Co Loa 21/1/20

I have been saying for the past week now that I want to go to Co Loa. I have found where it is, I've plotted the route (I know most of the way) but things have ganged up on me. It's been too cold and wet, the bike is not working any excuse really. It actually my own inertia. I am slack! I get up early and go to breakfast by 8am. I am full of enthusiasm and energy. I have a large breakfast that involves Pho Ga, fruit, yoghurt and some munchies from the ban marie. I start with tea and end with coffee. I go back to my room , take my pills and have the insulin injections and promptly fall asleep till midday. This time it's different, this time I'm determined.


Co Loa was the capital of Au Lac in 257 BCE. Au Lac was one of the ancient kingdoms that predated the development of Vietnam. It was I think started in the period of the Hung Kings, the earliest kingdoms in what is now Vietnam. It is about 40mins north of Hanoi. The place is now a big town that has grown mosslike over the original citadel. It was built over 2,000 years ago so this hardly suprising. The only things that appear to be from the original are the myriad of canals and ponds and some of the embankment walls. It was referred to as the"snail" castle as the system of canals were very snail like in shape. There have bee numerous finds of artifacts and treasures found all over the town. There have been many digs over the years recording the amazing history of the place.

I spent a very lovely time sitting on a bench in front of "The Well of Trong Thuy" a lovely lake and well 2,000 years old. The peace and serenity was added to by the  locals about thier daily business. I was lucky enough to be there at the end of school. There were hordes of uniformed kids wondering home on thier bikes and mopeds, happily shouting at each other (and at me!). Young adolescents on motorbikes hussling pretty girls studiously ignoring them. And groups of old men sitting in groups talking about life. It was blissful and set me up for the ride back to Hanoi.

The photos below are a bit of a mish mash. First from the Balcony Bar, my fav. Then of the railway embankment on the edge of the old quarter. The artwork there is fantastic and adds so well to the ambience of the place. Lastly are several photos of the "Well of Trong Thuy" in Co Loa.
Favorite Balcony Bar
Same Bar
5

Last of the Bar.


Railway embankment in Ols Quarter Hanoi

A continuation from above.


More again


It is so lifelike.

I love this thing.

Watch out Trams coming.


This is the start of the series
The Well of Trong Thuy

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