The ability of the students to find new ways of sharing a bicycle (or even a motorbike sometimes) will never cease to amaze me.
Street haircut
Today might be the day you want to look nicer for your other half; why not getting a haircut right down the street? The sure thing is it'll be cheap and fast!
Zen
This is the doorstep of one of the fancy Vietnamese restaurants in Hanoi; I'm not such a big fan of the food there, but I just love the subtle design & colors of the entrance, that nicely contrast with the rest of the street. The red roses must be remains of the (probably) overpriced Valentine's dinner!
Drive-through
Mirror-man
I found this odd-looking pub entrance while wandering in town and thought it was looking pretty unique! The sure thing is: you're not likely to mistake this pub for another -- even if you're tipsy!
Almost like holidays
A hammock, a couple of books... If only there were sand on the sidewalk, it would pretty much be like being on the beach!
Disposable?
For those of you in Western countries, this is the Vietnamese equivalent of the Christmas tree! To be more accurate, those peach tree branches are bought before (and during) the Tết celebration, to celebrate the Lunar New Year. Once the party is over, you find them laying on the sidewalks, kind of like our beloved pine trees back in Europe...
Đàn bầu
While we're talking about traditional folklore, did you know that one of the most popular musical instruments is the monochord - or, in Vietnamese, 'đàn bầu'? Although very simple in its design, the sounds it can produce covers an astonishing range. You can listen to it - and even learn how to play it! - over there.
Low rise
For those who weren't convinced yet that Hanoi isn't much of a skyscraper capital, well... This photo was taken right in the heart of the city, on a terrace overlooking Hoàn Kiếm lake. You can even see (even though it appears super tiny on the picture) the Tortoise tower I featured a while ago.
High-rise buildings are being build all around of course nowadays, so enjoy the view while it lasts!
High-rise buildings are being build all around of course nowadays, so enjoy the view while it lasts!
Puppet show
Can you guess what this is? Theatre?
Nope, it actually is the 'stage' of the famous Water Pupper show, located at one of the corners of Hoan Kiem lake; a traditional music band plays while animated puppets are evolving on the water in front of this house (which hides the puppet masters). The show is split into a bit less than 20 short scenes which mostly relate to Vietnamese folklore... Very fun to see!
Fine lacquer
Most tourists who visit Hanoi bring some lacquerware back home, and for a good reason: the one produced here is of excellent quality and has evolved from traditional motifs to more vibrant colors and modern shapes. Here's a piece I like from my favourite lacquer shop, which is tiny (probably no more than two meters in width!) but has got a lot to offer. Go visit them if you can, they're called the 'Vietnamese Craft Guild' and they're located on To Tich street. Enjoy, and happy new year 2010!
The train (1)
Back from holidays!
My family and I took the train to go down to the Central provinces, and we naturally made a few stops along the way. We used buses, minivans, taxi, motorbikes, and a flight.. And of course the Reunification train, that runs from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City. Here's a scene from this train, and I'll probably post a few more this week!
Sunset
My family is arriving tomorrow in Hanoi and we'll be traveling around on our motorbikes; so enjoy this photo while I'm away, and I'll be back with many more!
In advance, Merry Christmas!
Cute thing
Okay, this isn't technically Hanoi, but it's not that far - in the North. I took this during my one-week motorbike trip, during which I saw some fantastic sights. Thankfully there weren't that many cars on the road, so those buffalos were safe!
Jingle bells
Found this engraved bell in the Bút Tháp pagoda; my poor vietnamese skills only allow me to decipher 'Chùa Bút Tháp' (Bút Tháp pagoda), 'thành phố Hạ Long' (Halong city) and 'Tỉnh Quảng Ninh' (Quảng Ninh province). Yeah I know, I really oughta take some more lessons! Someone help me?
What a house!
In case you're wondering, this was taken right in the heart of Hanoi! To be more exact, right inside the excellent Museum of Ethnology of Vietnam (Bảo tàng Dân tộc học Việt Nam) which showcases the numerous ethnic minorities that coexist in the country. Outside the museum, you can find samples of traditional houses, most of them being 'community houses' - which explains the surreal height for instance!
Little Buddha
I found this interesting statuette in the Bút Tháp pagoda premises (this site is approximately 60 km away from Hanoi centre - translate into a 2h30 motorbike ride); the pagoda, which dates back to the 13th century, is really worth the visit!
Tran Quoc Pagod
Tran Quoc Pagoda is located between Truc Bach lake (where I live) and Ho Tay (West Lake). The legend says it's been built during the 6th century A.D. on the banks of the river, and then relocated to its current site. Sure looks like it's been well renovated ;).
Graduation
Time to graduate for these young ladies, in a beautiful environment (the Temple of Literature, no less!).
Junction
The traffic junctions are usually quite a mess here (an organized one, that is). Some other times however, you have the occasional traffic lights - as it is the case down my office!
Little house in the wall
There are plenty of houses being torn down and rebuilt in my neighborhood; this one has left some traces on this big white wall, and I'm not quite sure when a new one will be erected. Kinda cute, isn't it?
Deluge
Rain started pouring on Hanoi about 36 hours ago and practically didn't stop ever since, leaving some streets under over 3 feets of water. Going to the office - and getting back from there - has revealed itself rather epic; today however I'm staying at home. Why? Well, Have a look at my doorstep... Not really feeling like paddling in there!
Patronage
Sometimes private companies contribute to the local art scene here, too. You don't see it too often yet, but I think that's actually an interesting way to do indirect marketing! In case you were wondering, this was taken in the Temple of Literature.
Skyscraper
There aren't many tall buildings in Hanoi, and this is kind of is the beauty of it all.
Here's one of the very few you will be able to see down here; nothing spectacular about it, except its uniqueness!
Autumn
And I'm back!
In just a month, after two wonderful weeks in France and two other weeks in Vietnam, the summer has gone and has given its way to the autumn. We're not cold, for sure (the average temperatures are still well above 25C) but at least we enjoy some breeze.
Well well, I'm happy to being back to posting on a daily basis - your comments and suggestions are as always super welcome!
Coal-cycle
This is something you'll see quite a lot in Hanoi: a bicycle heavily loaded with coal cylinders. They're used by the street restaurant and you'll notice them on the road at the end of the day, when they will have been consumed.
Wedding prep
When I say everything here happens in the street, it really is the case. Proof to the point: this wedding car being covered with flowers and ribbons. There are some common points between East and West, aren't there?
Diet-free
As promised the other day, here's a close-up of a Mid-Autumn cake (a.k.a. bánh trung thu); these are been sold all over the place until today!
Incredibly rich, they can be made of lotus seeds, black sesame, durian, and many other things. This one contains green sticky rice and a yolk from a salted duck egg. Very yummy but having more than one wedge is proving itself extremely challenging!
Eclipse... not
Hanoi's skies are very peculiar, especially at this time of the year; often grey, it takes some time to get used to. But I think this one is pretty cool! Have a good weekend, everyone.
Green overflow
I often walk around looking above my head to catch unusual stuff... Couldn't help but notice this elaborate plant overflowing the balcony; someone must have a green hand - at least greener than mine, as all plants that are on my balcony are dying on me!
100th
Today sees this blog's hundredth post! The past week has been keeping me uber-busy with work and I didn't have as much time as I wanted to wander around and take photos. So here's another sight from my neighborhood, which I'm still crazy about!
Stick around... More Hanoian pics to come!
Accessories?
Here's a shop where you can buy ornaments to be displayed on the small 'houses' for the departed.. Always reminds me of Thailand, where such a tradition is also still very vivid.
Vespa shops
Vespa shops are blossoming in every part of the city, offering the cute, colorful scooters to those interested - well, for a nifty price tag. I'm dying to get one!
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