The morning started out with breakfast on the rooftop deck: scrambled eggs, bacon, hashbrowns. Doesn't sound like local fare, but, we had a baguette (from the French influence) and laughing cow cheese. Feeling fueled, off we went to stand in the long, and I do mean LONG line to visualize Ho Chi Minh's body. The Mauseleum is a solemn place. My travel guide states that no cameras are allowed in the Mauseleum. No talking or laughter, while inside will be tolerated. A dress code exists: no bare arms, no shorts. OK, I am ready. As we wound around the complex making our way to the entrance, the Mauseleum is surrounded with guards dressed in their white uniforms. We were approaching, but not yet inside the area, and I was talking. Also, the group of local women were also chatting and laughing, but, the guard approached me and reprimanded me for talking. I quickly complied and approached the steps. As we entered, there was Ho Chi Minh's body, the room dimmed, and a powerful spotlight illuminating the former leader of Vietnam. We all walked by in silence and awe, and were prompted not to stop, but to keep the line moving. I have to say, it was surreal being a part of something that is so a part of this country's history. Evidently on April 30, this country will be honoring the fall of Saigon and it is a National Holiday with many celebrations planned.
Below are exterior pictures of the Mauseleum, and museum too.
Next stop was Hoa Lo prison. We spoke to a gentleman at the restaurant who guided us with our map, where to go to see the prison. It was another good hike, but we found our spot, paid our 10,000 dong, and went in. Jim was talking to an gentleman who was in the Army during the Vietnam war. He has started an organization that brings back Vets to Vietnam. I know my brother Phil, was a Marine and in Vietnam in 1967. I thought he would think I was crazy going to Vietnam, but his response was "I'd give anything to go back and see that country". I guess my feeling was going back to Vietnam would be too difficult for him. Anyway, I digress. This man that we met, brings these Vets back and at the end of their tour, they are to share what they experienced. He said one vet had a very profound statement: "when I left Vietnam years ago, I left part of me behind, but now, I have found the missing piece". How profound!
Much of the prison has been torn down, but there are still some of the cells that housed the POW's. There was a display with many pictures of the pilots that were captured, and listed their capture and release dates. The prison also housed many female prisoners, the patriots of Vietnam, who were also captured and inturned. Very few females survived.
It was such a wonderful day...tiring day....awe inspiring day...
Tomorrow is Easter Sunday. We plan to attend Mass at the Cathedral. We were able to walk inside yesterday and it was very ornate, gothic design from the 1880's. We could not take inside pictures, which was too bad. Early Mass tomorrow. I understand it spills out into the streets with people. Pretty amazing since Christianity is not really a part of a Socialist Republic.
Mass in the morning, and shopping in the afternoon. I REALLY have to rest up for that. Night all!
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