We wake up fairly early and grab a small plate of the complimentary breakfast. At around 8:15AM, we rolled with Anh Hung and his personal driver (he has one in Hanoi also) to go get some pho at Pho Thin. After pho, we grabbed coffee next door and snapped some pictures with supposedly a trio of Vietnamese movie stars.
Hotel breakfast.
Breakfast room on the 8th floor.
Pho tai.
View across the street from Pho Thin.
Bowie.
Coffee.
Vietnamese movie stars (according to Anh Hung).
Thereafter, we headed over to the National Museum of Vietnamese History to check out some artifacts and the long history of Vietnam. I learned that there were tons of kings in the past. And also the reasoning behind why there are so many Tran's and Nguyen's last names. These two are famous for their dynasties and their accomplishments. The Tran Dynasty dates back to the 13th and 14th century. They're famous for their three victories over the Mongolians. The Mongolians at the time were able to defeat everyone they went to battle with, except the Vietnamese. On the other hand, the Nguyen Dynasty were the last ruling family. They ruled as recent as the 19th and 20th centuries. Their power ended in 1945.
I also stumbled upon a picture of this guy named Nguyen Thai Hoc. Daddy used to have a big picture of him at our old house. I never really knew who he was or was curious enough to ask. Mommy says he gave up his life to save a group of people who were bound to get slaughtered. Pretty noble. It makes sense why he had his own shrine in our house.
We stopped the taxi dead in its' track because my Mom saw some bananas she wanted ha.
After the museum, we traveled to the silk market where everything was made out of 100% silk (at least that's what we're told ha). We purchased a few things here and there, and also got to tour the factory. It looked real legit. Outside of the factory, hung silkworm's cocoons. Inside the factory, sat a couple rows of old school silk sewing machines. There were also a bunch of classic wooden wheels and random wooden objects in a separate room.
After checking out the factory and buying some scarves, shirts, and pajamas, we got thirsty. In and around the silk market area was this fresh juice maker spot that we were able to jump on. We got some fresh coconut cracked opened and also ordered some sugar cane drinks for a couple bucks. Very inexpensive refreshments.
Get some.
Silk market alley.We then rolled over to nha hang (restaurant) Phuong Loc, also in Hanoi, for lunch. We got two full chickens, clam soup, rice, chopped steak, and some pork for six for about $50. The place was decent. The chicken was super fresh.
Canh.
The small plate in the background is holding chopped steak and french fries. Their version of steak and mash, I guess. Style points.
View down from the restaurant. That's our ride. I told our driver his car was gone ha.
With our stomachs pleased, we headed on over to the Temple of Literature for more insight and intellect. The place cost about a buck to get in. The temple had long walkways and was bricked in by 10-foot walls. It wasn't very crowded and was very chill. Mommy bought more accessories. She gets stopped by every single vendor: walking or stationary; so this was no surprise. Shopaholic Momma. She has tons of fun with it so whoopee.
Temple of Literature entrance.
Nice picture of Mrs. Do.
Mini shop inside the Temple of Literature.
Bookmarkers.
A little band playing inside the Temple of Literature. Soothing music.
After the temple, we got back into the car, and headed on over to the pottery part of town to check out some tea sets -- cause Momma loves them tea sets. This place was also in Hanoi, in a village called Bat Trang. The store we hit up was called Thuy Toan Ceramic. It was loaded with pottery goods: from paintings to tables sets, eating utensils to cups and bowls, to vases and tea sets. We also toured this factory, which was interesting, as we normally only see the finished product and never know how it finds its' way on the store shelf.
We bought a couple paintings and I'm sure Mommy got some cups, bowls, or tea set - probably all three.
Pottery street alley.
Pottery street alley opposite view.
Outside Thuy Toan.
After this, it was time for dinner. Anh Hung takes us to this resort called Phu Son in Bac Ninh Province. This dinner was fairly healthy and fancy. There were four pretty ladies singing as we chowed down. Dinner consisted of a bunch of fishes, veggies, and birds. Very healthy and pretty good but everyone was still pretty full so no one ate much. Anh Hung also invited a bunch of his colleagues to join us for dinner. I didn't get their names except for the guy (Kung) that joined us for dinner the night before at the buffet.
After dinner we took some pictures and went home and passed out.
Phu Son resort.
This little red head wouldn't stop peeing.
Bitter melon.
Bird meat.
Peanuts.
Duck.
Rice crackers.
Rau muong.
Fish and veggies.
Bun.
Outside of the restaurant.
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