Ho Hoan Lake

This lake sits in the heart of Hanoi in a park like setting, it is surrounded by wide winding side walks, trees , flowers, and benches.. It is a very popular place for a lake side stroll. We sat by the lake and watched the locals walk by. In October 1967, John McCain was shot down over Hanoi on a bombing raid and was badly injured when bailing out . He landed in this lake by parachute and was pulled from the water by a man in a boat. When they reached the shore, an enraged mob grabbed him ( he had a broken arm ) and proceeded to badly beat him. The military arrived and saved him from from being beaten to death. He spent the next 6 years tortured and imprisoned...........how times have changed.... We have been welcomed by all , they have forgiven and forgotten,as we have . As in all of Asia, Vietnam has a young population , most born long after those terrible days. Those who do remember have treated us well, the war has been forgotten . ( they did win ) .