Re-cyclist

Lê Thái Tổ street

Le Thai To was the temple name given to Le Loi, one of most famous figures from the medieval period of Vietnamese history and one of its greatest heroes. He was founder of the Le Dynasty and an account of his life can be found here

Ceramic Mosaic Mural

The Hanoi Ceramic Mosaic Mural runs along the dike road through Tay Ho and Hoan Kiem districts, and is in preparation for the 1000 year anniversary of the city. The 6.3 kilometre long project currently looks about half finished. More info can be found here

No dogs

Many foreigners in Vietnam harp on about the prevalence of dog meat restaurants in Hanoi, therefore I found it rather funny that this Japanese restaurant was advertising that dogs were not allowed in their restaurant. Well, at least I assume that is a picture of a dog

Blue house

A Viet Nam news classic

From time to time there are some pretty funny articles in the local English rags. This one is more in the tragi-comedy style, with people electrocuting themselves while trying to stop mice and rats from eating their unharvested rice. I would hate to see how fried the rodents are if they get caught in such a contraption.

Looking out beyond Lenin Park

Food and beverage choice

Buddha's and assortments

Keys cut without cutting the engine

I love the roadside sales, you can practically buy anything without getting off your bike. This locksmith sits on the curb, armed with his cutting machine, some borrowed electricity, a chair and a bamboo pipe to while away the time.

Road barriers in waiting

Metal roofs and water containers

Hoan Kiem lake

Red flags

A mix of architecture

Vincom City Towers at dusk

Painters

Painters applying the standard Hanoi "yellow" to a school building in the old quarter

ASEAN summit concludes

Getting pushed off the road by sirens and black cars with blue ASEAN number plates should be a thing of the past. Until the next meeting

Yellow opera house on a dull day

Relaxed delivery

Mansard roof

New development in Hanoi is favouring a return to some French styles, including the mansard roof. I plan to continue highlighting some of them in the coming months, as well as a Pacific Place that was posted earlier

Red Dzao lady

Art for sale

Roadside mechanic

Boats in bottles

Stone

Rice paddies

St Joseph's Cathedral

Built in the 1880's, St Joseph's casts an eerie glow at night. Situated in the old quarter it serves as the home of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Hanoi.

Sunset over the city

April Theme Day - Red

Communism and socialism identify with the colour red. However with the push of globalisation into socialist politics all is not as clearly defined as it once was.

Bill Hayton, BBC correspondent in Vietnam in 2006-7 had released a book that charts the changes in Vietnam with a mix of reportage and behind the scenes analysis. It tackles big topics - democracy vs one party rule, development vs environment and much more.

"Examining nearly every aspect of Vietnamese politics and society, from the economy and family life, to religion and the plight of indigenous minorities, Hayton gives a balanced, intelligent account of a country whose history so differs from our own." Justin Wintle, Financial Times

"This is a cleverly pitched book, one that will appeal equally to a businessman or investor seeking a briefing on Vietnam, an old Asia hand, or an inquisitive backpacker." Petroc Trelawny, Irish Times

Get on it 

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