Clueless

In light of the many uncertainties that transpired in 2008, I thought it’s fitting that I close the year with this picture of a clueless monk taken at Thien Mu Pagoda. Hopefully, we’d all have a better idea of what we’re doing in 2009. Happy New Year!

Pagoda of the Heavenly Lady

Legend has it that an old lady once stood on a hill and told the people that a Lord would come and build a pagoda for the country’s prosperity. Lord Nguyen Hoang on hearing that, ordered for the construction of the pagoda in 1601.

Sitting on the Hà Khê hill, along the northern bank of the Perfume River, the seven storey-high Thien Mu Pagoda is the tallest stupa in Vietnam.

Winter in Hue

Before Hoi An, I was in Hue for four days. Hue boasts magnificent monuments and architecture from the Nguyễn Dynasty. A fine destination for culture and photo buffs, but the weather was awful when I was there. It was raining cats and dogs with overcast skies. Everywhere was wet and slippery. Hazardous (for my camera) and difficult conditions to take a decent photo. To prevent my Canon D40 from getting wet, I used my Canon G7 instead. Small and light, I could snap pictures with one hand and hold the umbrella with my other hand. The result was not too bad like this photo taken at the Citadel.

Christmas 2008

It’s Christmas! I would like to take this opportunity to thank one and all for your support this past year. And I wish you a Blessed Christmas and Happy New Year!

The photo in my Christmas e-card was taken at the summit of Hai Van Pass or Pass of Ocean Clouds, located on the border of Danang and Thừa Thiên-Huế Province, near Bach Ma National Park. Shrouded in misty vapours rising from the sea and boasting panoramic views of South China Sea, Hai Van Pass is one of the most breathtaking mountain passes I’ve travelled on.

Colours of Hoi An 3

Besides its old world charm, Hoi An is also famous for its lantern and tailor shops.

Colours of Hoi An 2

The main picture is the interior of the famous Japanese Covered Bridge. A Japanese tourist happened to walk by when I took this picture. How apt!

Colours of Hoi An 1