Monday 28 May 2018

Humongous thunderstorm directly overhead trapped us in a coffee shop yesterday before dinner, then pounded the city most of the night. Suppose to be much less chance today, but awoke to rain, dampening desire for all day boat trip to Tam Coc. Tomorrow forecast worse. Siem Reap and Phnom Penh same. Should have come last month. Shoulda, coulda, didn't.

Went to see Ho Chi Minh. He's on display like Lenin, but not on Monday or Friday, so no dead Ho. Went to his museum nearby, which was open. Not very enlightening because not enough on him (interesting guy and have lots of thoughts on him, not all bad, but this not the venue) and mostly propaganda, but had one pretty interesting exhibit with a series of plaques that each gave someone's personal commentary on his experience. In chronological order starting as one might expect with courageous resistance in the face of great suffering during the war and ending with bragging about entrepreneurial successes - one where the government couldn't provide enough transport capability so this fellow started a trucking company and became rich. Surprised that got by the censors, but like China, Vietnam has become a slice more circumspect about its Marxist ideology.

Also went to the "Hanoi Hilton", now a museum. Mostly about Vietnamese prisoners of the French, but a nice bit on US airmen, including John McCain. Most photos and information were just before release when they were treated better. Two or three hundred pilots were inmates with many more Vietnamese's criminals. Oddly, all prisoners of the French were political, but the Vietnamese didn't do that sort of thing and everyone they incarcerated was a criminal.

Tuesday

Fantastic finish this morning in the Volvo Round the World Ocean Race leg 9, Newport to Cardiff, with Brunel just nosing out Akzo Nobel to win. Had been cheering for Vestas until they screwed the pooch, failing to finish legs 4 - 7, taking themselves out of it. Switched allegiance to Brunel, helmed by New Zealand America's Cup hero Peter Burling, just before they sailed three superb legs to put themselves in contention for the overall win. No doubt our psychic support helped them raise their game.

Today, the French Quarter. Pain au chocolat anyone?

Jack