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Viva Vietnam

Inside the Temple of Literature in Hanoi, built in 1070, pavilions have a screaming, fighting red ceiling. Or at least that's what came to my mind as I looked up with my ear to the guide emphasizing Vietnam's independence from Imperial China.


So I was in Vietnam last week. With friends who took charge of everything (as I had been busy at work and had no time to search), i.e. hotel and airline bookings, deciding where to go, what to see, where and what to eat... and that is why I thought I had a grand time. Thanks to friends who gave me the luxury of not having to think of such holiday details. 

Here's Chris, our guide. We're at National University, Hanoi. He also guided us around Hoan Kiem Lake, Tran Quoc Pagoda, and Hoa Lo Prison Museum. The stop at an ice cream shop was just as interesting.


They say you have never really been to Vietnam if you didn't go on a cruise in Ha long Bay, so we made it the highlight of our trip. I took this shot from Hang Sung Sot cave up one of these limestone karsts.


And then at sunset we partied on the deck of our cruise liner. So let Martial Law rage on in Thailand. We're having wine with the gentlest ocean breeze, worry-free chat over Vietnamese spring roll and the thought of being wave-lulled to sleep while helping ourselves to the reddest water melon in the bay.  Viva Vietnam! 


Thanks to our hosts: Mrs Nesbitt and the ABC Team * Our World * Rubbish Tuesday * Ruby Tuesday Too
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Comments

  1. RoanJune 10, 2014 at 5:13 AM

    Now that's old! Really cool building. Bright colors and I really like the light. Thanks for linking up!

    ReplyDelete
  2. EG CameraGirlJune 10, 2014 at 7:14 AM

    Beautiful and still in such good condition!

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  3. betty-NZJune 10, 2014 at 10:38 AM

    That is quite an unusual color for a temple. Great shot.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Photo CacheJune 10, 2014 at 11:02 AM

    the lanterns are what attracted me.

    ReplyDelete
  5. AnonymousJune 10, 2014 at 11:20 AM

    How lovely!

    ReplyDelete
  6. MatkatarJune 10, 2014 at 1:15 PM

    Awesome colours!

    ReplyDelete
  7. lina@women perspectiveJune 10, 2014 at 1:42 PM

    Here, red is a symbol of brave.
    The ceiling and hanging lamps look beautiful.

    ReplyDelete
  8. RajlakshmiJune 10, 2014 at 2:41 PM

    the structure looks quite beautiful. I loved the red hue.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Hootin AnniJune 10, 2014 at 4:27 PM

    This is awesome...and I enjoyed reading and learning about this structure and the culture.

    ReplyDelete
  10. marilynJune 10, 2014 at 8:57 PM

    a wonderful...beautiful structure....

    ReplyDelete
  11. Leslie:June 11, 2014 at 1:44 AM

    Nice! Lucky you to have been able to have the cruise.

    leslie
    abcw team

    ReplyDelete
  12. Roger Owen GreenJune 11, 2014 at 4:06 AM

    Don't usually find a building more than a millennium old!

    ReplyDelete
  13. Tanya BreeseJune 11, 2014 at 4:37 AM

    i enjoyed the photos, wow, that red room!

    ReplyDelete
  14. photowannabeJune 11, 2014 at 5:37 AM

    What an amazing trip. Sometimes that's the best part of a Vacation...not having to think or plan anything.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Little Wandering WrenJune 11, 2014 at 11:28 AM

    Hi Hazel
    I am coming to Bangkok next month martial law or no martial law!! Love your photos of Ha Long Bay, it reminded me of my visit (us and many, many other boats!!) how special that your friends organised the trip for you, food looks lovely!
    Wren x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. HazelJune 11, 2014 at 5:16 PM

      Martial law or no martial law? That's the spirit!

      Delete
  16. Reader WilJune 11, 2014 at 7:26 PM

    Vietnam must be very interesting! We only know Vietnam from the war in Vietnam, now long ago, but thanks to you we see a positive side to this country. Beautiful!
    Have a great week!
    Wil, ABCW Team

    ReplyDelete
  17. Amy BurzeseJune 11, 2014 at 7:51 PM

    Looks like a nice trip! That red is certainly eye opening!

    ReplyDelete
  18. SarahJune 12, 2014 at 8:49 PM

    Stunning photos - what an amazing place to holiday (even better when great friends organise it for you).

    ReplyDelete
  19. Susan MooreJune 19, 2014 at 1:47 AM

    Hazel, what a wonderful trip! I haven't been to Vietnam yet - only seen pictures and it makes me want to go visit! I think I'd enjoy the food quite a lot. Being in Bangkok you are in a great location for exploring Asia - enjoy your travels!

    ReplyDelete
  20. Cristina PopJune 19, 2014 at 1:11 PM

    Amazing pics! I`m sure that was a nice trip!

    ReplyDelete

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