Hanoi II

The day began with a trip to the tomb of Ho Chi Minh.  He seemed to have brought a great dignity to the nation of Vietnam in the midst of French Colonialism and US conflict.  It was an insight into a country that we fought with and has found a way to thrive since its end.  

Ho Chi Minh lived in a simple house on stilts with just three rooms upstairs.  He refused to live in the big presidential palace and chose simplicity.

After lunch we went to a prison called "Hanoi Hilton".  The French created this to handle those who resisted their leadership.  But in the Vietnam war it housed Americans who were captured.  Its most famous American was John McCain.    So below is his jump suit and cell.  He has been back to visit this place several times.  Again it was another moment to remember those years.