by Early departure from the hotel. Went to book the train for Hue with a student friend of Sr Thuy though she tried to be helpful she could not speak any English and was not any assistance. Express train ride departing Hanoi at 7:30 am, cost $48.50 US for first-class soft sleeper four-bed compartment. We then said thank you to the student and headed to the Ho Chi Minh mausoleum. However, the student ended up tailing us and then walked with us to the mausoleum. The student also convinced us of the road crossing stakes. Just keep walking no matter what.
The lineup for the mausoleum was at least 500 m long and two or three deep. Nat says the line was about 4 km long. It was too daunting and it was only open between 8 and 11 am so we headed for the museum built to commemorate Ho Chi Minh’s life. While beside the museum we had a look at the one pillar pagoda and the Quan Su Pagoda – Nothing that special but worth a look. Following the museum, we went for a walk to Westlake really a stroll down and always wine Boulevard past the presidential Palace along the edge of the lake and to Tran Quoc Pagoda. Best Pagoda so far including tombs and an interesting interior.
On the way to Tran Quoc Pagoda Nat disproved the theory of road crossing stepped out into the road and was collected by motorbike suffering only bruise body and ego. We then headed to the Don Xuan market, nothing special other than the varieties of candied dried cured, and fresh seeds and sweets at the entrance. Back for an unplanned siesta before having lunch at the mocha cafe again. Lemon chicken cooked wrapped in a lemon leaf. Changed more money, checked out some alternate accommodation, not worth it, and to the Ngoc Son Temple for 12,000 dong each. The cool turtle also features later in the evening. Purchased stamps, 6000 Dong each, and postcards, 40000 Dong for 10. Took some photos of children fishing with small worms and little nets we were surprised that the fish was left in the lake as it looked like silver in parts and probably is. We won’t hear it’s the fish.
Water Puppets
We went to see the water puppets they were excellent. The turtle her returned the sword to the general after a stroke and the like that is monumental in Ngoc Son Pagoda featured as one of the puppet skit. Banana pancakes and off to bed for an early start.
