Impressions of Hanoi.

Hanoi has the appearance  of  "Old Asia", streets and back alleys crowded with people squatting, seated on small plastic stools, eating their evening meal from the numerous street cafe. Garbage stacked high in piles were every space allows. The aroma of spice and incense fill the air among a vocal throng. I have always found Asia exciting, both new and old at the same time. The traffic is chaotic to say least, when viewed from above the street scape takes the form a motorised ballet. Scooters weaving between  and around each other from not one, but both directions, while they incorporate a U turn here or there. Traffic turning right and left with abandon as bright splashes of coloured clothing stream out behind, while the odd car adds a new dimension.

Crossing the road becomes an art form in itself, simply walk out and trust in God, you are in the hands of a variety of driving skills. Drivers somehow make the necessary adjustment to the right or left to avoid hitting you. Generally they will pass behind, this is important as the flow in one or another direction can mean the difference between life or death. During the first few days we experienced a few close calls, the important thing is never run or stop as this will destroy the rhythm of movement, the dance of life.

The most rewarding experience is the people themselves particularly the young,  half the Vietnamese population are under thirty years. They express such enthusiasm for life, confident that their world can only get better. There seemed little bitterness towards the outside world despite the war, the hardship that followed the years of sanctions. It is hard not to admire their fortitude and confidence in the future. When ever I would sit down to draw, a crowd would gather around generally young students keen to be shown how to make pictures. Most were learning English at high school with an almost standard desire to work in tourism when they leave school. This was were they saw the opportunity to earn a good wage. The young girls seemed far more open to the outside world than the boys who were more reserved. They were all full of questions, did I like the food, was I going to teach here, how long would I stay and so on.

Heather and I tend to walk every where, when in a new city. It is the best way to gain the feel of the place, you can put your finger on the pulse of things, discovering new experiences, places, people. The energy displayed by this young population auger well for the future. We shall return , hopefully when Vietnam grants longer visa than their present thirty days.


POEM by VIETNAM'S CELEBRATED WOMEN POET
                 XUAN  HUONG.

"Praise whoever raised these poles
for some to swing while others watch.
A boy pumps, then arcs his back.
The shapely girl shoves up her hips.
Four pink trousers flapping hard,
two pairs of legs stretched side by side.
Spring games. Who hasn't known them?
Swingposts removed, the holes lie empty."