Maison Centrale, a photo from Ha Noi, Red River Delta

Photographer's Note

Maison Centrale was a prison built in 1886 by the French Colonial government in Hanoi French quarter to house Vietnamese political prisoners during their struggle for independance. It was later called Hoa Lo Prison and during Vietnam War, it was used as prison for US pilots, who ironically nick-named it the Hanoi Hilton.

In 1997 most of the complex was demolished to give away for development, but only parts of the old prison was preserved and turned to museum. It is interesting to see how the inmates used to live, tortured and executed.

The most famous POWs is US Senator John McCain, was shotdown in his A-4E skyhawk fighter jet when he was on his 23rd bombing mission over North Vietnam in Oct 1967. He fractured both his arms and legs whilst ejecting and almost drowned when parachuted into Tru Bach lake nearby. He spent 5 1/2 years as a POW and was released in March 1974.

His flight suit is still on display at this museum with a photo of his visit to this ex-prison in 2000.

magalik, xuaxo, paura has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

rodgerg (55767) 2010-05-24 4:27

Hello Abmdsudi,

Symaptic scne pof life very well collected with the attitudes of the man well collected too. Superb BG very well coloured with a superb yellow color.
Best regards,
Roger

magalik (6095) 2010-05-24 4:56

Hi abmdsudi,

I already told you that you have a very beautiful gallery and your last publications confirm it. I really like your sense of photography.
Asia is the continent I dream the more to visit and it's a pleasure to discover more it with your shots.
A note very interesting also.
Well done. Have a good continuation on TE, as you deserve.

Magali

marietom (34603) 2010-05-24 5:48

hello Abmdsudi,

Jolie composition, avec cet attelage étonnant, devant de très beaux murs.
Bonne journée
Marie

Urs (11756) 2010-05-24 19:47

Hi Abmdsudi

Excellent idea to shot a documentary historical photograph with will researched note. Vibrant color hues and high sharpness too. Interesting that French called their prison Maison Centrale what means Center House. Well done. Thanks for your critique of my catch shot from Kuala Kedah. I like this fishing port almost at my door step.

Warm regards
urs

xuaxo (6830) 2010-05-25 8:58

Hello!
Very interesting details and the mix of languages.
~
I never cared about McCain's life story (I'm not American ;), but now I'm impressed about what you wrote.
Greetings,
Francisco

Elaine_Blath (8509) 2010-05-26 4:12

Hello,

another great photo from Vietnam expressing the atmosphere superbly! Very good...

Have a nice day, Ivana

BennyV (12747) 2010-05-26 9:52

Hi Abmdsudi,

Great colourful scene. The tranquility of it contrasts nicely with the violent history of the location. That's another top shot for me. Thanks.

Benny

rikko77 (10849) 2010-05-26 9:54

Hi Abmdsudi
this is a very good scene. I like the POV and the composition you chose for this daily life, colorful situation. The presence of the solitary man adds much to your shot. Congratulations!
Rikk

paura (47166) 2010-12-23 17:19

AA,
Excellent colors and exposure settings to show us the interesting urban image. very well done.

Regards

Paulo