Hanoi

      After a good rest following our first night in Hanoi, it was time to hit the streets. In the morning we met up with our pen-pals. On the bus ride over to their university, Hanoi University, we had time to connect with them and ask questions about their experiences here.

When we arrived at the university we connected with the rest of our pen-pals. They proceeded to show us their campus. The campus was rather different than expected. The buildings were old and most did not have air-conditioning. Son, the group leader accompanied us to the seventh and a half floor, which is a place for students to relax and have lunch. This area was covered in graffiti in not only Vietnamese but English and Chinese as well. They then showed us the lecture rooms which hold upwards of six hundred students. After that we regrouped at the bus, ready for our next location.

Next, we went to Son's mother's home. The bus parked up on the road and we walked through a day market to reach her home, tucked back in a side alley. There, we played games and ate homemade dishes. We also got to experience an average Vietnamese home. 

After our time at their house we went out to lunch. We went to a Vietnamese restaurant where we were served spring rolls and soups. The restaurant had almost all the same food as the previous ones. We then went to a coffee shop specializing in "egg coffee" which ended up tasted very similar to normal coffee bus with extra foam.

Later we went to the "Hanoi Hilton" a prison made by the French to hold Vietnamese political prisoners. At this prison they showcased the conditions in which they were held. Repeatedly they stated "the will of the revolutionaries never failed" regardless of the circumstances. The prison later became a holding area for Americans captured during the war. They very briefly talked about this as they are either not proud or just want to focus on their triumphs. 

That night we went to Qotto, a culinary school/restaurant. At this restaurant they had amazing food. One of the best meals of this trip by far.

On the third day in Hanoi we woke up very early, 6:00 am, to go see the preserved body of Ho Chi Mihn the father of Vietnam and the uncle of all. When we arrived there was a huge line, we waited for two hours to see his body. After our long wait they marched us up some stairs into a small room, in line, we had to walked around the edge of the room to the other door. In this room laid the preserved corpse Ho Chi Mihn. We were not allowed to take photos or even stop to admire the well preserved body. 

We then drove to the temple of literature. This very old temple had great sculptures, architectural designs along with gardens. Here we walked around marveling at their work. 

For lunch we went to another Vietnamese restaurant with okay food. At the end of the meal they gave us coffee jello, unlike with classic "fresh fruit" at every other restaurant. 

After that some of us went to an art museum. But many just went back to the hotel to rest, including me. 

Later today we will ride a cyclo through the old quarter. 

Tomorrow, being our final day, we will to the the women's museum then fly home.

Although the trip has been amazing, after 15 days the majority of us are ready to go home. Though this trip will remain in our memories forever. 

Best wishes, Mason Lewis