7th Day prayer for King Father

Cambodians gathered yesterday evening, October 20, to pray in front of the Royal Palace. This is the 7th day of the King Father's passing on. Over 2,000 monks marched to join in the prayer.

Cambodians, children, young and old, wearing black ribbons burnt incense and offered flowers to show their love for the King Father, Norodom Sihanouk. He is remembered with love by his people.

Cambodia Mourns for Beloved King Father

Cambodia is now mourning the passing on of the King Father, former King Norodom Sihanouk. He died in China of natural causes. His remains, accompanied by his wife and son, the current King of Cambodia, King Sihamoni was brought here in Phnom Penh yesterday. It is now at the Royal Palace. People lined up in the streets, many of them in tears, to have a last glimpse of his remains.

Hoa Lo Prison

We are now in Hanoi and live right beside Hoa Lo Prison. After avoiding it for over a month, I finally decided to go in. The entrance is only $1.

American friends I hang out with were not keen to go as they'd rather not remember anymore of that war. But my curiosity got the better of me and I went in. I, then, realized that this is not just the prison for the Americans. Built in the 1890's by the French, it was the prison for the Vietnamese resisting French rule.

What is interesting is how this prison got its name. It used to be the village of ceramic producers. All the time, they fired pottery kilns thus their village was known as Hoa Lo (fired pottery kilns). These potters were of course moved by the French when they decided to build this prison to house the many Vietnamese at that time who started to demand independence.

There are displays of letters of these brave men and women, things they did while in prison and pictures of their food and health conditions.

During the war in Vietnam where the Americans got involved, American prisoners were placed here. Most of them were airforce men the most popular of whom was Senator McCain who came back to visit the place. Pictures of these American prisoners are also on display most of the good days they have including their march to the airport after they had been freed.

It is worth visiting as a memorial to the bravery of both the Vietnamese and the Americans.

Other Interesting Places to Visit in Hanoi:

West Lake

The Temple of Literature in Hanoi

One Saturday morning going on our usual walk, I suggested that we go to the Temple of Literature as we really have not done much tourism since we arrived here in Hanoi.

Knowing that it is just an easy walk from where we stay, off we went with our map. And we were pleasantly surprised. Confucius is at the centre of the temple which is dedicated to sages and Confucian scholars.

This first University of Vietnam was constructed in 1076 and today, it still has its ancient architectural style and its relics.

Many students scheduled to take their exams are there asking the sages and scholars for help. You can easily spend a morning there understanding the system they used at that time.

Other Places to Visit in Vietnam:

Perfume Pagoda
West Lake
Duong Lam Village

Cambodia Khmer Wedding Pictures

Images of Khmer Cambodia Wedding

Preparing for the Popil Ceremony at Khmer Wedding

Holding the Sword at Khmer Wedding

Khmer Wedding Rings

Monks Blessing the Bride and Groom

Families of the Bride and Groom with the Hindu Priest

Families at Khmer Wedding

Masters of Ceremonies at Khmer Wedding