A Night at the Hanoi Opera House
A Night at the Hanoi Opera House
This past week we played tour guides and had great fun. We toured all around Hanoi and ventured out to the Bai Dinh Pagoda, sailed down the Tam Coc River, braved the rain at Ha Long Bay, watched the traditional water puppet performance, sighed at the agony of prisoners held in the Hoa Lo Prison ( called the Hanoi Hilton by American prisoners), and spent an absolutely incredible evening at the Hanoi Opera House amazed at the acrobatics and traditional music performed by theCirque du Soleil troupe. Rather than try to describe the performance, please click on the link and enjoy it for yourself!!!
"My Village
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wsnjbfrn_zk
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| Busy Monday at the Bai Dinh Pagoda- still celebrating the lunar new year |
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| Bai Dinh Pagoda and Buddha |
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| Ready to sail down the Tam Coc River. Notice the captain rowing with his feet! |
Is there a specific reason that the captains row with their feet? Also, how long do people celebrate the lunar new year? (like how many days) -Christian H.
ReplyDeleteLunar new year is celebrated from one- two weeks depending on the school or business. They row with their feet to give their backs a break.
DeleteWhat kind of performances are usually held at the Hanoi Opera House? I also kind want to know who came up with the idea to row the boats with their feet. That person is a genius.
ReplyDeleteDaniel
The opera house has a variety of performances, but the acrobatic performances seem to be the biggest hit with the tourist crowds. I was amazed at the flexibility of the performers. I, too, think the foot rowing inventor was a genius- I believe she was a tired old woman with a broken back!
DeleteThe Rowing with feet is cool, do you know if there is any captain who chooses to row with hands?
ReplyDeleteYes, there were some- but few- who rowed with their hands- they don't get the big tips that way!
DeleteHow old is the Buddha Pagdoa? I thought it was really cool how they row with their feet.
ReplyDelete-Himesh Kafle
I am not sure how old that pagoda really is. You could look it up!!
DeleteThe Hanoi Opera House sounds really fun! I think it is really cool how they row so fast with their feet. -Matt
ReplyDeleteHow is the water over there? Why can only a few Americans sit in a boat? Is it because of McDonald's.
ReplyDeleteThe water is not clean- one of the biggest problems in Vietnam! We have a water purifier and I boil the water. In HaLong Bay- one of the most beautiful spots in the country- tourists are cautioned not to swim in the water. Yes, unfortunately, Americans- and Europeans are overweight! Yes, I blame McDonalds, and pizza, pop, tv, facebook, cars, etc.
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ReplyDeleteThey better go home and ice their feet! It was very impressive how they could make it look that easy!
Is there a reason they row with their feet? Are you having a good time.
ReplyDelete-Livy
I am having a good time, Livy. Tell your dad it is time he takes a sabbatical.
Deletethats alot of people in one of your pictures! good luck in Hanoi! Best wishes, Ethan Kelley
ReplyDeleteThanks, Ethan. Best wishes to you, too!! I think of you.
DeleteAre you wearing the hats that they wear too? How good are you understanding the language?
ReplyDeleteI am wearing a hat when I go south, but Hanoi is still cool enough- 70s most days. There is a reason that women here look young: they stay out of the sun.
DeleteHow all do they celebrate New Year? Are there reasons why they row with their feet?
ReplyDelete-Morgan L.
Hello Mrs. Thaler, how are things going in Vietnam? It's been phenomenal over here, if not a bit cold. What is a water puppet performance? Also, where the Tam Coc river lead?
ReplyDeleteYour favorite student, Caden L.
Hi, Mr. Favorite for this day. I do not know where the Tam Coc River leads, but I would guess the South China Sea. You will need to look it up! (I will as well.) E-mail me when you find the answer.
DeleteYou are really lucky to be in warm weather. Why do they row with their feet?
ReplyDelete-Jayden B.
Why do they row with their feet and how long does it take for them to learn such a skill? I know that in some countries they also paint with their feet. Do they value their feet as much as we value our arms? I hope you are well!
ReplyDeleteHey, Jai. I am sure they value their arms- that's why they learned to row with their feet as well. I have not seen anyone plant with their feet, but when I see what back-breaking work planting rice really is, I wouldn't blame them if they tried to plant with their feet.
DeleteWhy do they row with their feet? is it faster?
ReplyDeleteVietnam sounds so fun! I wish we can be with you and experience all the fun activities that you do! Also, why do the people there wear those cone hats even when it is cloudy? -Heather
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ReplyDeleteWhat are water puppets? Do you like those plays or american plays better?
ReplyDelete- Davin C.
water puppet performances on you tube are plentiful.
Deletehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AftYN3-dbtg
Do you know how long it takes them to learn how to row with their feet?
ReplyDeleteHow much sleep do you get a day? Thank you for explaining everyone of your adventures with us.
ReplyDelete-Raelin
I usually sleep 6 hours at night- unless I am worried about one of my kids or students!
DeleteWhy do they row with their feet? How long was the play?~Kayden R
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ReplyDeletehey Mrs Thaler, I think it is cool that they row with their feet, and how was your play- Jackson H
ReplyDeletehow many prisoners were their?
ReplyDeleteMrs. Thaler, do you know the reason why they have to row with their feet? Do they train or something?
ReplyDeleteJayden Bruns