The Temple of Literature is just about the oldest place in Hanoi. It was constructed sometime between 1009 and 1225. Many of its original buildings are still in place. When I saw this door hanging ajar against the well-worn walls, I felt as if I was looking straight back into the face of time itself. The ancient door hangs wide open, revealing a stack of nested baskets within. Just outside of it, worn roof tiles are stacked, their brownish hues echoing the colors of the baskets within the storeroom. The broom and dustpan look standing against the wall of the storeroom look as if they come from another time as well. Had this door been locked shut, as it probably should have been, think of all we would have missed! Just about the only concession to the industrial age here is the padlock that is supposed to keep photographers and others at bay.