Jude and Mickey Mouse at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

One of the many pleasures of Hanoi is waking up at 5 a.m., walking (or running) to Hoan Kiem Lake, and seeing the city come alive—with hundreds of people of all ages, but more in the 60-80 year-old range, exercising together.  (The average age seems to drop later in the morning, with more people in their 20s and 30s exercising by 6:30 or so.)  Seeing so many people come together before dawn to move around and stay healthy and limber is an incredible and inspiring sight. Continue reading »