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Hanoi, Vietnam

72 hours in the historical capital city.

Story by Dustin Johnston July 10th, 2016
Though this small lake in old town is calm and undisturbed by boats or birds, the area surrounding it is always bustling with activity.
Trees planted decades ago by the French add charm to the streets in the French Quarters.
Wide roads, open spaces, and tall shade-producing trees contrast the French Quarters against the urban density of the rest of the city.
We watched as a photographer took wedding photos outside St. Joseph's church in old town.
A typical alley in old town.
Tourists and locals.
The photos barely capture the hectic mix of foot traffic, bicycles, and motorbikes buzzing through the small streets of old town.
I can't imagine working for the electric company in Hanoi. Looks confusing and dangerous.
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Early in the morning it seems people are either going to work, exercising, or fishing.
A fisherman patiently waits for a nibble on largest lake in the city.
The morning exercise routines of the locals is endlessly entertaining to me.
Everywhere you look, people are doing exercises that I have never, ever seen before.
Stretching is more important than muscle building.
Stretch!

The history

Visiting the tomb of Ho Chi Minh.
Classic minimalism and symmetry of communist architecture.
A government building sitting across from Ho Chi Minh's tomb.
Hanging in Ho Chi Minh's modest office.
A peek at one of three of Ho Chi Minh's personal cars on display.
The Ho Chi Minh museum.
This propaganda poster reads, "Nixon owes the Vietnamese a debt of blood."
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"Nixon mass murders."
I'm not sure if these are real artifacts from the war but we saw them on display outside of a shop.
It seems like it would be difficult to nap on a motorbike, but the Vietnamese have it down to a science.
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We see men, old and young, smoking from these bongs but have only smelled whiffs of tobacco.
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Crossing traffic is scary at first, but the idea is to go slow and steady and let the traffic avoid you (and your baby.)
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The best pho we've had so far.
A salad with green papaya (or was the jicama?) carrots, peanuts, pork, mint, and several other things I'm not sure of or can't remember.
Shrimp and pomelo sesame salad.
Noodles with pork, peanuts, pineapple, garlic, sesame, mint, and so much else.
More amazing salads - I think this one had clams?
I'm not even sure what this is. It seemed like cooked egg whites with pork, garlic, and chives? I think?
An "omelet" filled with sprouts and pork.
Vietnamese pork rinds.
Story by Dustin Johnston

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