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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

Comments

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

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  2. Beautiful and still in such good condition!

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

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  4. the lanterns are what attracted me.

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

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

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

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  8. a wonderful...beautiful structure....

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

    leslie
    abcw team

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

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  11. i enjoyed the photos, wow, that red room!

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

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  13. 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

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

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  14. 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

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

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

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  17. 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!

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

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