Bumper Crop In Vietnam

Sometimes the back of the card gives you a title for the postcard that you're not entirely sure about; however, this girl looks really content with the crop she's carrying, beautiful smile. I'd guess it a paddy field she's working in. 

Vietnamese Old Woman

I have received this wonderful card via lottery. What is the feeling you get when looking at this face? I see hard work, wisdom and calm. For some reason a word 'miserable' was typed on the back, but this is not the apt word, or at least it shouldn't be! Only kind words should supplement this photo. Thank you Ta Tan Dat :)

UNESCO - Hué Monuments, Vietnam

Huế is the capital city of Thừa Thiên–Huế Province, Vietnam - between 1802 and 1945, it was the imperial capital of the Nguyễn Dynasty and well known for its historic monuments from that period.

These is the Citadel gate leading to the Royal Palace or a forbidden city where only the emperors, concubines, and those close enough to them were granted access; the punishment for trespassing was death. Today, little of the forbidden city remains, though reconstruction efforts are in progress to maintain it as a historic tourist attraction.

Many thanks to Andrew and Elizabeth and their entertaining story complementing the picture :)
Edit: accidentally some time later I discovered that the stamp is also Unesco - from the  Intangible Cultural Heritage List, showing Ca trù (song with clappers), an ancient genre of chamber music featuring female vocalists, with origins in northern Vietnam.^[1] For much of its history, it was associated with a geisha-like form of entertainment, which combined entertaining wealthy people as well as performing religious songs for the royal court.

 

Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam

Beautiful portrait of the Vietnamese communist revolutionary leader and former prime minister (1945–1955) and president (1945–1969) of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam (North Vietnam).

Also beautiful Year Of The Horse stamps, I love orange/pink combination of colours :) Thanks so much Mu Chu!

The stamps are my contribution to this weeks Sunday Stamps theme zodiac. I wish to bite my elbow, I have a gorgeous astrological cover at home that would have been perfect for today! Its a toughie having life devided between two addresses ;) You can check other entries:

 

 

Year Of The Snake Maxi-Cards, Vietnam

We have stepped into the Year Of The Horse a while ago, but still not late to show off these beauties that speak to my inner lover of all things colourful (beside showing snakes!), and the big thanks goes to Jo :))

 

Daily Life In Mu Cang Chai, Vietnam

Mu Cang Chai is a rural district in Yen Bai province, north central Vietnam, where forestry and farming are the main econimic stay. It is  mountainous, with green rice fields in the valleys; many different ethnic groups live here in unison.

I have no words for this scene...its just such a great photograph, balanced and tranquil. E.g. just take the dog out of the picture and its a different dynamics..! Perfect, but such are the postcards Jo sends :) Actually I've tagged for this one, and yesterday morning I managed to tag again but deleted it because I felt so selfish heh. Thanky so much Jo xD (and for participating in tags with your great offers!)

Rice Terraces, Vietnam

 

The scenery of the Sa Pa region (northwest Vietnam near the border with China) reflects the relationship between the minority people and nature, which is especially seen in the paddy fields carpeting the lower slopes of the Hoang Lien Mountains. 

I have always had great swaps with Jo but this postcard was still unexpectedly amazing - I will have to admit that it must be one of my favourite cards ever..! And it was a great surprise to see a Vietnamese lighthouse stamp. Thanks so much Jo :))

Native People Of Vietnam

In a short-lived RR that I once joined, we had to send two written&stamped postcards to the group members - I was in a group with a lovely postcrosser Jo :) She sent me two beautiful postcards showing people in everyday situations, and great variety of stamps.

Many people in Vietnam use cyclos or cycle rickshaws to do their everyday errands. The youngsters of H'mong ethnic group, in the mountainous north-western SaPa district, are having a meal or a snack - am curious what exactly! Thanks so much Jo, love these cards :))

UNESCO - Ha Long Bay, Vietnam

Ha Long Bay is located in Quang Ninh province, north-east Vietnam; it consists of a dense cluster of over 3,000 limestone monolithic islands each topped with thick jungle vegetation, rising spectacularly from the ocean. Several of the islands are hollow, with enormous caves. Even if you don't see pictures, the description is enough to make you wanna fly there instantly..!

I love this photo, with the boat and people situated at a perfect spot between the rocks. And only when I read its name I realise it actually DOES look like a swan! Amazing. No stamps were used but I am happy with three clean, well other kind of stamps :) Thank you Amber :)

Silk Lanterns, Vietnam

One of the most beautiful traditional handicrafts of Vietnam are the silk lanterns, especially if made in the old harbour town of Hoi An, situated on the south central coast (The South China Sea). Beautiful colours, I can imagine how magical it must be to walk the alleys lit by these!

Many thanks to Jo for this gorgeous card and great stamps :))