Hanoi


	Hanoi is Vietnam's capital. It lies on the Red River about 100km from its mouth. It is the political capital of Vietnam, but doesn't match Saigon economically. Hanoi dates back as far as the third century BC and has a long and colorful history. The city is realtively small and many attractions are within walking distance or a cheap taxi ride. There are many pagodas, lakes and museums. You can also see Ho Chi Minh lying in state. The One Pillar Pagoda, Ho Chi Minh's house and several other attractions are nearby.
The infamous Hanoi Hilton. Never thought I'd pay to see this place.	Guillotine left by the French when they occupied Vietnam.
Inside the cell where prisoners were kept.	Tried to get the door closed when Debbie and Kim Tien were inside, but I was too slow.
Mausoleum where Ho Chi Minh can be viewed.	Uncle Ho's office.
The One Pillar Pagoda. A two minute walk from the Mausoleum.	Decorative roof of a local pagoda.
Water puppets that were originally used to entertain the rice farmers working in the fields.	You can see it's cooler in the north than the south by the way the kids are dressed.
Bar at the Bamboo Hotel. We didn't stay here, but the rooms looked real nice and very reasonable.	Receptionist at the Bamboo Hotel. Very friendly and helpful.
Flower, a local art dealer, poses with me.	Kim Tien with the Governor of California, Arnold Schwarzenegger, in the background.
Local vendor selling her produce.	I thought I'd show her how it's done.
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