Vietnam & Bali Photos

4 ALBUMS FOLLOW...
( 2 Vietnam + 2 Bali)


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Hoi An, Vietnam
http://www.ofoto.com/I.jsp?c=jdehulj.bzkj4svz&x=0&y=e5xuof

I loved Hoi An's delapidated charm so much, that I extended my Vietnam Visa, and returned to spend my last 3 weeks in Vietnam here. I eventually moved into an impressively atmospheric, dark, old wooden Chinese Guest house. My upstairs space overlooks the riverside market, and is only one street from the riverfront. Being right next to the market means the pandamonium starts about 5am, but that's the price of convenience and character. There's a cockroach highway along my bedroom rafters, but we have a detante and few conflicts. I did, however, start using the mosquito net after a couple of the less coordinated buggers lost their grip and fell on me. The people here are sweet and welcoming, and most importantly, I have good light, and a happy vibe, for painting!



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Vietnam (the rest)

http://www.ofoto.com/I.jsp?c=jdehulj.cnc1py0v&x=0&y=-3zc9i2

The first few photos are of Dalat, Vietnam. This central highland area, was hilly and significantly cooler than most of Vietnam. While most of the locals wore coats and sweaters, I lounged comfortable in short sleeves, feeling almost like I was back in San Francisco!

After that, I took NW busses.

I had the good fortune to run into Dieter, who shared the desire to skip the overly commercial beachtown Nha Trang, and take the overnight bus to Hoi An. There is where we forged a lovely friendship, and started having many food and boating adventures in Hoi An, Hue, Hanoi, and Ha Long Bay. I really owe him a lot for his great attitude, and research skills. I'm sure I wouldn't have had nearly the nice time and adventures that I did, without him. Not to mention the fact that he patiently held a lot of my junk while I shot photos, and did most of the paddling during our Kayak day! I was sincerely sorry to part ways...




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For those of you who didn't see all my Bali photos, here's 2 of the more spectacular albums:

Bali - Ceremonies-Beach Holy Water -

http://www.ofoto.com/I.jsp?c=jdehulj.9ou6nkx3&x=0&y=j9b2ru

This was one of the most inspiring ceremonies I experienced on Bali. The movies are in my blog, and really show the fabulous impact of the Balinese processions when they are finally on the move.

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Terry's albumBali 2004- Teeth Filing Ceremony

http://www.ofoto.com/I.jsp?c=jdehulj.9na2dllj&x=0&y=-7ql22k

Bali 2004- Teeth Filing Ceremony

The Teeth Filing Ceremony This is arguably the most important personal ceremony on Bali. It's certainly the most elaborate and expensive one that parents owe their children. In this case, a brother and sister of a high caste were the only subjects, and it took place in the family compound. I was touched by how vulnerable they felt, and how supportive and empathetic everyone else was. As nervous and busy as they were, they both made their rounds before hand and said hello to everyone. The sister made a point of sitting with me before the ceremony, when she found out that I had come alone. The Balinese are extremely sweet about making sure people do not feel alone or afraid.

Countless hours are put into preparing for this most important of adult ceremonies. Even weddings are simple by comparison