Hanoi, Vietnam - March 19-22, 2013

 Old Quarter

 Temple of Literature at night

 Hanoi Opera House

Turtle Lake

Hanoi is a fascinating city, rich in history and bustling today.  The population is very young and motor scooters are everywhere.  The trick is to cross the streets at a slow, steady pace.  Sudden changes could result in disaster.  During my brief visit to Hanoi, I was able to walk through the Old Quarter and around Turtle Lake, both near to the Hotel Metropole where I stayed.  A special dinner was held one night at the Temple of Literature and I attended a chamber orchestra performance at the Opera House celebrating the 40th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations between Italy and Vietnam.