Leaving Hanoi

This is my last post as I am on my way home from Vietnam.

I have had a great experience here and I am looking forward to seeing everyone who may have been reading along with my adventures.

Vietnam has a very different and intriguing culture, and some beautiful scenery.
I hope to return to investigate the centre and South of Vietnam at some later date.

Best wishes to my friends at the Masters for Development Economics at the National Economics University of Hanoi, I hope to meet you again.

Seeyas!

The Vietnamese Constitutions 1946-1959-1980-1992

I am currently reading the Vietnamese Constitutions. It has been amended three times since its original form in 1946.

As Vietnam changes, the constitution can change. If two thirds of the National Assembly agree, they can amend the constitution.

It describes a one party system with socialist ideals, operating in a free market economy, where everyone is equal and can do whatever they like regardless of sex, ethnicity or religion. However, no one is entitled to act against the state, that's not on.

Its a very interesting read - it's got everything, war, heroes, glory, honour and evil henchmen. It really does mention evil henchmen.

Ho Chi Minh

Today I went to see Ho Chi Minh. He is embalmed and lies in state in a mausoleum in Hanoi.

No cameras are allowed. There is about eight soldiers guarding him, with machine guns.

After passing through the mausoleum you can wander through the Ho Chi Minh complex and museum, which includes the Presidential Palace and Uncle Ho's used car collection.