Hanoi Photos

Bicycle pooling

2011-02-23T06:59:00.001-08:00

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

2011-02-23T06:58:00.001-08:00

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!

Soviet style

2011-02-23T06:57:00.002-08:00

[somewhere on Nguyễn Du street]

Zen

2011-02-23T06:57:00.000-08:00

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

2011-02-23T06:55:00.000-08:00

There might not be McDonald's (yet) in Hanoi, but that doesn't mean people haven't already found their own way of re-inventing the American drive-through!

Mirror-man

2011-02-23T06:53:00.001-08:00

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

2011-02-23T06:50:00.000-08:00

A hammock, a couple of books... If only there were sand on the sidewalk, it would pretty much be like being on the beach!

Red cloak

2011-02-23T06:49:00.000-08:00

[somewhere near Trúc Bạch road]

Disposable?

2011-02-23T06:48:00.000-08:00

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...

Spring

2011-02-23T06:47:00.000-08:00

Spring is back, and so am I, re-energized from a good break in Japan!

Đàn bầu

2011-02-23T06:43:00.000-08:00

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

2011-02-23T06:42:00.000-08:00

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!

Puppet show

2011-02-23T06:40:00.001-08:00

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

2011-02-23T06:39:00.001-08:00

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 (2)

2011-02-23T06:37:00.001-08:00

[somewhere between Hanoi and Ninh Binh]

The train (1)

2011-02-23T06:36:00.000-08:00

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

2011-02-23T06:34:00.001-08:00

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

2011-02-23T06:32:00.001-08:00

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

2011-02-23T06:31:00.000-08:00

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!

2011-02-23T06:30:00.000-08:00

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!

Pagoda season

2011-02-23T06:28:00.001-08:00

[inside Bút Tháp pagoda]

Little Buddha

2011-02-23T06:27:00.000-08:00

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!

Fishin'

2011-02-23T06:26:00.000-08:00

[on Hồ Tây]

On a break

2011-02-23T06:24:00.001-08:00

Posey

2011-02-23T06:23:00.001-08:00

Tran Quoc Pagod

2011-02-23T06:21:00.001-08:00

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

2011-02-23T06:20:00.001-08:00

Time to graduate for these young ladies, in a beautiful environment (the Temple of Literature, no less!).

Junction

2011-02-23T06:18:00.001-08:00

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

2011-02-23T06:17:00.001-08:00

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?

Finally!

2011-02-23T06:16:00.001-08:00

Thankfully the downpour didn't last for forty days and forty nights!

Deluge

2011-02-23T06:15:00.000-08:00

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

2011-02-23T06:12:00.000-08:00

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.

Old in new

2011-02-23T06:11:00.000-08:00

Skyscraper

2011-02-23T06:10:00.000-08:00

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

2011-02-23T06:09:00.000-08:00

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

2011-01-10T02:39:00.000-08:00

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.

Okay, I'm off to France tonight for two weeks and I'll be happy to post more pictures when I'm back in Vietnam! Stay tuned.

Hot club

2011-01-10T02:38:00.000-08:00

Bumped into this club when I was walking around - made me smile.

Victory

2011-01-10T02:37:00.000-08:00

[one of the victory monuments around town]

Wedding prep

2011-01-10T02:36:00.001-08:00

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?

Super-slim!

2011-01-10T02:35:00.000-08:00

Remember the tube-house? Here's the front door!

Diet-free

2011-01-10T02:34:00.000-08:00

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

2011-01-10T02:33:00.000-08:00

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

2011-01-10T02:32:00.000-08:00

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

2011-01-10T02:31:00.000-08:00

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!

Waiting

2011-01-10T02:30:00.001-08:00

Waiting

Accessories?

2011-01-10T02:29:00.001-08:00

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.

Blood orange

2011-01-10T02:28:00.001-08:00

Funky color for a house. Would you dare?

Chit-chat

2011-01-10T02:27:00.001-08:00

Time for a casual chit-chat in front of the temple... Nothing beats that.

Bún chả

2011-01-10T02:26:00.001-08:00

Rice noodles, pork meat and some broth; simple yet delicious!

Vespa shops

2011-01-10T02:25:00.000-08:00

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!

Bánh trung thu

2010-12-22T00:25:00.000-08:00

Like in China, Singapore, Malaysia, and a couple of other asian countries, now is the time for the Mid-autumn Festival preparation; the associated legends that go around it vary from place to place, and Vietnam's version is about Thằng Cuội, where the banyan trees were sacred, people were forbidden to urinate at the foot of the tree.

The official date for the festival falls September 14th this year; but the delicious mooncakes - a.k.a. bánh trung thu - that are used for the occasion are already for sale! Hold your breath, I'll be posting a picture of one of those cakes sometime before that!

Pineapple

2010-12-22T00:23:00.001-08:00

Many taxi drivers around here have pineapples in their cars. Yes, pineapples. How random is that?

Some say it's a good odor-absorber, but really, I don't know. What's your theory?

Red umbrella

2010-12-22T00:22:00.001-08:00

Same area than yesterday's photo - but no black and white. Or so it seems!

Lone fisher

2010-12-22T00:21:00.001-08:00

Heavy skies... Time to go fishing on the West Lake.

Wine of the month

2010-12-22T00:20:00.001-08:00

This wine shop just closed.. Thanks god for all the other ones that still are there!

Have a good weekend everyone!

Quick fix

2010-12-22T00:19:00.001-08:00

Here's what happens when you have a flat tire in the middle of the city: you just fix it at the next junction!

Bia Hơi

2010-12-22T00:18:00.000-08:00

Bia Hơi is another vietnamese institution, consisting in drinking locally-brewed beer in a loud and bustling atmosphere; it can be quite fun when you know what food to order along (everything is in Vietnamese - at least to the one I went to) and it's always very cheap: less than 30 cents a glass!

Flying high

2010-12-22T00:16:00.000-08:00

Found this flag in a couple of temples around town and I am still wondering what it's about. Your theories?

Sidewalks

2010-12-22T00:15:00.000-08:00

Because the weekend is almost there, here's a photo that just feels to me like we are already there.

You won't see so many sidewalks such as the one above in Hanoi; most of them are much narrower and most often serve as motorbike parking lots.

Have a good one, everyone!

Inner peace?

2010-12-22T00:14:00.000-08:00

Here we are again, in the Temple of Literature. This courtyard is where the students used to be relaxing after their lessons, a couple of hundred of years ago. I'm not sure they would be able to relax anymore today with the cars and bikes permanently honking their horns just next to it! But at least the view itself is rather soothing. Enjoy the visit!

Yellow star

2010-12-22T00:13:00.001-08:00

Grey skies, yellow walls, Vietnamese 'coat of arms'; no doubt, we're in Hanoi! ;)

You may notice the coat of arms is representing a yellow star on a red field, with a reference to the cooperation of agricultural and industrial labor. Similar, yet different, than that of China!

Lighthouse

2010-12-22T00:12:00.001-08:00

One thing you'll notice about Hanoi is that there aren't that many houses that are built in a style we're used to seeing in Europe or in America; I was hence stunned to discover this one last weekend, right in the middle of the old quarter and its 36 streets. I wonder how hot it must be getting in there during this period!

Street food

2010-12-22T00:11:00.000-08:00

I was strolling down the road the other day when this lady offered to sell some snacks that were unknown to me; I gladly accepted the offer and discovered it was some glutinous buns that were tasting like prawns... Not exactly what I had in mind but hey, at least now I know ;).

Over the top

2010-12-22T00:10:00.000-08:00

Still in the Temple of Literature, a nice, timeless rooftop.

Have a great weekend everyone!

Procession

2010-12-22T00:09:00.000-08:00

As I was exiting the Temple of Literature the other day I gladly realized that there was a fair mix of locals and overseas tourists; it's always so much better this way, just rather than a flow of French visitors invading every attraction!

And thou shalt be remembered

2010-12-22T00:08:00.000-08:00

Do you remember finally getting your degree by reading your name on some paper listing on the university's walls?

Well, that's nothing compared to what the former Emperors used to be doing here. During over 600 years, the name of the graduates have been written in stone (literally) on those steles carried by giant turtles. For those in Hanoi, go have a look at the Temple of Literature (Văn Miếu); it's really worth the visit.

'Fuh'?

2010-12-22T00:06:00.001-08:00

Ladies and gents, please allow me to introduce you to one of Vietnam's culinary institutions: not Phở 24 which is just a restaurant chain, but rather to the phở itself; if you have come to Vietnam one day in your life you must have tasted this yummy rice-noodle soup dish which variations are almost endless. The most common one will have minced beef in it (but other meats and organs are allowed, too), flat noodles and some seasoning in the form of fresh onions, lime and bean sprouts in a clear broth.

The pronunciation takes a little while to get used to, though - if you want to be understood with an English accent you should say something like 'fuh'!

Standing still

2010-12-22T00:05:00.000-08:00

As I was mentioning in an earlier post, one of the ways people pay respect to the dead is by burning money (fake money that is). You can actually guess that's what's going on here, next to this beautiful tree. And I can tell you that you get quite a sense of peace when you're there...

Blown away

2010-12-22T00:03:00.001-08:00

Do you want a balloon? Well, you have plenty of choices here!

I'm not sure why the majority of them are golden pigs with Chinese writing on - maybe some leftovers from last year of the pig - but it's definitely more fun than your average, plain balloons!

Worship

2010-12-22T00:01:00.001-08:00

Burning incense sticks, Buddha image; those are, I think, the only common points between the different kinds of Buddhism across the region. It's interesting to see that the way devotion is shown completely varies from country to country, and hence from one culture to another.

Have a great Sunday everyone!

Numbers

2010-12-22T00:00:00.001-08:00

Another colorful doorstep (sorry, can't help it! ;)).

I often wondered what were those telephone numbers you can see on the walls everywhere around town; I got my answer pretty recently: it's actually the way the masons advertise here. When I come to think about it, I prefer that to the zillions paper ads we receive in our mailboxes in Europe - it's nice and it saves trees!

Lone rider

2010-12-21T23:58:00.000-08:00

In a society where the notion of 'vital space' is close to nil I like to imagine that in stolen moments like this, one cherishes the sense of self.

Or maybe that's just me thinking too much.

'36 streets week' - Hàng Tre

2010-12-21T23:57:00.000-08:00

Hàng Tre is probably one of the most fascinating streets there is in the Old Quarter; as soon as you step into it, it feels as if you're in a bamboo forest. Definitely worth the visit!

'36 streets week' - Hàng Khoai

2010-12-21T23:56:00.000-08:00

Hàng Khoai, or 'sweet potato street', is home to one of Hanoi's mosques. The poetry of it is that 'mosque' is apparently translated in Vietnamese by 'nhà thờ', which is the same word than... 'church'. One small step for ecumenism, and one giant step to make learning vietnamese easier!

'36 streets week' - Hàng Lược

2010-12-21T23:54:00.001-08:00

Again one of those doorsteps I came to know and like so much; unfortunately my vietnamese is far from allowing me to decipher what's written on the wall in the background. Any clue?

Oh, and I almost forgot: Hàng Lược once was 'combs street'. I desperately looked for one but didn't succeed. Bummer.

'36 streets week' - Hàng Chiếu

2010-12-21T23:53:00.000-08:00

When you start feeling lazy on a hot Sunday afternoon, you might want to go to Hàng Chiếu ('mats street') to buy yourself one of those. That's all you need, really!

(okay, that, and a cocktail maybe)

'36 streets week' - Hàng Chai

2010-12-21T23:51:00.000-08:00

Hang Chai, a.k.a. 'bottles street'. No more bottles but still, quite a nice street where you can find flowers.

What do you think tomorrow's street will hold? ;)

'36 streets week' - Hàng Mã

2010-12-21T23:49:00.000-08:00

One of the ways to pay respects to the departed is to burn offerings; and where to buy that? Well, right here in Hàng Mã ('votive papers' street). You'll find paper notes and many other items for that effect.

I bought a stack of hundred-dollar bills for slightly less than $0.5; the two young ladies were puzzled at first that a foreigner could even be interested in buying those, and then giggled about it. A fun afternoon!

"No . . ." signs

2010-12-21T23:45:00.000-08:00

[cấm đỗ xe]: no parking.

No additional caption on this photo, because I really like it the way it speaks for itself and I hope you like it, too. Go check out what the other members from the City Daily Photo Community have got for y'all; they have pretty great stuff!

Going green

2010-12-21T23:43:00.000-08:00

Hapro is a big local conglomerate that has supermarkets, coffee shops and the likes; never got a chance to go shop in their malls but I couldn't help but noticing this super-green building.

Thịt chó

2010-12-21T23:42:00.000-08:00

Okay, I must confess I hesitated to post this one.

Eating dog surely is a taboo in our western cultures, but it's not here - and it's actually considered almost as a delicacy.

For those who were contemplating coming over to Vietnam and who are now reconsidering, please don't let this fool you: you will not be served dog's meat if you don't specifically request it. It is only served in some restaurants advertising 'Thit cho'.

Some will argue that it's wrong to eat dog, and the purpose of this blog isn't to debate about it, but rather to open our eyes to a different culture - because it feels nice to see that we're not all alike.

Heat

2010-12-21T23:39:00.001-08:00

After 5 years in South-East Asia, I thought I was used to hot and humid climates...

Until I arrived in Hanoi.

Seriously, I've never sweated so much in my lifetime. Can't wait for the autumn to be there!

Home sweet home

2010-12-21T23:38:00.000-08:00

Today's post is coming a bit late; I was uber-busy with all my things finally arriving from Thailand, meaning that I am officially in my new place as of today. It feels good to have a place I can call home again!

I am lucky enough to have a nice view on the Trúc Bạch lake; you can also see this narrow house across the street, which is very typical of the Vietnamese architecture. I heard the houses are shaped this way because the taxes are levied according to the property's width.

Anyhow, this one is empty for now. Any takers?

Vietnamese shadow play

2010-12-21T23:36:00.000-08:00

Another shot from last night: this is the road that is separating the Trúc Bạch lake from the West lake. When the weather permits, a lot of couples are just hanging out there, next to their bikes.

Oh, and since the format might be a bit small for you guys to see,

Bike-reading

2010-12-21T23:34:00.000-08:00

Trúc Bạch lake, take 3; daytime!

Mélange des genres

2010-12-21T23:33:00.000-08:00

When Paris meets Hà Nội, well... You get this. A mix of Haussmann-ish top with a shophouse-like bottom; quite surprising at first, I must say.

Then again, they build châteaux in Beijing - so why not?

Jaywalk

2010-12-21T23:30:00.000-08:00

Quick snap behind the Temple of Litterature; I'll be posting more of this gorgeous building in the weeks to come.

Night shift

2010-12-17T01:13:00.001-08:00

I went downstairs at 10PM to take a shot in the neighborhood, when I saw this lady doing her exercise in the street; I was amazed at how she still had energy for that, while the ambient temperature was literally punching me in the face. Kudos!

End of the tunnel

2010-12-17T01:12:00.001-08:00

Okay folks, you must have noticed that I have been posting an awful lot of night pics lately; this is simply due to the fact that I have got a lot of work at the moment, and well, the only moment I can snap is after dusk.

This should get better in the days to come (I hope).

Meanwhile, I have a few little photo projects that I'm thinking about; you'll find out more about them here very soon! Have a good weekend everyone.

Banana to go

2010-12-17T01:11:00.002-08:00

This is one of the things that make Hanoi so distinct from many other cities; I wanted a banana but by the time I snapped the shot, she was already too far away. Bummer.

50A

2010-12-17T01:11:00.000-08:00

I finally got around to renting a motorbike yesterday, and it is pretty awesome; I can go around and stop when I see nice house entrances such as the one above. Priceless!

Fête Nationale

2010-12-17T01:10:00.000-08:00

July 14th ('14 Juillet') is France's National Day, celebrating the anniversary of the storming of the Bastille in 1789; like all the Frenchmen residing in Hanoi, I got invited to the celebrations held at the Embassy today. This means mingling, french food and champagne. 'Mais que demande le peuple?'

Motorbike hug

2010-12-17T01:09:00.000-08:00

[xe ôm]: 'motorbike hug'

... Or, more commonly, moto-taxi. Yep, this is one of the easiest way to travel inside the city when you don't have a bike yourself, and, more importantly, if you're not too averse to taking risks.

Naturally, you must bargain the fare before you start your journey and it is generally considerably more difficult to get a good price if you're a foreigner. Still, it remains quite inexpensive; so go ahead and try it out!

The Opera House

2010-12-17T01:08:00.000-08:00

Please meet the Hanoi Opera House (or Nhà hát lớn Hà Nội as you can read on the pediment), an interesting building inspired by the parisian Palais Garnier. Next to it is the Hilton Hanoi Opera Hotel, recently established; you may wonder why such a long name? Well, let's just say that the Hanoi Hilton from the Vietnam/American War was not so much known for its suites, but rather for its prison cells.

On a lighter note, I'm probably going to attend a flamenco show there in two weeks; that'll be the perfect opportunity to see whether the inside lives up to the glorious shell. Stay tuned!

Little House on the Prairie

2010-12-17T01:06:00.002-08:00

Right in the heart of the Old Quarter sits this 'little house', with pretty much no signs of life. I'm intrigued... Aren't you?

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

2010-12-17T01:06:00.000-08:00

Here's another famous building in Hanoi: the Hồ Chí Minh Mausoleum. Hosting the preserved body of the former leader, it is open to the public in the morning so that people can go pay their respects to 'Uncle Ho' - and boy do they go there in big groups in the morning, there's always a line to get in!

Hanging around

2010-12-17T01:04:00.002-08:00

When the past (this old house), the present (those clothes hanging there to dry) and the future (the renovation works) meet, well, you get this surprising sight. But when you come to think about it, isn't it what a city is all about?

Hanoi is bracing itself for a lovely weekend after a (very) rainy week; enjoy, everyone!

The keeper

2010-12-17T01:04:00.000-08:00

As the city is full of bikes everywhere - whether they are on the streets, on the sidewalks or in the houses basements - someone needs to keep an eye on them when one goes to the restaurant or to the office. I photographed this 'bike keeper' right in front of the little house I mentioned before; he's got a nice and quiet spot!

The tube-house

2010-12-17T01:02:00.001-08:00

Six storeys, apple-green and the width of a door: I am not kidding, this is a real building, located very close to my apartment.

I wonder what went into the architect's head when he/she designed this... What's your theory?

Dong Xuan Market

2010-12-17T00:59:00.002-08:00

Dong Xuan is the oldest and largest market in Vietnam; its 'organized mess' inside is quite worth a visit!