Religion will always, I think, be a very interesting subject. Why? There may be many answers, and that is why it is interesting. According to me, after some life experience; that is your way of living your life, and also, perhaps, most importantly, how you treat people you are surrounded by. And also the opposite, and not least, how people treat you. Today’s   society is turning colder and colder, literally speaking. Probably because the resources on the earth are limited.

When I went to Indochine I was very curious about Buddhism, and, I am very happy – I have learnt a lot. When I was in Hanoi I did not only visit the Ho Chi Minh complex, I went on an organized city tour since it was difficult to go by yourself. Cars and motorbikes everywhere. To go to a pagoda you have to wear a long skirt and also to take off your shoes to enter holy ground. Shoulders must also be covered with clothes.

We went to the Tran Quoc pagoda, a Buddhist relic and national heritage lying on the West Lake in Hanoi. There are two lakes to the west of Hanoi. It was very beautiful (se photos below). The monks were totally dedicated to their assignment. To worship Buddha you offer e.g. flowers, fruit and sometimes money. This brick-built pagoda is considered to be Vietnam´s oldest pagoda, built in the 6th century AD.

It should, however, be noted that there are also other religions in Vietnam but Buddhism. The three most prominent strands in Vietnam’s religious tradition are Buddhism, Taoism and Confusianism. In the mountains, people don’t believe in anything, or, they have their own religion, often connected to the mountains. To conclude, buddhism was always very present in every day life during my voyage. In a very friendly and pleasant way.

It is very nice to have some time off. Just to relax. I am still thinking of Hanoi and its surroundings, and I will continue to do so for a while. I will write some about Ho Chi Minh, a man who has made a very big impact on Vietnam since he was president during 15 years in Vietnam (1954-1969). I visited the Ho Chi Minh complex (Ho Chi Minh´s vestige in the presidential palace area), where his life was presented. It was a very strictly regulated area. No cameras allowed. Many soldiers guarding his spirit and presence even thought he has passed away. In brief, he dedicated his life for the nation and the Vietnam people.

He was influenced by many different countries since he had travelled before he became president. I suppose he is considered as very important in Vietnam since he was president during the Vietnam war (1955-1975). It was very unique to visit his relic complex. His workroom, cars used to serve him, flowers and garden were preserved, and also the iron helmet and telephones he used during the wartime, were exposed.

He was never married and did not have any children. I got the impression that he was totally dedicated to his assignment as president and to protect his country. So, he had never time to see women. His lifestyle was simplicity, modesty and gentleness. Perhaps he never had time for a love life since it was war. I find it a little peculiar since it has been common to be married to several wives in Vietnam. Once, I attended a city tour, that was in Hue, and one of the kings, at that time, had a dozen of wives. “So many?!” I asked the guide. “That is not many, a houndred wives, that is many”,the guide said with a big smile and a lot of pride on her face.

I still think of the legendary giant turtle. It is sacred in Hanoi. Above is a photo where visitors can learn about the story of the turtle on turtle island, and to show respect to Vietnam history.

It is rather early. Tea and CNN news. A lot of focus on Trumps first 100 days as a president of United States of America. Must be busy days. Already changes going on in the US. I normally follow CNN and/or BBC news, just because I like to see what is going on in the world. I also watch Vietnam News on the internet. Vietnam is a very interesting country because it is really a growing economy. In Sweden everybody has social security and all health care, whatever, which is provided by the government. But, Vietnam has suffered for so many centuries, so I think Vietnam wants to become like a Western country. And I am sure that will happen, because, everybody is so motivated, and Vietnam people travel all over the world, so it is not an enclosed country. On the contrary, Vietnam is a very open country.

I miss all fresh fruit. When I was in Vietnam and Sri Lanka I never thought of any sweets. Fresh fruit is sacred for me. Like the Jackfruit.  It is good there is fresh fruit because nobody will ever starve.