Of Tigers and Conical Hats

The contrast between North and South Vietnam is striking.  While the air is thick with Communism, Hanoi is soothing and easy on the senses with tree lined boulevards, quaint French architecture, manicured lagoons and parks.  The Tiger is always cold.  In my opinion, the people however, are more guarded and less openly friendly than in the South.  They seem more suspicious of tourists and foreigners - but who can blame them.  History is only a few minutes old here.  The old part of the city is like walking through a living art gallery as propoganda posters hang from every tree and pole.  Constant reminders of the worship of Ho Chi Minh.  The conical hats are worn more here than any other place I have seen in Vietnam.  It has a rich beauty that whispers from the Weeping Willows that grace the shores of the central lake.  I instantly fall in love with Hanoi.