Vietnam: Hoan Kiem Lake - Hanoi

Sent from the kindness of strangers Mike and Christine.  This lake has attached to it a myth like that of Excalibur.  

History according to wiki source:


According to the legend, emperor Lê Lợi handed a magic sword called Heaven's Will which brought him victory in his revolt against the Chinese Ming Dynasty back to the Golden Turtle God (Kim Qui) in the lake and hence gave it its present name (the lake was formerly known as Luc Thuy meaning "Green Water"). The Tortoise Tower (Thap Rùa) standing on a small island near the center of lake is linked to the legend.

If you are interested in what others had to say.  Please check out how magical Hanoi is at virtual tourist.

Peru: Indians of the Andes

This was sent from a cousin, Nick, who was on vacation with his girlfriend, Rachael.  He notes that Guinea Pigs, The Pixie's first pet, are a part of the cuisine here.

This post card was created by Stichinghope.org, an organization that advocates and promotes a good standard of living for the Indians that live high up in the Andes. With the use of llama's and their wool, and their main food staple, a highly winter resistant potato, their culture is a link from the Inca civilization. Their work promotes sustainable living for the Indians so that they avoid moving to the city where they often end up living worse off in the slums.

Maine: Whaleback Light