Hanoi by bike

Sunday, 11.2.2018

Tight schedule: breakfast at 6:30am and bus departure at 7:30am. We go to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. It opens at 8am and when we approach by bus, people are queuing loosely for 1km. But when the mausoleum doors open, it goes quite quickly. The whole complex of gardens where the mausoleum is located is huge. Ho Chi Minh wanted to be cremated, but his wish was not fulfilled. Building materials were brought from the farthest corners of Vietnam to build this huge, noble mausoleum. It is said that Ho Chi Minh's body is brought to Russia once a year to be embalmed again. Then there is the theory that this is not actually the father of the nation, but just a wax figure. The truth is not known.

Loc explains that you can expect a fine or imprisonment if you speak badly about Ho Chi Minh. He was a modest man (communist) who ended French rule in Vietnam. He did not want to live in the huge presidential palace, but preferred a small, modest house nearby. He lived there from 1954-58 before moving to a modest stilt house until his death in 1969. The crowds of people are really impressive. Every Vietnamese person wants to have been here at least once.

Then we visit the replica of the One Pillar Pagoda. The original was destroyed by the French before they left the country.

Then we go to the bicycle garage where our bikes are ready. They are Giant mountain bikes, 24 gears, disc brakes, very modern.

After attaching our own saddles and pedals (I have my own clipless pedals), we start cycling. We ride around the largest lake in Hanoi, West Lake. In total, we cover 20 km. Due to it being Sunday, there is less traffic and the cycling goes quite well. Loc occasionally stops and lets us taste local specialties (fried banana, coconut roll).

Back at the hotel, I'm freezing cold and stand under the warm shower for 15 minutes. In addition, I have a headache and feel groggy. At first, I think it could be due to the chilliness I caught in Halong Bay. However, I have no fever, no cough, and no other cold symptoms. I'm sure that I can't tolerate this EXTREME air pollution. So tomorrow, when we leave the city and cycle in the countryside, everything will be better! Let's see if my theory is correct.