Hanoi.. my eyes they see...

Today.. we meet some friends at the Temple of Literature.. first off..time for our Ao Dai's though! 

The ao dai  is a Vietnamese national costume,  now most commonly worn by women. In its current form, it is a tight-fitting silk tunic worn over pantaloons.  I met this group of friends The Temple of Literature  - itis a former center of learning in Hanoi. It is a temple of Confucius. The temple was built in 1070 at the time of King Lý Nhân Tông. It is one of several temples in Vietnam which are dedicated to Confucius, sages and scholars - perfect spot for some serious photography as well! 

  

Next we stop at Hoan Kiem Lake
This lake is in the center of the older part of Hanoi, an dis surrounded by a number of cute little cafes, which look as if they've been left from the French occupation.

Surrounded by local legend that in the mid 15th Century, Heaven gave the emperor a magical sword which drove the  Chinese out of Vietnam. The sword was then returned to the lake, when it was taken by a giant turtle. Since then it has been known as the restored sword (Hoan Kiem Lake) 

Next we discover the the Hoàn Kiếm turtle (Rafetus leloii) - this is a controversial taxon of turtle from South East Asia, with one known living specimen in Hoàn Kiếm Lake in Hanoi, Vietnam. This individual is affectionately known as Cụ Rùa, meaning “great grandfather” in Vietnamese. 

 All of a sudden I'm thirsty, and hungry!

 Hanoi has these gorgeous tree lined streets.. packed full of stores, with the best fabrics, and shopping!

 And silks to dream over!

 And life happens on the streets of Old Quarters..

 And produce gets offered ..

 Aah.. I spot a Cafe.. yay.. now for a good coffee!

Oh, but wait.. there's more shopping to entice first! No.. coffee please!