Connect the dots

Wednesday, May 23, 2012

Celebrating in Hanoi

I started the day feeling scholarly at the Temple of Literature, 942 years old and considered Vietnam's first university. Students were personally tested by the king himself. Graduates of the royal exam had their names engraved in the doctors' stelae that still stand today. We watched current high school and college grads posing in the serene courtyards and traditional pavilions.







A visit to Hanoi is not complete without seeing this unique and entertaining show. Nothing like seeing a puppet show to make you feel young again. There were definitely more adults than kids in the audience. Here is the famous Thang Long Water Puppet Theater:



We returned to the hotel with 2 big surprises waiting for me. A birthday cake from the hotel and babysitting by the staff while we had an adults-only dinner!


The Ly Club is housed in an old colonial house formerly owned by a French doctor. Take the  set menu for a 7 course meal that uses fresh produce, seafood and meats to showcase the best of modern Vietnamese cuisine. 


Ginger, herbs, and soy steamed fish
Green tea, ginger, passionfruit creme brulee for my sweet tooth

Another year and a great start to our Vietnamese adventures!

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