Vietnam 2013: Part 1

We arrived at Hanoi bright and early and just like any other airport in the world, it was quite packed! As soon as you get off the plane, you'll see everyone start to layer on their pretty coats and gloves at the immigration area! Yep, it was expected to be THAT cold in Hanoi.

Quick snap of the airport interior. We headed to our first stop almost immediately which was the Confucius Temple.

Being here brought me back to my summer study tour days where a lot of the tour locations were similar to the Confucius temple.

Apparently, in the old days, students would go here to pray before a big test. Too bad there's no place like this in the Philippines! Haha!

Altars for Confucius's disciples.

Turtle representing health and longevity.

The main temple was ironically situated elsewhere in the compound. Just when I thought we were done, we actually had to make one last stop here which was actually where the legitimate altar to Confucius was.

Compared to the other statues, Confucius was gleaming in what looked like bronze. It was almost ominous, but it's really cool to see. :)

Old photos of the foundation of the temple.

Going up the stairs will lead you to more altars, but for more disciples, if I'm not mistaken.

Afterwards, we headed out to lunch at Pho Bien!

The place was packed when we got there, and I loved how simple everything was. Definitely a no-nonsense kind of joint.

Leaving this post now with tons of #foodporn for you all. I've forgotten the names but these are all traditional Vietnamese dishes. :D

'Til next time! :)