Uncle Ho

A final day in Hanoi included paying respects at the mausoleum of Vietnam's great leader, Ho Chi Mihn.

His mausoleum is in the grounds of the presidential palace. He used the palace as a reception area to meet international folk of stature. His own living and working quarters were very spartan echoing the living conditions of his people.

It is a place of great significance to the Vietnamese people. The many young schoolchildren were both respectful and very excited. They were being given something to remember.

Our guide was philosophical - the war is over and, while the country should not forget - telling us that 4.5 million Vietnamese died in the last conflict - the country is moving on.

It wants to be known as as a proud, independent nation NOT as a war.