Vietnam

Photo of the Week: City-center

/ lifeafter9to5 / Leave a comment

IMG_2436Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Every few years I go back to my hometown only to find that it has changed beyond recognition.  Vietnam has one of the fastest growing economies in Asia, which has translated into more high rises and modern buildings. Although there is still one area that has remained the same, the main square overlooking City Hall. The familiar French colonial building with its bright orange roof is iconic in this ever-changing city.

Every week, I’ll share a photo with you from my adventures around the world and at home.  Most of my photos have little or no post processing.  If you would like to see more, please click the Follow button.

Photo of the Week: Descending Dragon

/ lifeafter9to5 / Leave a comment

IMG_3385Ha Long Bay, Viet Nam

This picture really captured the scene for me with a mystical quality that makes the seascape looks like a watercolor painting.  Designated a World Heritage site, Ha Long Bay archipelago is made up of around 2,000 islands of various sizes.  It is well known for its towering limestone pillars rising out of the emerald water as seen above. Arguably, one of Vietnam’s most famous and stunning locales, it attracts many visitors each year.  For two days, we cruised around the bay, appreciating my country’s natural beauty.

Every week, I’ll share a photo with you from my adventures around the world and at home.  Most of my photos have little or no post processing.  If you would like to see more, please click the Follow button.

Photo of the Week: Up in Smoke

/ lifeafter9to5 / 2 Comments

IMG_2892Hanoi, Vietnam

Nearby Hoan Kiem Lake is the well preserved Temple of Literature founded in 1070 by Emperor Ly Thanh Tong as Vietnam’s first university. Now it is used as a temple, to honor Confucius and many of Vietnam’s finest scholars.  It is not unusual to see students in their uniforms coming to the temple to pray for good grades. 

Every week, I’ll share a photo with you from my adventures around the world and at home.  Most of my photos have little or no post processing.  If you would like to see more, please click the Follow button.

Photo of the Week: Traffic

/ lifeafter9to5 / 1 Comment

IMG_2825Hanoi, Viet Nam

The traffic in Vietnam is notorious.  This picture of a gentleman smoking on his bike while surging ahead of the crowd was taken on the chaotic streets of Hanoi. The streets are often congested with motorcycles, cars, and bikes jostling to get to their various destinations.  In Vietnam, crossing the street is often a feat in and of itself. 

Every Monday of each week, I’ll share a photo with you from my adventures around the world and at home.  Most of my photos have little or no post processing.  If you would like to see more, please click the ‘Follow’ button.

Photo of the Week: Pagoda

/ lifeafter9to5 / 2 Comments

IMG_2136Hanoi, Viet Nam

This picture was taken of Tran Quoc pagoda, located on a small island near the southeastern shore of Hanoi’s West Lake. This temple dates back to the sixth century, making it one of the oldest in the city.  The main tower consists of eleven octagonal floors representing the various stages of of Buddha’s life. On the grounds of Tran Quoc, you’ll find a bodhi tree, supposedly grown from the  cutting taken from the original tree where Buddha sat and achieved enlightenment.

Standing on the shore, you can see the pagoda clearly reflected on the surface of West Lake. Even though it’s in the middle of a noisy bustling city, there is a sense of calm and tranquility when you step onto the island.  People speak in hushed tones in deference to the religious silence observed throughout the temple.   Like many people over the years, we had gone there to pray and pay homage to Buddha when we visited Vietnam a few years ago.

Every Monday of each week, I’ll share a photo with you from my adventures around the world and at home.  Most of my photos have little or no post processing.  If you would like to see more, please click the ‘Follow’ button.

Photo of the Week: Sand

/ lifeafter9to5 / Leave a comment

IMG_5642Mui Ne, Viet Nam

It’s hard to believe that this dessert is located next to the ocean in the tropical city of Mui Ne, Viet Nam. Mui Ne used to be a small fishing village but has blossomed into a full blown resort town full of upscale hotels.  Just down the street from all the new fancy resorts are the photogenic Red Sand Dunes. The contrasting warm sand against the cold blue sky makes for very pretty photos.

During our stay in this quaint beach town,  we decided to visit this natural attraction and go sand dune sledding. The minute you get out of the car, you are swarmed by the local children that compete to get your attention.  They want to guide you up the dune to the best spot to go sand sledding.  They also want to rent you the sled, which is nothing more than a thin sheet of plastic that you can sit on and hold for dear life as you slide down the hill. We spent an hour or two happily frolicking in the sand, taking turns rolling around and launching ourselves off of the hot dunes. This spot is frequented by many locals and foreign visitors.  As dusk approaches, people gather here to watch the last sun rays fall over the rippling sands.

Every Monday of each week, I’ll share a photo with you from my adventures around the world and at home.  Most of my photos have little or no post processing.  If you would like to see more, please click the ‘Follow’ button.