Looking back...

So, there is still much I haven't had energy to write about, of the trip to Vietnam. One moment, I would say was probably my highlight (though there really were so many), was visiting Ma Cha school, about 7 km from Sapa Rooms where we stayed.  We had the opportunity to go to this school with Pete, the owner of Six on Sixteen, and Sapa Rooms Boutique. We had planned, in advance, to help the school by donating school supplies, and anything that would help these children and their teachers, as well as paint a colourful mural on a bland yellow wall. We were told what to expect, but really, I don't think you could prepare yourselves for the conditions these kids were in. When we arrived, they were still in classes, with the exception of a few smaller children who hung around waiting for their elder sibling. School ended around 11am and Pete had brought along some bread and sweet milk which the kids love on their bread. Now, I want to say, growing up I never needed for anything, wanted yes, but needed, never. Pete had told us that for some of these kids, the meal they get at school may be all they get in a day. I have never seen more appreciative, patient children, as I did that day. We were taking some pictures here and there, but for me, and probably most of us, this was more than taking pictures, we wanted to help. A few of us helped pass out the bread to the kids, who patiently waited in lines. And, after handing them the bread, they looked me in the eye and thanked me, rather than diving in. I think this took me back more than anything, and I have to admit I got a bit teary eyed, and still do thinking about it. They did not grab, they were quiet and patient and polite. It was unbelievable. I am not going to say I felt like an amazing person that day, but it did feel nice to help out in any way I could, but still, not going to pat myself on the back. Afterwards, setting up for the mural and interacting (as much as I could because of the language barrier) with the kids was so much fun. They were so happy we were there and loved watching us paint. I don't think I can describe exactly how it was, with words at least, but it was incredible. In the Sapa Rooms website: http://www.saparooms.com/index.html, there is more information regarding how people can help.

These are a few images I got when I was there. Sweetest kids, and the way they helped each other was amazing. The siblings really stay close to one another and look out for each other. Great experience!

Finally in Tennessee

I have been attempting to update this for a few days. I say 'attempt' because I cannot stay awake long enough. I mean, sleep all day and toss and turn all night watching TV and movies. This jet lag is really getting the best of me.
I bought a blanket from the Black H'Mong tribe while in Sa Pa, and last night I finally soaked it with cold water and salt. Today, I rinsed it out. And though the smart thing would have been to wear gloves, I did not. Therefore, I have blue hands. It is weird, but they look like they are glowing a bit. I suppose I could be worried, but I am not. Hopefully the blanket will not rub off anymore blue now.

Here are some of my edited images I had not posted yet. There are still more I want to go through, I generally find when I don't look at my images for a few days, I go back and see something I didn't necessarily like before. That will be something I will do in the next few days.

Just a few touch ups here and there. By the way, there were so many water buffalos and pigs that I was in animal heaven! Mary and I named a few of them, the water buffalo above, Mary named her Daisy.  And I nearly brought a few piglets home with me. I have some pictures, note the one with the pig sleeping on the hill.  For some reason, when I saw this pig on the hill I instantly started singing 'Fool on the Hill' by the Beatles, in my head.  I may need to post more pig pictures soon! 

1st Crit in Vietnam

Yesterday, though I nearly changed my mind because I was a bit nervous, a few of us took motorbikes for a 2h30m trek to a market. Because it has been so foggy and cold, and wet, most decided to go by van. So, the three of us from Nova Scotia could not pass this opportunity up. Nance, Laurie, Mary and I hopped onto our motorbikes, with our guys, and took off. I have to say, the most fun I have ever had! There were areas where you could not see because of the fog and rain, and it wasn't exactly warm, but wow. If you ever want to experience a country, especially Vietnam, how the locals do, you must ride a motorbike.

I am here for a photo course. It is a brilliant opportunity to work with, and learn from, Nance Ackerman.  With all the experiences here and learning about the Vietnamese, it is easy to forgot to think about things from a photo point of view. Alas, we each have a critique where we show 15-20 images (the ones we think are best) and everyone has to pick 3 and tell us why they work, or why they don't. They can be nerve-wracking, but at the end of the day, if you are confident with your stuff, or not, they are very helpful.
My critique was last night and I wasn't too nervous about it all mainly because I try to think of it more as a time to get feedback and ask questions about things you are unsure about.

Here are images that were most successful, before editing and adjusting.

 In a few days, I will repost with the adjustments made. Some need no adjustments, but others could be

much stronger with a few tweaks here and there.

Sapa, Vietnam

Today we came to Sapa, Vietnam. We slept overnight in the train. There were four of us in a 'room' and I volunteered to be one on the top bunk, Nance was on the other top. The whole night, I dreamt I was about to fall off, though I am happy to report I did not, and slept rather soundly the entire time. We arrived at the train station around 5am and some of us separated, a few came to Sapa to the hotel and the rest rode a very windy road to a market where the Flower Hmong tribe are. One thing to know about Northern Vietnam, there are five main subgroups of the Hmong tribes, Flower, Black, Green, Red, White, and they are recognized based on attire. They do not speak Vietnamese, though I imagine some might know a few words, rather they each have their own language. We learned 'hello' which I say 'Go Ño Hi' literally translating to where are you going. And the other is 'thank you' which is pronounced Ouch-o.  Note these are not how they are spelled, but how I sounded them out (and wrote them on my arm). I think it was greatly appreciated the effort of trying.
Pictures cannot express the views, and though once again, we had not the greatest weather, it was still breathtaking and surreal.
Tonight we will dine together at the Sapa Rooms Hotel, owned by the same guy where we hold our classes in Hanoi, Six on Sixteen. The art and food alone are worth staying at one of these places while here!
I am pleased to say I had a great one-on-one with Nance at the market today. I am just amazed watching her work and giving me pointers which I am more than eager to have. I wish I had half of her talent! Maybe one day, as long as I keep at it!

More from Vietnam

I am losing track of the days here. Wednesday, we travelled to Halong Bay to spend the night on a boat. (Of course I instantly think of the Lonely Island's 'I'm On a Boat' when I say this).  We stayed in what they call the 'junk' and had amazing food on board. There, we were able to pick up a boat and some kayaks for getting closer to the people in the fishing villages, which were homes on the water. We arrived back in Hanoi yesterday evening, and only then, did we find out that one of the tourist boats sunk and killed 12 people, 10 tourists and 2 Vietnamese. Unbelievably tragic and scary knowing it was so close to us, and could have easily been us instead. 

Back in Hanoi, we drove out to a flower village and ate breakfast with a family. What is so amazing about it here, is how close families are, and how involved grandparents are with their grandchildren. More than that, they are more than happy for us to hold their babies, which I have been very lucky, and happy to do!

We walked around this village snapping images of the people there; saying hello or Xin Chao to everyone. Most people get a kick out of saying 'hello' to us and having us respond in English. 

After walking around, we came across a meeting with all men, who were very eager to feed us their rice and what I think were shots of vodka, though they had a tequila taste. Then, we were offered a free 'merry-go-round' ride where is was more a balancing act than anything, and the ride was blown with a fan. Very entertaining! Continuing out walk to a market, we saw a women selling live chickens. I am a vegetarian and part time vegan, and seeing this was okay, but hearing the chickens crying out was a bit too much and I had to leave as I was getting far too emotional for this. The animal/human relationship is much different here, and as I never see how the farm animals are treated at home, though I know the awful stories, seeing it first hand is very hard.

Tonight, we leave Hanoi and head North to Sapa, where apparently the scene is beautiful and poverty is blooming. People all over Vietnam are so happy to see us and try to talk with us. 

Here are a few images from Halong Bay!