Hanoi: Part Hai

OK we are back, and getting woken up by this nonsense every morning:

me wanna sleep!

As our usual, we went a little too hard the first couple of days and had a bit of jet lag finally set in, so we took it easy and headed out to the Ho Chi Minh Complex. The museum part was this bizarre combo of the history of Mr. Ho and his quest for a socialist Vietnam and random art of Van Gogh, Dali and others. Something was definitely lost in translation for us, and the whole thing just gave me anxiety so we bailed relatively quick.

not our fave museum

mandatory country flag pic

As for the mausoleum, it was closed! Oops, forgot to check the schedule and I suppose even the dead need a break. We didn't get to see Ho resting in peace but at least we got to take a look at the giant marble structure from outside. Looks somewhat similiar to the other communist era tombs of Stalin, Chairman Mao, Lenin etc. 

Ho is in here

Headed over to the Hoa Lo Prison Museum, probably better known as the 'Hanoi Hilton'. Back in the day the prison was created by the French colonists to house Vietnamese political prisoners then later it was converted into a place to house prisoners of war during the Vietnam War. Some pretty sad imagery in there as to be expected. Although the American prisoners were depicted as being happy, celebrating Christmas and dining with the guards (?)

this is a pagoda or a temple, kept confusing them

fresh baked banh mi bread

wooden birdcages hang from most businesses

cheap treats street

Massages were in order so we popped into a random place which ended up being the worst possible place to relax. Construction was going on outside, it was muggy as all get out in there, and the piping hot bucket of water they put our feet in was a nice steaming cherry on top. It was clear my randomly selected masseuse lady was not into it at all and for the next 45 minutes she punched me in the head several times (not joking!) and contorted my body to the point I was sure she was going to re-herniate my two lower discs! Every time I opened my eyes to peak at her she was staring at the clock, lol. This was our first and last massage of the trip.

street snacks

typical little sidestreet

banana bike

We sampled another top dish to try out in Hanoi, the xoi xeo which was sweet sticky rice topped with mung bean paste, fried shallots and pork. Super yummy even though some cockroaches joined us for lunch and the rice was stored in baskets on the floor next to a sleepy dog. You learn to significantly lower your hygiene standards here, especially with how awesome the food has been and the fact you aren't playing musical potty with your hubby.

xoi xeo

naps ok anywhere

kitchens ok anywhere too!

standard bar scene

notice how pasty and pale we are, humidity sucks the life out of you

religious items street

Rounded out a mellow evening wandering the night market and had yet another great meal of banh xeo, a sizzling rice batter crisp filled with shrimp and sprouts. Can you tell we like to eat like pigs yet? Cause we do!

still this much traffic after 1 a.m.

Next up, dreams shattered in Halong Bay. *tear