Scenes of Hanoi, Vietnam

This week I'm back in Hanoi for workshops and meetings. Thought I'd just post some random shots from this charming capital city of Vietnam, taken over the space of many trips.

Mind you, June and July aren't the best months to visit Hanoi. The temperature can go up to 45 degrees C. Fortunately I am going between one air-con building and another, so don't have to bear the full brunt of the heat. Can really get "chau tah", man!

On 10th Oct 2010, the city (Thang Long-Hanoi) will be celebrating its 1000th year as the key capital. It was founded in 1010 as a city called Thang Long (Flying Dragon).  In fact, throughout its dramatic history, Hanoi has borne many names: Giao Chi (Remote Land), Tong Binh (Proper Home), An Nam (Peaceful South), Dai La (Great Belt, as in the dyke surrounding the city), Dong Do and Dong Quan (both meaning Capital), Dong Kinh (Eastern Capital) - which the French priests later interpreted as Tongkin. The name Hanoi, or more strictly Ha Noi, only appeared after the Nguyen Dynasty attained power in 1802, shifted the capital to Hue and renamed the city in 1831. Ha Noi literally translates to City in the River, City Surrounded by Rivers, City in the Bend of the River, or more romantically City in the Embrace of the Rivers. Despite the name change, even well into the 20th century, people still like to call the city Thang Long.

Sunset scene on Hoan Kiem lake in the centre of Hanoi

The Opera House, Hanoi

Want a "Mona Lisa" or "Sunflowers" painting in your living room? Want yourself standing next to the Mona Lisa? All can be done through the talents of these copy artists in the streets of Hanoi.

A candid shot into an alley way

Outside a souvenir shop near the Old Quarter of Hanoi.

A street in the Old Quarters

This photo by Jemima Yong (jemimayong@hotmail.com) captures the spirit of community living in the Old Quarters of Hanoi. If you look carefully at the individual characters, you can almost make up a story of what's happening.

A roadside fruit seller arranges her ware

The unique art form of Water Puppetry in Hanoi

Ok, more photos on Hanoi later. I now have a plane to catch ...


NEW ADDITIONS

For those who are asking for pictures of the Vietnamese lasses, this is for you ...

Sorry guys, I can't help it if they're shy lah!

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On MOUs, Marble and Music

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The recent drought of postings was because I've been busy travelling. Back to Vietnam - two days in Hanoi, two days in Da Nang (where I am right now) and half a day stopover in HCMC.

Da Nang was the key focus of this trip. It's still one of my favourite cities in Vietnam and I've been engaging with various government agencies there for a number of years. The purpose of this trip was to oversee the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the People's Committee of Da Nang and Cisco. I had been working towards this for quite a while, and believed this to be a significant milestone in our partnership. More on this event can be read here and here and here and here.

After the official work was over, I had a chance to pay a visit to Marble Mountain, one of a cluster of five marble/limestone mountains located a few km south of Da Nang, that stretch from the coast inwards (in a westerly direction). The mountains are named after the five elements; Kim (metal), Thuy (water), Moc (wood), Hoa (fire) and Tho (earth). There are many caves and tunnels in the mountains and I read that they were used quite a bit during the Vietnam (or American, depending on which side you are on) War. The area is now famous for stone sculpture making and stone-cutting crafts.

Here's a shot of the area where the Marble Mountains are located. You can see three out of the five mountains ...

And here are some shots taken at one of the many stone sculpture shops.

So remember guys, if you want to order some marble lions or dragons or deities or nude maidens or fountains for your grand mansions, you can place an order with me. Shipment to all corners of the world provided. I'll give you some good rates. LOL

Finally after dinner last night, we went to a music lounge to enjoy some traditional Vietnamese music and modern pop hits. I was impressed by the quality of the musicians (the white-haired violinist you see in the photo is particularly good!). And of course, there was a variety of singers doing everything from Vietnamese ballads to Lionel Richie's "Say You, Say Me". Alas, none attempted "Nobody".

All the lady singers I saw had extremely BIG ......... lungs (what were you thinking?). Powerful vocals indeed, as each lass belted out soulful numbers one after the other with ease.

After I post this, I'm heading straight to Da Nang Airport, bound for HCMC. Will post further if anything relevant catches my attention ... Ciao !
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Vietnam Connection: Nicholas Lau & James Yong meet up

Hot off the press ... Nicholas Lau, General Director of a subsidiary of Sime Darby, based in Hanoi met up for drinks with James Yong when the latter was in Vietnam on a business trip. Another reunion 33 years in the making.

Hmmm, a bit dark - let's see if the next picture is better ...

Ah yes, definitely much better ...

Nick has been in Vietnam for a few years, and his family - wife & daughter - are also with him there. He looks very fit, keeping trim at the gym and playing golf among other sports.

The pair reminisced about old times, old friends and lifetime adventures.