Hanoi day 2

We had a really busy day today sightseeing. A full day with our guide, started in the morning with visits to a Pagoda which was over 1000 years old and several temples.

We then walked past the government buildings which are mainly ex colonial French archecteture, viewed Ho Chi Min's house / living quarters and his massive mausoleum.

By lunchtime we were very hot and sticky so were pleased to stop for a beer and some food in a cafe recommended by our guide. He must have been on a retaier as the food wasnt great.

In the afternoon we visited the museum of ethnology where we learnt about the many different ethnic Vietnamese  groups and viewed some of their traditional housing. We visited a laquer factory and saw how the traditional methods of manufacture are still being used.

Late in the afternoon we took a walking tour through the old quarter. Walking through the streets is quite challenging as you are competing with the constant flow of cars motorbikes and other pedestrians. The best way just seems to be keep walking at a steady pace along the middle of the road and let everything else dodge aroud you.

The day was completed with a water puppet show. This is a traditional Vietnamese entertainment not found anywhere else.