Old & new

During our trip through Vietnam I really had the impression that what we saw was genuine, and not part of an artificially created 'tourist attraction'. However, at the same time we realized, that this will probably not stay like this, as we could feel the growing influence of the west: Versace shops in the cities and announcements for Hilton hotels along the cost indicated that the countrie's charme might soon be spoiled by the influence of western tourism. So go soon!
Todays post is another picture from our 2 days in Hanoi, as I finally finished the first Hanoi gallerie, which can now be visited at the colors · and · contrasts website.

Preparing for the ceremony

One of the best - yet unplanned - experiences of the trip was one morning, in which two local tour guides, whom we had met in their small restaurant, took us with their scooter on a trip around the old emporor's town of Hué. So instead of strolling through the emperor's parks and castles, we crossed through littles villages where the school kids where on their way home, saw some huge cemeteries, local people making conical hats and scented candles, and attended a monk ceremony in a small monastery in the middle of the woods. We did actually see some impressive castle as well, which featured Vietnams longest (stone) snake .... Some of the best hours we spent in this country!