Uncle Ho is out of town on vacation

My last day in Hanoi was full of sight seeing. My favorite time in this city was at 530 this am when it was raining. The constant soundtrack of the streets was still there but muted. lots of people are still out and about but not tons. The very interesting appendage swinging that happens around the lake (I wish I had a video) is one of the few things happening in mass. I am pretty sure it is exercise but it looks like a very sincere attempt at shoulder dislocation.
So on my super tourist venture I went to Hoa Lo, the "Hanoi Hilton" where POWs including John McCain were kept. I also went to the Temple of Literature which an amazing oasis of peace and serenity in the land of chaos. The temple is all that I had been waiting to see architecturally.
And finally I went to the Ho Chi Minh complex where there is a pagoda, a museum, the small house where Ho lived and no one knew, and of course the mausoleum.
I was excited to see him in a very wary kind of way. Apparently he wanted to be cremated but the communist party didn't really agree with that. Therefore he got embalmed with whatever special juice they have in Russia. Unfortunately I didn't get to line up and file by because he is on his once yearly trip to Moscow to get redone. Weird. Some people have proposed that he is actually getting a touch up at Madame Toussad's. It sounds plausible. So note to all if you would like to see uncle Ho don't come in October (according to one guide sometimes he even extends his stay in Moscow through december.).
The complex is large and well guarded. Not a lot is available for viewing. I have asked about communism in Vietnam and people here seem to blow it off. It is notable that the nicest and most well kept buildings in each town are the communist ones.
Dinner for my last night was amazing. Cha Ca is a fish cooked a certain way only in Hanoi. It is made of fish and onion stir fry which you (or in my case your waitress) cook for yourself at your table then you add noodles cilantro, some herb that looks like clovers (maybe they are), some other raw sliced white veggie, peanuts, peppers (my waitress was against this "no, not for you") and fish sauce. All of this equals super delicious, although I am not sure why I was the only one that wasn't allowed to cook or serve my own. Maybe I look clumsy??? Or like I shouldn't be trusted with an open flame??
Fact of the day: So it turns out that owning a car in Vietnam is much like owning a house monetarily speaking or possibly even more expensive. Cars are taxed up to 120%. This partially explains the extensive scooter action. The rest is explained by where on earth would you park?
Pics: the mausoleum, Ho's Casa, the HCM museum, the temple, Facebook cafe, Cha Ca, temple art