Not only was Uncle Ho a great leader he was also a keen advocate for physical exercise. I once bought a set of postcards of him enjoying various physical activities such as badminton, billiards and martial arts, sometimes with a cigarette in hand.
This poster urges citizens to follow his example, though anyone who's been in a park in Vietnam between 5 and 8 am or in the late afternoon will know that most Vietnamese need no encouragement. There is so much activity and so many people out getting their blood pumping that it feels almost festive. What is always a delight is to see the older generation executing various arm waving foot tapping sequences; they are also creative in incorporating park benches into their routines. This may involve some gentle form of press up, or I have seen someone lying face up, arms and legs straight up and just doing a bit of vigorous shaking of appendages.
Ho Chi Minh urges his citizens to exercise, I would urge any foreigner visiting this country to get up as early as you can and spend some time in a park. You will be entertained.
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