First pretty, then informative, and followed by delicious.
After visiting Ho Chi Minh’s stilt house we strolled over to another popular spot, the One Pillar Pagoda. I didn’t know this at the time but the temple was built in 1049 by the Emperor to demonstrate gratitude over the birth of a son. I just thought it was pretty.
Next we walked over to the Ho Chi Minh museum, which details the country’s struggle against foreign powers.
Tip: Go upstairs! We started on the main floor and quickly grew a little bored reading newspaper clippings and journal entries. Luckily, Mike made us climb the stairs to where the interesting exhibits reside. From now on I might just start visiting the second floor of museums first. (The interesting bits at the Gandhi museum are upstairs too.)
By this time we were ready for some lunch. We grabbed a taxi (that completely overcharged us) and went to KOTO, a not-for-profit restaurant. KOTO’s mission is to reach out to young people in poverty and teach them useful culinary skills. (KOTO stands for “Know One, Teach One.”) I highly recommend visitors to Hanoi eat at KOTO. Not only is their mission very noble, the food was delicious.
It’s probably out of focus because I was so excited to tuck into this yummy pumpkin and tofu dish.
xo, jill
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