This is a fantastic article on the vanishing tribes of Vietnam. There are a total of 54 ethnic groups in Vietnam. French photographer Réhahn has photographed 40 of them so far, and is planning to document all of them. The portraits he’s captured provide a glimpse into the vanishing cultures of people who are striving to hold onto their heritage in a rapidly-changing world. You can read the article here    [...]

An interesting article here about the hippie trail by Rian Dundon back in 1971.  Some of what I have seen through Asia suggests that it different people doing similar things.  [...]

As a professional journalist with CNN, Mr. Bruce Foremann has visited almost every large city in the world. Before coming to Vietnam, he had the same impression as most Western travelers: Asian cities are all the same. But when he arrived in Hanoi, all of his preconceived notions were cast out and rewritten by all of the culture and beauty that Hanoi has to offer. Hanoi attracts a different view As with all other foreign visitors, Hanoi’s traffic made a strong impression on Foremann. While others see Hanoi’s traffic as the greatest threat to their safety on the streets, the American journalist was slightly more knowledgeable. He saw the chaotic order of Hanoi’s traffic patterns, and saw how drivers could navigate closely packed roads. Foremann gave a humorous but practical tip for pedestrians trying to cross the road: “Just step down from the sidewalk. Vehicles will avoid you if you make an effort to avoid them.” Foremann also discovered sidewalk beer in the city. Before coming to Hanoi, his friends told him of the beer shops for foreigners in Hanoi’s Old Quarter. Foremann had been so excited to be the “first” to try the beer. “I can understand Columbus’ feeling when he discovered America,” he joked. Hanoi beer has helped Vietnam’s capital enter the top ten ideal cities for beer, voted by Journeymart.com. This travel website declares that Hanoi’s beer is cheap, varied, and convenient. It’s as simple as gathering a few plastic chairs on a sidewalk. Beer can be accompanied with a simple snack such as roasted peanuts, locally made spring rolls, or grilled rice pancakes. The atmosphere at these beer shops is noisy and full of excitement. “Mot, hai, ba…zo!” (One, two, three …go!) and “Tram phan tram!” (100 percent or bottoms up!) are often heard near them. Journeymart used the beer’s original name, “bia hoi,” which is how it is known locally in the city. Street vendors are another characteristic feature of Hanoi, and are perfect for a quick snack during shopping. “You should experience the feeling of sitting on a motorbike and bobbing through traffic. Remember to wear a helmet!” Foreman advised. Unique cultural features CNN observed that Hanoi’s French style street cafes resemble a theater, with the road acting as the performance, offering an exciting view to onlookers. A perfect time to visit an Old Quarter café is at 5 pm, when there is plenty to see. Small shops above the first floor become an ideal space, especially if the café offers a balcony. In these places you will feel the ancient and the modern elements of the city. The Old Quarter is always a stop for visitors to Hanoi. They enthusiastically take cycle rides to visit places like the house at 87 Ma May street, and Sword Lake. International visitors love the area’s handmade souvenirs and dishes like spring rolls, pho, and chicken legs. Visitors are also surprised to see street haircuts and gravestone inscribing service. The Quang Ba Flower Night Market is well-known among Western visitors. The market is only busy from midnight to early in the morning. Flowers are fresh throughout the year. While in many developed countries flowers are harvested and distributed using machinery, in Hanoi farmers grow and harvest flowers and bring it to the market by themselves by bicycle. Lacquer shops are a common sight in the city. Many tourists buy these for souvenirs or gifts because of their cultural significance. “Non la” (conical hats) are also popular purchases. In addition to its title as “a land of heritage,” Hanoi is also recognized as a rising international city. This has left a good impression on the hearts of international visitors when they come to the capital.  Thanh Tung Source: http://haufo.org.vn/en/seeing-hanoi-through-foreign-media/  [...]

Enjoying Hanoi more and more.  Had a great massage at Dao Care yesterday – best I can remember having.  Food’s fantastic and have meet some great local people. Still hot and still not getting used to it. Will move on Saturday after Tam and Addy go back to Australia.[...]

Its day 5 in Hanoi. Started to settle down with a work pattern and seeing the sites. Yesterday we went on a tour with Hanoikids (www.hanoikids.org) a great organisation where students take tourists on walking tours around Hanoi.  The student gets a chance to improve their english and the tourists get a local perspective.    [...]

Things have been quite here in the blog. But I am heading off to Vietnam to do some work in Hanoi, Vietnam.[...]

Some innovative cabling outside my hotel.[...]

There are a lot of tings I have forgotten about Bangkok since I was here last and I have noticed some changes also. The Street cabling is still something that fascinates me – with all the money we are paying in Australia to role out the network. Internet here is fast and mostly free. The BTS – the over head fast “tram” system is busier then what I remember and there are guards checking bags at all stations.  This is the same as you go into the shopping malls – every bag is checked. The buildings around Soi 11 are looking their age now – I guess there is a newer tourist precinct now somewhere else. Some places have been modernised and I think lost their charm – the MBK mall used to be small individual shops now they are bigger. The Thais have definitely mastered the build malls so the shopper cannot get out.  I experienced this at the Siam Mall today and was getting a bit panicky and was completely lost when I did get out to the open air.[...]

Up in Brisbane today for Frances Lalor’s book launch. It has been raining all day.[...]