Winter in Hanoi...

[Blackmafia]

A rather last minute trip and I would like to thank Phil, Jed91 and Jeemee for their suggestions! Appreciate all of you in taking time to help out! Initally had intended to go up to Sapa but missed the tix due to Tet...didnt turn out bad and I love Hanoi! For those who would like to visit the place, feel free to check with me and I will be more than willing to share whatever that I know.

#1 * Waiting *

Don't become a victim of yourself..Forget about the thief waiting in the alley, what about the thief in your mind?

As I passed by the streets each day..I see many elders/youngsters seated by the road...by their stalls...waiting. A vast difference from our context where everyday is a battle...

#2 * Frustration *

I was roaming the streets as usual and heard rantling somewhere. Caught her legs out in the street lights and I walked over to find out if shes ok...

My presence gave me away and she started grumbling at me with some unknown language to me...(it should be vietnamese) I didnt care and continue to shoot a couple more shots when she couldnt take it anymore and got up, wanting to wack me with a stick...

I acted as if I was all cool and walked away gracefully. (I kept trying to remember that I was a black belt second dan...) Truth was...I was actually pretty scared...

Life is too short to hold a grudge, also too long...I should religiously tell myself this.

#3 * Pray *

I like this pict. Maybe the serenity? I was practically right in her face when I took this due to wide angle on the M..sorry..

Do not pray for an easy life, pray for the strength to endure a difficult one...

 

[Blackmafia]

#4 * Tolerance *

I love this pict...not just how it turned out, but the process of this shot as well.
He was just smacked right in the middle, and people just walk pass him unoticed...
Frankly, Im not sure if he's selling anything but it did seemed strange to me...
As I squatted down in parity with him, those eyes just chilled me...

Tolerance is giving to every other human being every right that you claim for yourself.

#5 * Mystery *

Some stories dont have a distinct beginning, middle or ending. Life is about not knowing, ever constant changes, taking the moment and living every breath out of the best, without knowing whats going to happen next...

#6 * Support *

We are not put on earth for ourselves..but are placed here for each other.

If you are there always for others, then in time of need, someone will be there for you...

 

[Blackmafia]

#7 * Stop! *

I shouted couple of times during this trip and this is one of the many.
The girl jam-braked when she heard me and got shocked. I raised my camera thereafter and she smiled for me. Lovely.

This was one of the rides I enjoy when I was very young and it does bring back memories...that's the way photos should work for you...

#8 * Stop!! *

I dun just stop kids. He was crossing the street and I had to stop for this shot. Timeless...and I only realised we were in the middle of the streets afterawhile...sorry...

#9 Fresh from the market. Its that fresh.

Whats on the road were gabbage, petrol stains and what have you...

Weird thing is, I didnt have a single day of tummyache, for those who know how weak my guts are...

 

[Blackmafia]

#10 * Fashion statement *

Fashion is a form of ugliness so intolerable that we have to alter it every six months...

#11 * Misfired *

I misfired. But nevertheless I like the mood...

Pushing is an art in Vietnam. I must have been pushed, poked, stepped upteempth times...many were trying to test their luck on me...

#12 * Zoot-ouch *

I dun just dance in clubs...also in parks...

Went for my round of walking by the Ho Kiem Lake and saw a very nice youngster sharing morning exercise moves with the elders. Nice touch on his part.

Since cover charge was waived, I joined in to dance as well...

 

[Thedraperyfalls]

Nice series Eddie, looking forward to more.

You have a way with words, and I enjoyed reading everything including the astute observations and narratives.
Cheers!

 

[wongsan]

Great series...photos and narratives!

 

[hookonclassic]

Thanks for sharing some beautiful shots and wonderful thoughts...

 

[Blackmafia]

#13 * Difficult Life... *

When we long for life without difficulties, lets just remind ourselves that trees grow strong in contrary winds and diamonds are made under pressure...

#14 * Hunger *

I understand that some of the vietnamese would scrimp and save and maybe just a simple 2 meals a day...

I know I have not been to enough countries to really understand what many others have been through to appreciate life even more. Shall try to do that in my travels...

Through this trip, I've seen total clear distinct segregation between the wealthy and the poor in Hanoi...completely a vast difference...

Empty pockets never held anyone back. Only empty heads and empty hearts can do that...

#15 * Reflection *

The beginning of love is to let those we love be perfectly themselves, and not to twist them to fit our own image...

Otherwise we love only the reflection of ourselves we find in them.

 

[ray_stinger]

I love the pictures and even more so the narratives that go along with them! Fantastic series!

 

[Blackmafia]

Thanks guys, been reading the shares that the community has offered and just thought that maybe its time for me to share my thoughts...

 

[Dfive]

very nice set

 

[st0pandst4re]

excellent series.. really enjoyed looking through them! :thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup:

 

[TrulyReminiscence]

Excellent work here :thumbsup:

 

[Blackmafia]

#16 * Filial *

I couldnt miss this scene as I noticed the young girl accompanying the elderly along the street...they walked pass me and I just thought to myself that my dad too is getting old and has his fair share of leg pains...
Time to wake up my idea...

In life, we tend to forget that happiness doesn't come as a result of getting something we don't have, but rather of recognizing and appreciating what we do have...our family is the only gifts that doesnt ask for any returns...

#17 * Traffic Jam *

If you think that traffic in some of our parking malls is bad...think again. The boats here are crazily sardine packed and no traffic control at all...

#18 * Illegal parking *

In Hanoi, you can park illegally anywhere, anyplace and anything. At least that is what I have noticed, forgiving my poor understanding in the road-signs...

 

[pikapig]

Its really a different perspective....i like the pictures alot..its as thou i have nvr been to Hanoi....a whole new perspective

 

[Blackmafia]

Its really a different perspective....i like the pictures alot..its as thou i have nvr been to Hanoi....a whole new perspective

Which means you have been to? Hope my picts stand out in a favourable manner!

 

[Blackmafia]

#19 * Coldness *

I walked past and he just squatted there, hugging his boy...the wind wasnt just cold, it chilled my heart...

Life may not be the party we all hope for...but when we are here, lets dance to it...

#20 * Keep going *

Those who try to do something and fail and defintely better than those who try to do nothing and succeed..

#21 * Irony *

Life is a contradiction at times...as are we...

 

[Blackmafia]

#22 * Mr US dollar.. *

I noticed him pulling the boats by the dock and his beard intrigued me...

Walked up to him and took a shot. He looked back at me, stretched out his hand and shouted, "US$"...

I walked off politely...with his grumbling drowning amongst the rest...

#23 * Superwomen *

Though Im a black-belt second dan, a flying fish, a musician (I play recorder in school), I lost to this old elder in mountain climbing...

Other than spraining from dancing...I also sprain from this climb. Wanted to give up many times but there's only 1 way up...Ive got no choice but to persevere...

Other than Bukit Timah Hill, this is another milestone for me...

#24 * Suit up *

And they can climb the mountains in any attires...respect!

 

[ed9119]

your thread is featured in the Clubsnap Photography Community FB page :thumbsup::thumbsup:
ClubSNAP Photography Community | Facebook

 

[Will03]

beautiful stuffs