Hanoi - Temple of Literature

Today we went to the Temple of Literature, which dates back to the 11th century. 84 doctorates were awarded and recorded on large stone tablets displayed around the very large courtyard, to noblemen’s sons during it’s 50 or so years of existence. Because the tablets are so old, most of the writing is worn down, probably due a lot to rubbings taken from them. There is a sign not to take rubbings, but people were taking them anyway. There was a very good government crafts store there. Kathie and I both purchased gorgeous hand painted silk dresses for about 40 USD each.

We went to the Craftlink store afterwards. All the money made from crafts sold in Craftlink goes to local programs for the homeless and disabled. We met a woman from Switzerland who asked us to “try on” some handbags. She comes back every year and purchases large quanties of items to sell in her store at home.