Ha Noi, Vietnam... Final... we love you!

Ok... the moment has come... the reveal of the big purchase... or should I say the $65 dollar purchase... The oil painting of the Sapa Lady... yes I fell in love with her the first time I sat eyes on her. I got to meet the artist and he was proud of these as well (they were a remake of an original that was way way to expensive)... these were a little more expensive than the others bc of the details and the size but I knew I had to have her. I took this picture on my mobile to send to Blake to see if he liked her too... he was sweet to say yes but I know he really did not care... sweet man. There were two ladies and they looked at each other and I wish I would have purchased both of them now but I only got the one on the right... she looks really good in my house but I get this sense that she misses her sister :-).

On our way out of town... we had to stop at this bridge and get a picture... so thankful we did... every time I see a red bridge I think of Asia... I heart Asia.

Our gang minus one person (Shannon) she was guarding the taxi's so they did not drive off with our stuff... thanks Shannon... and thanks to all of your girls for a great trip and great memories... especially the music trivia at midnight and the constant worry that we were going to get sick.

She's got the whole world in her hands...I teach Sunday School with this lady and she has a couple of my heart strings... love you Traci...


Oh Vietnam... how I have grown to love you... and appreciate who you are and the people who call you home. Hope to see you soon... and keep smiling!

Ha Noi, Vietnam... Part 7... the night Puppet Show!

What is Vietnam without a puppet show? Traci knew of this great place that did night performances, Thang Hong Water Show. On this trip I had already purchased an old water puppet bc of its story and now we were going to see some in action...

The music intro... forgot what this instrument was called this lady in orange is playing but it was beautiful...

The the water puppet show begin... can't have a beginning without a big headed masked man hitting a gong now can you?

It was a great night of culture... if you want more information about the water puppet shows and what they mean to Vietnam check it out here.

Ha Noi, Vietnam... Part 6!

Just so excited today... you will get two post about Vietnam... more sightings...

We went to a lot of art galleries... and at one of them there was this very unique art display... what would you do if you had two rumps..

We've seen hair dressing, shoe making and food on the side of the street.... now nail salons... this was tempting NOT....

Check out that old tree...

More art shopping...

I got a tube... I wonder what is inside...

We are finally getting us some PHO... yummy... a lot of us only ate the noodles and soup juice bc we I was funny about the meat and they say not to eat leafy greens bc that is how people get sick here... so only noodles please.

I took the next picture for Pierce... bc he is madly in love with anything ARMY... just wish I would have gone inside and gotten him that kid outfit...

Another great day...

Ha Noi, VIetnam... Part 5!

More sightings from the streets of Ha Noi, Vietnam... who wants to go?

A barber stand...

Parking... good luck getting your bike out of there...

We passed by a hospital and they were bringing this guy outside... something did not sit well with us about this situation...

A local game of checkers...

More hidden worlds...

Gorgeous Jamie... only she would look good in lime green glasses.


Come back again...

Ha Noi, VIetnam... Part 4!

Are you ready for more pics from Ha Noi... here are a lot more pics of the streets of Vietnam..

Our gang all tuckered out from shopping and headed back to hotel to put our bags up... and then head back out for more fun...

The next couple of pics were taken from our hotel... we had a little sitting area outside and this was our view... I watched this guy across the street sitting on his motor bike... these next few pics capture just some of things that he did within 5 minutes... Do you see him over there under the purple sign... this was the first picture.

Here is a closer look... here he is hunched over... someone selling something behind him... another man hanging out beside him.

Now all alone... within seconds...

A tourist stops and ask for directions...and he gladly helped out.

Alone again... watching people just like me.

Then I noticed these guys right above him...they were watching our group and even taking pics...I returned the favor and took a picture of them.

Ok... back to the guy on the motor bike... he is not alone anymore...and he stayed this way until we left... I just love watching people and what they do... I can sit in an airport or mall for hours watching people... and this guy was so nice to everyone that he interacted with... wonder if he saw me watching.


More later...