Photo's from the bus
Downtown Hanoi, Vietnam
Still the first day

Classic Pipe houses
The thinner the house the more affordable it is!
As the mortgage is based upon the square footage
of the main floor

I just liked the style of this building
If I showed you this without identifying that it was in Vietnam,
would you think that it was?

By far the largest and most decorative incense burner I've ever seen!

Finally the last courtyard or House of Ceremonies

Stone stele records of Imperial examinations of the Le and Mac dynasties
Basically all names and related information of doctoral laureates who passed
their university exams from 1441 to 1779, have been carved into the stones.
These are 2,313 names in total on 82 stones
The tortoise was traditionally considered a symbol of longevity & 'everlastingness' 

This is the head piece of a bell ? although completely encased in bronze...

Each side of the bell had this symbol allowing the
sound to emerge

This is known as the Well of Heavenly Clarity

Entrance to Turtle Steles Pavillion

 

A typical Vietnamese temple roof line 

The University/Temple boasts five courtyards
This is the gate that takes you further into the complex

Most of these tree creatures need some love and attention
So much for agricultural prowess...