Peace. Change has blossomed in Hanoi. Bikes have been replaced with motor scooters. Trendy shops and cafes are moving into the Old Quarter. And people are friendly and open, especially the young who are curious about Americans. Many cultures have run through Vietnam over the centuries, but its unique charm remains intact.
The elegant Hoan Kiem Lake.
There is no end to motor scooter traffic and noise!
I think the traffic cops just give up.
Cyclos. The old way of getting around, not so popular anymore. You can't help but imagine how quiet and charming the city must have been when everyone was on bicycles.
On the grounds of the serene Temple of Literature.
One Pillar Pagoda, built by a Vietnamese emperor in 1049. It was designed to resemble a lotus flower. The French destroyed it before quitting Hanoi in 1954. It has since been rebuilt.
The omni-present lotus, just beautiful.
Much of the French architecture is in a gorgeous state of ruin.
Then you have the monumental communist stuff. Why is it always so out of scale with human beings? Here is where Ho Chi Minh still lies in state.
We happened upon a gigantic parade in honor of the 50th anniversary of the Geneva pact ending French rule and were greeted with many smiles and waves.
Many brides and grooms outside the Opera House.
And babies...
And friendly faces all around. I played "Pete and Repete" with these little girls for a while. It goes like this: I say "hello," they say "HELLO!" I say "ready, smile," they say "READY SMILE!"
