Hanoi, the capitol of Vietnam, is as busy as it was crowded. Thousands of motorcycles compete for access on the roads and are the primary mode of transportation for nearly all Hanoi residents (as well as in other cities and villages of Vietnam). The constant honking of horns starts early and continues throughout the day. Although I found it annoying none of the residents seemed to mine. I visited local sites in old town since I only had one day in Hanoi. Here are a few pictures of the shrine for Confucious and his venerated scholars:
The entrance (above) to the restored school and memorial of Confucius.
Confucius on the left and on the right another high scholar in the line of teachers following Confucius.
Ho Chi Minh Memorial is a large and opposing structure that faces out over a large plaza. It is a gathering place for tour groups and locals alike.
The Presidential Place (below) is where President George Bush and First Lady Laura Bush join Vietnam President Nguyen Minh Triet and Mrs. Tran Thi Kim Chi in the Great Hall of the palace last Nov. He was here for the 2006 APEC Summit. (read about this here: http://www.whitehouse.gov/asia/2006/)
Also on the same grounds is the house that Ho Chi Minh lived in while President of Vietnam. Its a small elevated home on small pond and garden. It is very peaceful and charming along the walk around the pond.
After visiting the Ho Chi Minh's home I walked around the old town market:
This is another temple situated on a small island in the center of a lake that centers in the old market area. It venerates a former prince of the region.
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