Sunday, November 30th, 2003 – Day 285

Sunday, November 30th, 2003 – Day 285

Hmm, I did not get out of bed until 2.00pm. I was shattered. I haven’t had that much beer for a long time. I felt like crap but took a taxi to the Army Museum. It was 10,000 Dong in and it was worth it. I had a war buff and I have never seen so much material from anti air craft guns to M16’s. They had everything on display like helmets from US airmen shot down during the war to the letters of introduction airmen give to locals when they are shot down asking for help, offering rewards.

This building opened in 1959, presents the Vietnamese side of the country’s struggle against colonial powers. There are three buildings of odds and ends from both the French and American wars here, including evocative photos. Most interesting, though, is the actual war equipment on display, including aircraft, tanks, bombs, and big guns, some with signs indicating just how many of which enemy the piece took out. There is a tank belonging to the troops that crashed through the Presidential Palace gates on April 30, 1975, Vietnamese Liberation Day. Outside there is also a spectacular, room-size bouquet of downed French and U.S. aircraft wreckage. Also on the grounds is Hanoi’s ancient flag tower (Cot Co), constructed from 1805 to 1812. The exhibits have English translations, which makes this an easy and worthwhile visit.

Click on the picture to see it in its original size

Hanoi – Army Museum. (30-11-2003)

Click on the picture to see it in its original size

Hanoi – Army Museum – the tank that smahed into the Presential Palace in Saigon in 1975 (when the North surrendered to the North unifying the Country). (30-11-2003)

Click on the picture to see it in its original size

Hanoi – Army Museum – Old USA Bombs. (30-11-2003)

Ot was really good and it was great to see the War from the others sides perspective with lots pf pictures and exhibits.

I then walked to Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum. It reopens on December 1st when his body comes back from Russia where its maintained.

In an imposing, somber granite-and-concrete structure modeled on Lenin’s tomb, Ho lies in state, embalmed and dressed in his favored khaki suit. He asked to be cremated, but his wish was not heeded. A respectful demeanor is required, and the dress code mandates no shorts or sleeveless shirts allowed. Note that the mausoleum is usually closed through October and November, when Ho goes to Russia for body maintenance of an undisclosed nature. The museum might be closed during this period as well.

Click on the picture to see it in its original size

Hanoi – Army Ho Chi Ming;s Final Resting Place. (30-11-2003)

remember when I mentioned that a boy was sold for dog meat a few days ago. Well, today it was mentioned that a man paid for petrol with nephew in Cambodia.

A Cambodian who found he had forgotten his wallet after filling up his motorbike with petrol ended up paying for the three litres of petrol with his nephew. The Kampuchea Thmey (New Cambodia) newspaper said on Monday the nine-year-old, who it named as Dy, had been on a trip with his uncle in March 2002 to try and track down his father in a nearby province in the war-scarred southeast Asian nation. However, their motorbike ran out of petrol before reaching their destination and, after filling up with three litres of gasoline from a roadside stall, the uncle realised he had no money. Eventually he convinced the old lady selling petrol to take his nephew as a guarantee he would return with the cash — 87 pence, the paper said. Nearly two years later, she is still waiting — but has opted to keep the youngster. “I have decided to take care of him and raise him as my own grandson,” she told the paper.

I called into Sinh cafe and booked a tour to Halong Bay. Monday is a good day as all museums are closed. You can pay between 10-20USD. The higher price will include lunch, the 60,000 dong boat trip and a smaller group. I unfortunately paid the higher amount. It was to call to collect me at 7.00am. I also checked some hotels in the area. My guesthouse called the Lotus is 6 USD per night but the room is barely OK. You can get rooms with satellite TV and ensuite hot water for the same amount if you shop about.

Click on the picture to see it in its original size

Hanoi – The City Celebrates as Vietnam Draw 1-1 with Thaialnd in Soccer. It is part of the 22nd South East Asian (SEA) Games in Hanoi. Vietnam is hosting the eleven-nation SEA Games for the first time. (30-11-2003)