Museum of Ethnicity and Women's Museum, 10/17

Even before we got to the main building of the Museum of Ethnicity, we were assailed by groups of elementary school students heading for the outdoors displays, all eager to practice their English. "Hello" "What is your name?" "Where are you from?" "How old are you?"

Once we got into the museum, there were excellent displays on all of the 50+ ethnic groups in Vietnam.

Including clothing and art work.




But of the most interest to our band were the outdoor displays that were overrun with the school groups.

Some of them decided to wade in the muddy stream going through the exhibits.

Here is Andrew applying the Hanoi "tickler" to a young girl.

Who is having more fun?

The communal house was a hit with everyone. It was a good place for Chief Andrew to recruit a hearty band of warriors. Then he took them to the long house, where he led them in the victory dance.

Here Diana is talking with some of the teachers, who let the kids run, but then got them under control in short order when they wanted to.

There were serious times also. Here students are taking notes on one of the exhibits.

Some asked individual questions.

And this young fellow was still taking notes after all the others had left the exhibit.

And Chief Andrew was still exhorting his hearty tribe.

The communal house looked lonely after everyone left.

The outdoor displays showed the homes and living conditions for several of the ethnic minority tribes.

Even when you sat down to take a break the students were there.

After all that leading, Andrew needed some refueling at the Hoa Sua restaurant on site.










Michael says he wants one of those delicious sandwiches also, for take away.

When we got to the Women's Museum, we discovered that the main building was closed for renovations. When asked about a reopening date, we were told "maybe in two years." I suspect they want to use the site for something else, as it is in the prime real estate area.

There were still some good exhibits. Here Jill and Diana discover that one of the weapons on the wall is called a "Falchian."

Upstairs there was a good exhibit on street vendors. Hanoi recently banned them from many parts of the city, so it has created hardships. Now the vendors have to hide from the police, and if caught they are fined, or have their goods confiscated. They make precious little money anyway. Many are poor farmers from the outlying areas who are trying to supplement their income.