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It was an early start for my Aunt and I in Hanoi and a trip to the hotel restaurant, with views looking over the city. The vast amount of food for breakfast  was impressive and it was hard choosing exactly what to eat. Like my Aunt I chose an English breakfast, with eggs cooked to order and it wasn't at all bad, I thoroughly enjoyed the Light Hotels offering, it certainly set me up for the day!

On our first full day in Hanoi Aunty T and I were out and about for most of the day. The 1st of May is a public holiday in Vietnam, like nearly everywhere else in the World. In true British Bank Holiday form, the sky was grey and cloudy with a distinct chill in the air. We left the hotel early at just gone 9am and headed down towards Hoàn Kiếm Lake and the city centre.

The roads surrounding the lake, on every side were cordoned off, people were strolling along the large open boulevards, chatting, holding hands and enjoying the relaxed atmosphere. With fantastic views across Honoi's historic centre, the day began gently, calmly, as we explored this beautiful part of the city. On one side of Hoàn Kiếm, large imposing Government buildings dominated the skyline, directly opposite the beginning of construction for the new 'Four Seasons Hotel' and further on down the road, grand opulent properties left over from Vietnam's colonial past; a bygone era.


My Aunt and I were heading towards Ngoc Son Temple, just across the Huc Bridge, a beautiful 18th century building honouring the 13th century military leader Tran Hung. Jostling with the locals, who were out in force, we made our way over the bridge, greeted by stunning Vietnamese architecture, like I had never seen before. Vast rooms, richly decorated in gold, statues of buddah, iconography adorning the walls, the smell of incense and 360 degree panoramic views across the lake. The red Vietmanese flag, with a golden star in the centre fluttered peacefully in the slight morning breeze, as people looked in awe at the spectacle of oriental history on display.

Inside the Ngoc Son Temple people were laying offerings of food on the altar directly in the centre of this vast open space. A Buddhist monk was chanting in Vietnamese, what I can only imagine to be prayers of some sort, though I can't be sure. As I walked around the room, I noticed more and more art work, beautiful artifacts and cats lounging lazily in doorways or corners, sheltering from the outside. Inscriptions of dedication, silk coverings and ancient books neatly on show for visitors to browse and ponder about the history that made up this delightful, atmospheric structure, a homage to Vietnam's past!

The red flag waved to us as we bid a fond farewell to the temple, situated in the middle of this modern metropolis. I was struck by the number of people out and about on the national holiday, some much needed family time in this busy part of the capital. Everyone looked happy, kids enjoying a go kart race outside a row of restaurants and singing from school children opposite the school they would otherwise be seated. This was the peoples day in Communist Vietnam, not dissimilar to Labour day in other parts of the World.

Our next destination was another temple a short distance away, equally as enchanting, set back from the road between two unassuming office blocks. A local lady approached my Aunt and asked if I would take a photo for her, which I duly did. In return she offered to do the same; I don't mind telling you how reluctant I was to hand over my phone, in case she did a runner with it; not very trusting I know, but you can never be too sure these days. After a brief few moments of hesitation, I gave her my camera and  she took our picture enthusiastically. Believing we were a couple, she asked us to stand in a rather awkward way, that only couples would normally do. We obliged, not wanted to offend her and she was delighted with her work. Handing the phone back she waved goodbye, as Aunty T and I laughed and joked about what had just happened!

After a long 20300 step walk, we arrived at our next destination, Hao Lo Prison, a rather macabre venue, where we learned about acts of barbarism committed against the Vietnamese people. Walking through dark, damp, cramped cells, we realised the horror of this countries past. The tiny prison cells made me feel down and depressed, philosophical and quite upset. I spent time sat on a bench reflecting on mans inhumanity to man. You think we have moved forwards in life as a species, but nothing really changes, wars and conflicts continue.

I wouldn't have chosen to go here normally, but am glad my Aunt made me. As human beings, we should all have a connection to past events, bad or not, to learn and grow and understand circumstances that shaped our World.

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After a brief trip to the Catholic Cathedral and getting lost on the way back, we finally made it to the hotel, where we both collapsed. While my Aunt went for a further evening walk, I decided to relax for the rest of the day until we both went out for dinner in the evening - Fine dining at its best, overlooking the city skyline, chatting about our experiences so far!
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