian restaurant to celebrate our 17th anniversary! Typical to our summer vacations, we almost forgot our anniversary again!
Tomorrow we head out to Halong Bay and may be out of touch for a few days.
previous travel blog entryComments or Questions for the Author
Jodi, Connie s siste says:
I am thoroughly enjoying your travel blog and the pics and am learning quite a lot! You should think about writing travel guides after this experience. Connie misses you all tons.
Brian and Patty says:
Happy anniversary guys, from Portugal! If you have a chance check out my new blog on Lisbon - you two gave me the inspiration! All my best to you all... Brian Blog address: http://realtravel.com/member-m4832215-brian_and_patty.html