Yesterday we went to the Hao Lo Prison Museum. I was writing a post about it for the blog when the hotel power went out so I could not post pics and lost that part of the post. This prison (1/3 of it remains standing) was originally used by the French colonists for Vietnamese rebels. It was later used for American soldiers during the Vietnam War and is what American soldiers called the "Hanoi Hilton." It is also where John McCain was held during the war. It was interesting and very sad.
Today we were going to go to a market with some other PLAN (our agency) families, but they left early and Ian slept late and we just went with that. We heard it was terribly hot there, beause it was inside and not air conditioned. We ended up not going, but instead walked around and walked to the lake (Hoa Kiem Lake? I will check). The lake is shaded and pretty with benches and a nice place to relax and cool off. On the way to the lake we intended to shop, but it is stressful shopping because they do not leave you alone. Many of the women will follow you down the street and even grab at you. One woman today had my arm and was not letting go. We bought a fan from one woman and she gave Sean incorrect change and tried to not pay it back to him. He was firm and insisted and she eventually gave it to him.
Later, Sean bought a Vietnamese stringed instrument that he had seen before. It is very long but folds up and has a case. It has one string but you move your other hand along the string in different places. It has beautiful inlaid mother of pearl dragons and other decorations. The wood looks like a mahogany finish (only $40). Sean learned a little about how to play it and we will probably display it in Ian's room and teach him how to play it one day.
Last night and tonight we had dinner with some families from our agency. Ian is the only adopted boy so he is loving being around all of the cute little ladies! Last night we ate at Kiti just a few doors down from our hotel. They have Vietnamese and many other types of food. Sean and I ate there Wednesday night too. They are very nice and held Ian while we ate. Tonight we ate at Al Fresco's which is where Americans go for some American comfort food. It was nice. Ian was so good and we even forgot his toys. He just loves being out and about. He loves people and when we walk around we take him in the front pack (Baby Bjorn) and he is very content.
Tomorrow (Saturday) we are going to the silk village with the families from our agency. We heard there are great prices there. Among other things, I will be looking for fabric for Ian's 100 Good Wishes Quilt. On Sunday we may go to Ha long Bay which is a boat trip through a bay with beautiful rock formations. We have not heard if our tickets can be changed so we might not go Sunday if we are staying longer, because I think the PLAN families might want to go on Monday instead and it would be fun to go with them.
O.K. I will write more later. I am going to post pics of the Hoa Lo prison, our walk today, the actual Hanoi Hilton and maybe cute pics of Ian in the tub and Sean feeding Ian. It is so interesting here, but I can't wait until I can make a bottle with tap water and use my washer & dryer! Being here so long does help you bond though. We spend a lot of time in our hotel room just playing with Ian. I know at home there would be the "real life" distractions and responsibilities. I know this is a special time but I miss Zach and I miss home too.
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