One of the distinctive things about wandering around in the old city of Hanoi was the incredible number of motorcycles and motor scooters. Most intersections didn't have stop lights, so it became an
art form to learn how to cross the street (a slow purposeful walk with eyes peeled rather than a more instinctive approach with stops-and-starts). That way the motorcycles seemed to know whether to miss you on the right or the left!
We did tour the famous "Hanoi Hilton," the prison where John McCain and other American pilots were held during the Vietnam War. Signs on the wall (call it propaganda) would lead you to believe that the pilots were so well-treated that for them it amounted to an extended vacation. The prison had been used by the French in Colonial times to incarcerate communists who were agitating for independence, and in regard to those days, the government was quick to point out the inhumane conditions.
Nancy had found a delightful hotel on the internet that only cost $50 a night, a hotel that was perfectly located for exploring the old city on foot. By the way, it was unseasonably cold in Hanoi! - rw
One of the distinctive things about wandering around in the old city of Hanoi was the incredible number of motorcycles and motor scooters. Most intersections didn't have stop lights, so it became an art form to learn how to cross the street (a slow purposeful walk with eyes peeled rather than a more instinctive approach with stops-and-starts). That way the motorcycles seemed to know whether to miss you on the right or the left!
We did tour the famous "Hanoi Hilton," the prison where John McCain and other American pilots were held during the Vietnam War. Signs on the wall (call it propaganda) would lead you to believe that the pilots were so well-treated that for them it amounted to an extended vacation. The prison had been used by the French in Colonial times to incarcerate communists who were agitating for independence, and in regard to those days, the government was quick to point out the inhumane conditions.
Nancy had found a delightful hotel on the internet that only cost $50 a night, a hotel that was perfectly located for exploring the old city on foot. By the way, it was unseasonably cold in Hanoi! - rw
2 comments:
Love that shirt, Ron!
Marta
me too.
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