We started the day with a visit to the Hoa Lo Prison, also known as "Hell on Earth". The prison was built in 1896 to house thousands of Vietnamese patriotic and revolutionary fighters. It was interesting, yet a disturbing history of the French occupation, and the conditions prisoners endured was deplorable. It is hard to believe that humans were treated worse than animals because of their beliefs, and I commend the Vietnamese people for their determination to gain independence.
The prison also housed the POW, during the Vietnam War with the USA. And American Govenor, John McCain was held prisoner in 1967 after his plane was shot down. It was during this war that the prison was nicknamed the "Hilton Hotel". And, as implied by the name, the US POWs (mostly pilots) were treated fairly well.
This is the actual toilet and sewage system that was used to escape the prison.
The rest of the day was spent exploring the French Quarters and other Hanoi districts.
A local temple and school.
In Hanoi the motorcycle rules the streets, and sidewalks.
Not sure the name of the game, but very popular.
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