HCMC

Some pictures from last March in Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon). I was there twice on this trip, but no time for looking around.

Two shots are from from the market, others from the street. Couldn't resist the wall banner picture of Ho Chi Minh.

The overloaded motor bike is typical. They're the pick-up/utility vehicle/family mini van of choice here. Affordable, keeps on going for ever. I've seen up to four people on one.

The office building is now known at the "People's Liberation Palace". Up until 1975 and the end of the "American War", it was the US Embassy. Remember those iconic pictures of the last helicopters evacuating Americans from the roof? This is the place.

Hoi An

This is an old Chinese trading port, now famous for same day tailoring (lots of silk), handmade paper lanterns, and its architecture.

If you look up Hoi An on Google, you'll find lots of information. Very intersting place. The picture of all the small boats, with the hills in the background, was taken from out front of my hotel.

The Japanese style covered foot bridge is quite famous. Notice the painted eyes on the front of th boats.

The ferry takes passengers, bicycles and motor bikes to the far side of the river. The shore has wooden ramps that allow you to drive your motor bike right on to the roof of the ferry.

Sunday on the streets of Hanoi

It's midday Sunday and it seems like half of Hanoi is on the streets. Sidewalk cafes are full, roads and alleys are jammed, markets are crowded. Went for a two hour walk (hot, humid, sweaty) and shot some street scenes.

The sidewalk restaurant (cooking over charcoal) is two doors down from my hotel.

The long yellow wall is the exterior of the old French colonial prison, referred to by the Americans as the "Hanoi Hilton". I toured it last December. Brutal. It also happens to be nextdoor to the grocery store I go to.

The motorbikes lined up is representative of typical parking. It's actually well organized, with attendants who park your bike, use chalk to put a number on the street, and ensure every available inch of space is used.

Unfortunatley for picture taking, it's a grey overcast day. In all the times I've been to Hanoi, I have yet to see the sun.

More of Hoi An

Yes, I took LOTS of pictures in Hoi An. Couldn't resist this truck photo. While it may look "odd", you see a lot of these in the country side. It reminds me of Frankenstein. Notice the woman behind it and the look on her face. You can hear the truck well before you see it, and smell it long after it's passed.

The other photo is a sidewalk gas pump. You see these, all alone, by the road quite often. this one just happens to coincidentally be stationed by a cigarette stall.

Also attached another market photo in Hoi An.

Cao Lanh

Half day meeting in Sadec, then four days in Cao Lanh. 3 day course, followed by half day planning meeting, then four hour drive back to Ho Chi Minh City. After class on first day, entire class went to visit the grave of Ho Chi Minh's father. National shrine located in a large park. Hien, the translator, is in the white shirt.

Very broad streets in Cao Lanh, but very few cars. Quite a poor area, yet it's the largest rice producing region in the country. Rare to see people like me here. Got lots of stares, even more so when I went to the local department store. Caused quite a stir.

I've attached a group shot of the class in Cao Lanh.

Weekend in Hanoi

Try a new, small hotel in Hanoi. Furnished bachelor suites, set in an alley off the tourist path. This is the view out my window. The home across the alley reflects the Chinese influence here. At the end of the alley is a wonderful little French cafe/pastry shop. Nice and handy...

Half day in Sadec

Sadec is about a four hour drive up the Mekong Delta from Ho Chi Minh City - actually only 150 km, but the going is slow.

Our half day meeting (actually, we were just observers of a review of a youth intervention program) took place in an old French colonial building, now the People's Committee headquarters for this district. That's the two story yellow building. The river shots are taken from across the street, showing the market area of Sadek, on a tributary of the Mekong.

After the meeting, our local hosts took us to a famour local historical pagoda. During the war, this was a known place for freedom fighters to hide.

Da Nang

Local beach, Da Nang at 5:45 in the morning. Just after this picture, two Vietnamese fighter jets flew low overhead along the beach. It was already in the low 30's C at this point.
Othe picture is Da Nang from my hotel window. Very few high rises, and few cars here.

More of Hoi An

I think it's going to be easier to share my pictures with everyone this way, and still keep my travel diary private - friends and family only.

these are some more shots of Hoi An, where I spent last weekend. It was incredibly hot and humid. If you Google "Hoi An", you'll find lots of interesting information. There is a very strong historical Chinese influence in the construction in Hoi An. But then, I've found similar influences in the north (Hanoi, Haiphong and Halong Bay - trip earlier this year) and in the south, up the Mekong River.

When you look at these guys digging the ditch (by hand) remember that it was high 30's C and very humid. I don't know how they do it.

The boat photo is the ferry that takes locals to the other side of the river. Bicyles and motor bikes drive right on to the roof.

Hoi An is known for its silk, same day tailoring, and handmade paper lanterns. Great place to visit, but not as much fun when you're alone!

if this is Saturday, it must be Hanoi

OK everyone, I've had it with technology around trying to send pictures, so I joined the modern age and started a blog.

These are shots of Hoi An. Boats on the rive (note the eyes on the boats), the street, and the river out front of my hotel. More posts and pictures to follow.

Mark