Orchids

Sun sets on one room at the Park Hyatt

Roadside mechanics in the shade

I am a big fan of these mechanics that set up on the footpaths of streets all over the city. They turn up with a toolkit, or like this guy with a decent sized trolley, and can fix all manner of bike issues within minutes. So if your bike breaks down or you can a flat, help is usually just a short walk away.

Dusk over the city

Toll gates on the Hà Nội highway

Butterfly

Bag shop

Lack of traffic outside Bến Thành Market

Those who know Saigon will be amazed that I was able to take a photo of one of the busiest roundabouts in the city with no traffic on it. Pure fluke

Oysters

Had these tasty morsels the other night. They were exceptional. If you live in Vietnam chase down Premium Oysters Vietnam - they home deliver!

Practice before you pay

Sunset out in the burbs

Opening of the Hungarian Consulate

When you see a lot of wreaths outside a building you know that there is a new venture or business opening going on inside. This one was for the relocation of the Hungarian Consulate. Looks like the party was just getting underway when i drove past.

Fruit seller

This woman has quite a selection - apples, guava, mangoes, custard apple and oranges.

Nightclub neon

Cardboard mannequins

There are still plenty of Tết decorations around town but I cannot remember ever seeing cardboard mannequins in shop windows before. I would assume these were part of a promotion as the "fashion" worn by the cardboard mannequins does not really match the fashion of the shop.

Tourists pose outside the HCMC People's Committee building

View from Lam Sơn square

There is some great architecture in HCMC, even if it is a bit dilapidated. I have always liked driving past the Municipal Theatre and Caravelle Hotel, coming to this intersection next to the Hotel Continental. To the left is the Opera View building and the start of Lê Lợi st

Creative lamp

Top of Diên Biên Phû st

Boniva Chocolatier

Another gate around the corner

A gate up the street

Friday afternoon drinks

On friday afternoons it is time for the Vietnamese version of the pub, the bia hơi, where a litre can cost as little as US50c

Roadside mechanic

The seems to be the ubiquitous mechanic on every second street corner in HCMC. From fixing flat tires to minor mechanical repairs, they usually have you back on the road in no time and with minimum cost

Lion Dance

For an excellent history of the Lion Dance click here

Dragon's head

Dragon Dance

A great history of the Dragon Dance and its symbology can be found here

Preparations for a Dragon and Lion dance

I forgot I had downloaded these photos from the Lunar New Year's Day. These drummers are announcing the arrival of the dragon

Passport photos

Moulded chairs

February Theme Day - Paths and Passages

Click here to view thumbnails for all participants