052 - Hoan Kiem Lake. Hanoi, Vietnam
052 - Hanoi Vietnam
This week we make the first upgrade to our new PodAsia Network site Sound scene tour of Hoan Kiem Lake, Hanoi, Vietnam Great family news for Felicity; a daughter Sophie Elisabeth Some weekend music with Swayze and Dan Montgomery plus much much more.
PodAsia Network now has three channels; Travel, Business and Education. I see the ability of audio and video podcasting as a very powerful medium to communicate and share information with individuals. However, it is still in it’s infant, embryonic beginnings and, as far as this writer is concerned, is still far too complex for the average lay person.
PodAsia Travel. Provides information about travel where to go, what to do and important short cut tips for the business and leisure traveler in Asia.
PodAsia Business. What makes the successful entrepreneur in Asia? PodAsia Business provides in-depth articles and interviews with Asia’s business tycoons and business leaders.
PodAsia Education. Education for future generations is critical if Asia is to alleviate poverty and the challenges associated with development. The Education channel will provide free, open content about important subjects such as human reproduction, AIDS and HIV education.
Sound-scene tour from Hanoi, Vietnam. This week we get a greater understanding of where the Old Quarter of Hanoi is. Here you can buy any great trinket or souvenir of Vietnam.
In the middle of the city of Hanoi, Hoan Kiem Lake, is more than the place for morning exercises, leisure and recreation activities.
The lake has the legend way back in the mid-15th century when Emperor Ly Thai (Le Loi) got a magical sword from heaven to fight against the Chinese - the Minh aggressors - and force them from Vietnam. One day when he was out sailing in the lake, a giant golden tortoise suddenly grabbed the sword and disappeared into the water.
The lake is also known as “Ho Hoan Kiem” the Lake of the Restored Sword, because it is believed the sword was taken to its original divine owners.
As we mentioned in the sound scene tour, there is at the south side of the lake - the Tortoise Tower or the Thap Rua on the top of which a red star is often held as an emblem of Hanoi.
Ngoc Son Temple
Right up north of Hoan Kiem Lake is Ngoc Son (Jade Mountain) Temple. It was built in the 18th century as a dedication to a scholar Van Xuong, General Tran Hung Dao, who fended off the Mongols in the 13th century.
The present building of the temple is renovated in 1864 by Nguyen Van Sieu, a famous Hanoi writer. He also had a tall pen-shaped tower of five storeys erected at the entrance of the temple. 
On the gate of the temple, there are also several parallel sentences called cau doi, which were part of traditional word puzzles played among the intellectuals.
On the east side of the temple is the 19th century bright red wooden Huc (Rising Sun) Bridge, a romantic gateway to the temple.
For shopping, this is a great area. PodAsia suggests the streets bordered by Pho Hang Bong to the west, Pho Hang Ngang as the centre and Pho Hang Dan to the east.
Gainesville Florida band Swayze with their song Capable. Visit their website swayze. In addition we have Dan Montgomery; singer/songwriter from Tennessee, USA. Visit Dan here. You can download from the PodSafe Music Network.
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