Why there are no photos on this blog, and other news...

Hey all,

I survived the two-day long journey to Hanoi from Whitley Bay. My digital camera, it seems, did not. I discovered this on a trip out this afternoon to the Temple of Literature, my favourite Hanoi spot. I was planning a group of photos of the 'lesser-known' aspects of this beautiful temple series, given that I have already snapped the traditional pics on previous visits. For now they will have to remain not just 'lesser-known', but completely 'unknown'. However, I seem to arrived in a technological revolution, and Hanoi seems to be evolving digitally like never before, so shouldnt be too long before I'm sorted again.

In other news of moderate un-interest, the stone which caused my foot injury in 2007 is gone! Dug up and covered over with some sand. Perhaps my bone-breaking instigated a pavement-reform. Perhaps not. Either way my little toe is relieved.

Below are a few pics from my library-stock of Hanoi images of the Temple of Literature (Van Mieu). It's gorgeaus here, a real gem and a peaceful retreat from the crazyness of the city. Its especially peaceful later on in the afternoon when the tourists thin out and early evening sunlight creeps in. I sat for a while pondering the inherantly moronic affectation of some tourists, when some Vietnamese students stopped to chat. They were delighted to discover that I could speak a little Vietnamese, and we muddled through a conversation in a Viet-Eng hybrid. It was great fun. One of them, who's name I sadly didn't retain, taught me how to make an origami flower from a 1000VND note. All in all a wonderful afternoon.

SarahHeadsEast xx