Vietnam Day 2 - Hanoi - SEAsia Day 28

Our first full day in Hanoi was a memorable one. We walked a couple of miles to visit the Ho Chi Minh Museum and Mausoleum. Walking in Hanoi is at first a nerve racking experience. The constant onslaught of motorbikes and cars makes crossing roads an experience. Over time you begin to assert yourself and just go as bikes swerve around you.
Visiting the Ho Chi Minh museum was a surreal experience. The history of the country as viewed from the side of communism is a definite contrast to what was learned about Vietnam in North America. The pride and resilient ferocity of the Vietnamese people has been known for centuries. Their ability to rally behind the messages of Ho Chi Minh and protect their country for 20 years vs the Americans is somewhat remarkable. This is a must visit museum for anyone visiting Hanoi.

Following the museum we walked past the one pillar pagoda which despite its somewhat diminutive appearance is considered one of the most iconic temples in Vietnam. We continued our walk and were soon at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. The sprawling grounds are the final resting place of Ho Chi Minh despite him not wanting to be buried there. The architecture is clearly from the 70's and is impressive mostly in size and rigid appearance.