I was up early and waiting for this unique city to come to life. The motorbike horns gradually become louder as the day progresses. I am told there are close to 5,000,000 motorbikes in Hanoi which is around half of the number of people living in New York City. Last evening the gas fumes from all the motorbikes made me nauseous. I had to drink vodka for the cure (which really worked well)!
I visited the Hanoi Hilton where I was especially touched by the pictures of John McCain. I walked into one of the dark cells and tried to visuallize life in such darkness. I am sorry, but I think John McCain was a war hero along with all the other great soldiers that were captured and went through this hell! (Some of this I just can’t put into words).
I also visited a history museum and spent most of the day just waking around and admiring all the small mom & pop shops that are everywhere. I met some folks from New Zealand who I found very interesting. At breakfast, to my right were some very nice folks from Germany and to my left a retired couple from Vancouver. Had great conversatons with both which is why this trip is so fun. They were intrigued by my venture and I extended an invite for them to join my blog which they excepted.
The best part of my planning is that there is no plan. I will start walking today and let the day unfold in front of me. It is great to have no schedule.
Doug's Travels 