This morning we walked around Hanoi and went to the Ho Chi Minh palace area. Ho Chi Minh was the leader of Northern Vietnam during the war. He lead the country to what it is today, a communist country. He is the person the Vietnamese people honor the most. We saw where he worked, where he lived and a museum about him. His body is even preserved and thousands of people each day go to view his body. The tour was alright, but I don't like the idea of one person receiving so much recognition. I don't think he did as much good as the Vietnamese people seem to think.
We went for a traditional Hanoi meal of vermicelli for lunch. It was on the top floor of this really narrow restaurant. We sat down on these little kiddy chairs and they immediately stated putting food on the table. We had this BBQ pork soup with papaya to put over vermicelli. There were greens and spring rolls too. It was tasty but the meat was really fatty.
After lunch, we went for Fanny ice cream. This is no regular ice cream. It is like a fancy art with beautiful presentation. Everyone got something different and they were all so pretty.
After, I was stuffed and headed back to the hotel with Helen for a nap. I slept for a few hours and when I woke up it was just about time to go out for our last supper. I wasn't hungry, but I still went because it was my last night with the group. I really love our group. I met so many amazing people and I am going to miss all of them.
The two new girls from England joining for the Laos part on the tour went for dinner with us as well. They were both really nice.
After dinner we just went back to the hotel and had a quiet night of cards. We all said our goodbyes before bed because in the morning I head to Philippines! As sad as it is to leave to group, I am really excited to go to the Philippines.