Hello from Hanoi!

Xian Ciao from Hanoi! We left the Mekong Delta today at sunrise, drove to Can Tho, and then flew to Hanoi. We landed at lunchtime and have been exhilarated with the sights, sounds and smells of the north ever since.

Our hotel is located in the heart of the Old French Quarter adjacent to Hoan Kiem Lake. It is a dynamic, cultural hub where ancient Chinese pagodas nestle up against 19th century French architecture. People are squating along the sidewalks with their make-shift brick stoves, cooking meals for families and passersby, while scores of scooter-drivers zipping by make stepping out into the narrow streets a sizeable accomplishment.

It’s an unbelievable scene. And the kids are loving it.

Tomorrow, we are going to Ho Chi Minh’s mausoleum where the Revolutionary’s body is on display in the style of Lenin. Thereafter we will visit other key sites, including the Hanoi “Hilton” — a POW prison where John McCain was held during the War. On Friday, we go to the Peace Works Travel Village, which will be the highlight of our visit here in Hanoi.