The Ho Chi Minh Complex

January 9, 2014
After breakfast, we taxied over to the Ho Chi Minh Complex and spent the rest of the morning studying the history and politics of Vietnam and exploring the life and times of Ho Chi Minh, a  legendary Communist Vietnamese leader who is still highly revered in this country today.
The Ho Chi Minh Complex includes his mausoleum in which his body is reverently displayed; a museum which provides an insightful look at the history and politics of Vietnam and documents Ho Chi Minh's life and accomplishments; and the stilt house where he once lived here in the city of Hanoi. 
Security was tight, with several checkpoints throughout the complex.  I was required to check my camera before entering the mausoleum.  A number of uniformed guards patrolled the complex, while others stood at attention at strategic points of entry into buildings and along the path through the complex grounds.  Visitors who strayed off the appropriate tour route were swiftly redirected with a shrill whistle, hand motions and orders barked in Vietnamese that needed no translation.
I left the complex with a greater understanding of the idealistic vision of Ho Chi Minh and the determination to maintain independence and the national pride of the Vietnamese citizens.


My efforts to upload photos are unsuccessful at the moment, but I expect to soon resolve the technology issues.  Thank you for your patience!