Hot Hot Hot in Hanoi!

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Hey folks,... just a very quick one today (well, will try my best!)

forgot the day now... erm,...possibly wednesday? 24th August 2005

Up early,... again! Out with Lauren and 2 spanish girls who were also staying at our hotel, to Ho Chi Minh mausoleum. Took a taxi,... Oh,... forgot to tell you, the taxis around town here are all Dawoo Matiz!!! (for anyone that doesnt know, my first car was a little orange dawoo matiz... AKA my little guinea pig!)

Entered the area where the mausoleum, palace and museum etc all are. Had to go through some VERY strict security checks and leave our bags etc at the entrance gate. Then had to queue in line (in twos... we got shouted at at one point for not being in a 2!) and then eventually, after a brief period of rain (of course!) we got into the mausoleum.... oh yeah, we were also told to 'shhhh'... like been back at primary school... he's dead for god sake, not going to hear me is he!?

Ummm... most interesting looking at a dead man... bit odd really, wasn't particularly taken by it, not going to take it up as a hobby I shouldnt think! He did, however, just look like he'd been for a good grooming over at Madame tussauds!

Well, we then went for something to eat. We found this wonderful bakery which sold THE most tasty cakes and pastries... I naturally stocked up! Washed it all down with a cup of hot cherry tea!

Then ran round the Ho Chi Minh Museum. Had to run round cos it was due to close in about 45 mins... and there was so much to see. Was not wholly convinced by all the 'artifacts' tho... look, 'here is a pen used by Ho Chi Minh to sign this millionth letter he wrote' (all the guy seemed to do was write letters... tonnes of them!) 'here is the storm light by which he wrote that letter', 'this display of articles shows the strength and courage contrasted with the pain and suffering of the vietnamese people'... errrr... does it?! I don't mean to be disrespectful, but it was all a bit far fetched... and what on earth was with all the 'modern' (random) art... your guess is as good as mine! it really had to be seen to be believed!

Back to the hotel to check out. Then took a 'moto-bike' 7km out of town to the museum of Ethnology... now this was what I would call a proper museum... possibly one of the best I have ever visited! And for only about 30p! It was superb! It took you around a variety of displays and artefacts showing everything from how the many cultures of Vietnam live to what instruments they play, how they make pottery, weave clothes, make batik skirts, hunt and grow crops. Did you know that there are 54 different ethnological groups who all live in vietnam! And... some of them still live in huts... and some even in caves (see, I told you so,... not so daft to be relieved by the sight of brick houses!) I also got the opportunity to have a look in some of the huts; they had recreated some in the grounds,... there was one sort that was called a 'long house' (some were 42meters in length!) and up to 10 (if not more) families could live in this one house! It was really good fun, but so overwhelming, lots to take in at once!

Home again and set out to find a place I'd spotted a couple of nights ago for something to eat. But had starters on the side of the road with one of the local family sit down eateries! Had rice pancakes with some sort of filling and soup type stuff... who knows what it was, but it was tasty! Then went to this restaurant called 'fastfood cafe'... the name doesnt do much for it, but the food, surroundings and service was superb! Had pork and rice with lemon grass and garlic flavouring... and you could taste every flavour... very yummy!

Headed back to the hostel to wait for my train to Hue.

Boarded the train at Hanoi station at 10.30 pm. Heading for Hue!

'Til next time, keep your comments coming, great to hear from you all.

Clare x

P.S. To those who are posting comments... thanku v.v.v. much, its really lovely to have a little note to read, very comforting on this side of the world! However, if you're worried that they're not coming up straight away, don't fret (Dad!!!) its because I have to accept or reject them... of course I'll accept them, (unless you're really rude and horrible, then I'll just unsubscribe you :-P ) but it may take a couple of days before they pop up on the blog! Keep them coming all the same! x

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Comments

[Stephen Gofton]

Get some bloody barwork done!
I don't know - you travel half way around the world and all you've done is check out the sights!! I think you should knuckle down young girl and get a bar job instead of enjoying yourself! speaking of different cultures Clare, you'll be pleased to know that that backwards tribe from Darlington came to Pools on tuesday night and got beat 3 -1 at some ancient pastime called "Football" - don't think it will catch on. Seriously, i'm reading all your blogs and really enjoying them. can we have a little Gofton's corner that tells us about all the different alcoholic beverages you get drunk on and give them marks out of 10! Take care - keep enjoyin' Gof. x

[Bex]

Hey
Hey Clare, Good to hear you are having a great time-it's good to hear about what you are doing and to get an insight into what it is like out there. Take care of yourself and keep on having fun xx

[Geoff]

Thanx
Hi Clare, Just want to say thanx for your journals. You are doing a great job. The photography is top notch, as is the text. Maybe you should rethink your career. Could it be hello Allanah Whicker? You certainly have packed a lot into the short time since you left home. This could turn into a best seller. Paul Theroux made a lot of money out of a lot less!!Take care.

[Natasha Parry]

Hello
Hi Clare, your travel log is great to read. I hope you are ok. It sounds like you are having an amazing time. Itried to sent an email to you the other day, I hope you received it. I have just sat Competion Law and JP. Only one to go now, the totally dreaded Land Law. TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF. Lots of love Tash. xxx

[Aunty Gill]

not missing you
Reading your log means we almost feel we are there with you, rain and humidity mean your tan washes off. Am saving one of next doors pidgeons for your return will freeze today. Keep enjoying it, Love from us.

[Dad]

Small Editorial Correction.
Hi Clare Just for the record can we please clarify that the Matiz was a sophisticated Metallic Bronze as opposed to ''Orange'' what will people think. How is Hue or are you in transit again ? Speak later - Dad.

[Mum]

food food & more food
Well Clare in your true, inimitable fashion you are eating your way around the world!!.Bet you haven't found anywhere that does cheese chips and garlic yet though...maybe this is a unique opportunity for you to open up a franchise!!