"Silk lanterns, apparel and assistant pancakes...Hoi An" Samandbryony's photos about Hoi An, Vietnam

!±8± "Silk lanterns, apparel and assistant pancakes...Hoi An" Samandbryony's photos about Hoi An, Vietnam

Preview of Samandbryony's blog at TravelPod. Read the full blog here: www.travelpod.com This blog preview was made by TravelPod using the TripAdvisor™ TripWow slideshow creator. Entry from: Hoi An, Vietnam Entry Title: "Silk lanterns, suits and banana pancakes...Hoi An!" Entry: "Our flight arrived in Hanoi about 11pm, so after some food we had a great sleep and were eager to explore the town the following day. We love Hoi An. Its gorgeous; very french, very old Asia. Its a boutiquey little town, with a river running through and a beach 5 km away. We walked around the first day, visiting some tourist sights like the Japanese bridge which is guarded by monkeys one end and dogs the other (not live ones mind you) and the old Chinese Assembly hall. The architecture here is beautiful, really influenced by the Chinese and the French, everything is so quaint. Our hotel was about 400 meters from the Old Town, so we were close enough to the action without being in the middle of it which was nice. We went out for a few drinks late afternoon, and found a place which sold draught beer for 3000dong - thats about 25cents NZD, or 13p!!! A few people we had met told us to check out a bar/restaurant called Cargo, which we planned on going to for dinner, but when we saw the menu price we decided to get another beer and eat elsewhere. Mains were about USD, which is nothing, but the longer you are over here the more you think things are expensive, its funny how quickly you get like that. It ...

"Silk lanterns, apparel and assistant pancakes...Hoi An" Samandbryony's photos about Hoi An, Vietnam

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Coneflower and Chinese Lantern Silk Flower Arrangement

!±8± Coneflower and Chinese Lantern Silk Flower Arrangement

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Post Date : Dec 16, 2011 20:50:45 | Usually ships in 6-10 business days

Coneflower and Chinese Lantern Silk Flower Arrangement

This a unique floral arrangement that makes a statement. It contains silk Coneflowers and Chinese Lanterns. 39H22"W

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"Chinatown" Cowboyjim74's photos about San Francisco, United States (china boondocks san francosco)

!±8± "Chinatown" Cowboyjim74's photos about San Francisco, United States (china boondocks san francosco)

Preview of Cowboyjim74'sblog at TravelPod. Read the full blog here: www.travelpod.com This blog preview was made by TravelPod using the TripAdvisor™ TripWow slideshow creator. Entry from: San Francisco, United States Entry Title: "Chinatown" Entry: "This morning we began our day by trying to find the nearest BART station, BART being Bay Area Rail Transit. Actually we knew where the nearest station was in San Bruno, and the GPS gave us directions to it. Correction: the GPS gave us directions to a place across the street with no visible way to get through the chain link fence, across the sidewalk or over the CalTrain tracks. A full twenty minutes later, after getting directions to the Target next to the BART station (this time the GPS worked perfectly), we arrived and purchased round trip tickets to downtown and back. Our adventure for the day was a self-guided walking tour of SF's famed Chinatown. Upon entering the "gate" of Chinatown nearly every shop was overflowing with brocade coin purses, painted silk fans, lacquered chopsticks, ceramic teapots, carved Buddha statues and cards decorated with Chinese characters. We spent some time looking through some of the nicer looking shops until we happened upon a shop selling fair trade wallets, bags and purses from Vietnam. We eventually purchased a couple of things from this shop later in the day on our return trip toward the BART station. Just a few blocks into Chinatown we visited the Chinese Historical Society of America ...

"Chinatown" Cowboyjim74's photos about San Francisco, United States (china boondocks san francosco)

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Flowers Or Far East, Garden and Asian Wedding Favors Are Great Idea

!±8± Flowers Or Far East, Garden and Asian Wedding Favors Are Great Idea

Couples planning a wedding in today's society have many different elements to consider. Theme and colors are two things that merit consideration along with what type of decorations to use in the chosen theme. Two of the nicer ideas for outdoor ceremonies and receptions are garden and Asian themes. Whatever the couple decides, wedding favors can be found that will match the theme and make great gifts to give the guests to thank them for attending that will also become keepsakes to remind them of the happy event.

Many aspects of the far east are absolutely fascinating to occidentals. Outdoor decorations, including candlelit paper lanterns and certain elements of the written language can be beautiful parts of an outdoor western wedding if handled in the right way. For this reason, many couples opt to have an Asian theme. Couples who choose an Asian theme can normally find many different items to use as Asian wedding favors when shopping online. These items are small, inexpensive, and among the most beautiful items that can be given as "Thank you" gifts and keepsakes to remind the guests of the event.

Silk and paper Asian fans, candles, and a wide range of items that contain the Chinese glyphs meaning "love" and "double happiness" are among the options for couple to choose from when giving Asian wedding favors. Many couples have found shopping for these little gifts to be a restful diversion from dealing with many of the more difficult aspects of trying to plan the ceremony and reception.

A garden theme is another very popular choice in outdoor themes that many couples choose to celebrate the abundance of life that surrounds them. Flowering plants create some of the most beautiful of decorations for such events and flowers tend to be the major thematic element of garden wedding favors. These items can actually be any thing a person can dream of if they have some sort of flowers decorating them.

Among the most popular items chosen as garden wedding favors is a packet of mixed flowering seeds for the guests to take home and plant in their own flower garden as a perennial reminder of the happiness shared with the couple on this special day.

In order to make the wedding come out being the fantasy setting that the bride has always dreamed of, it is necessary to make sure that the setting in done perfectly whether an Asian theme or a garden theme is chosen. Giving Asian or garden wedding favors is among the best ways to thank the guests for taking the time from their own schedules to attend and make this day as nearly perfect for the couple as is humanly possible to achieve. Among wedding favors, these are some of the most beautiful and memorable styles available.

Flowers Or Far East, Garden and Asian Wedding Favors Are Great Idea

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Tana Silk Floor Lamp - Citrus

!±8± Tana Silk Floor Lamp - Citrus

Brand : OM Gallery | Rate : | Price : $99.00
Post Date : Nov 26, 2011 02:05:26 | Usually ships in 1-2 business days

Handmade by personal friends of the Om Gallery and constructed with fine taffeta silk by skilled Vietnamese craftspeople, our exquisite lamp represents a one-of-a-kind creation. As with all Om Gallery products, this item is made with the highest fair trade principles in mind. The Tana Silk Floor Lamp makes an exquisite addition to any room. Whether placed in a corner or a more prominent area, this striking and uncommon lamp is a superb accent light. Your purchase of this Om Gallery lamp will contribute to the improved living conditions of our Vietnamese partners and their families. For this, we would like to thank you. Tana Silk Floor Lamp measures 45"H x 11"W (at the base).

• Shades: Silk with clear plastic lining
• Includes 6-foot cord with on/off switch
• Requires two (2) 35-watt CFL blubs (not included)
• Dimensions: 45 inches tall x 11 inches wide x 11 inches deep
• Handcrafted

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Vietnam, mon affair - DaNang

!±8± Vietnam, mon affair - DaNang

DaNang, a wonderful city on the shore of Chinese Sea; people living there are enormously skillfull-producing marmor and wooden sculptures, silk,lanterns...even being poor and having always problems with innondations they are humble, lucky,calm and kind...nearby is famous museum of Cham´s culture /hinduistic ancient sculptures/. Wonderful event!

Vietnam, mon affair - DaNang

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"Charming Hoi An" Linzstoker's photos about Hoi An, Vietnam (woodworking shops in hoi an)

!±8± "Charming Hoi An" Linzstoker's photos about Hoi An, Vietnam (woodworking shops in hoi an)

Preview of Linzstoker's blog at TravelPod. Read the full blog here: www.travelpod.com This blog preview was made by TravelPod using the TripAdvisor™ TripWow slideshow creator. Entry from: Hoi An, Vietnam Entry Title: "Charming Hoi An" Entry: "Hoi An was an easy four-hour bus ride from Hue. It was a little funny though. We were told the bus would pick us up at our guesthouse, which was great news because it meant we didn't have to carry our packs to a bus station. The downfall was that we were among the first passengers to be picked up so it took an hour to round up the rest. Then, just as I thought we were finally heading out of town, the bus pulled into a gas station, where they made us unload our luggage and transfer to another bus. Not sure what that was all about. Maybe it had a fuller tank than the bus we were on. Anyway, Hoi An was great. I really liked it. The older part of town is so quaint. During the 16th through 19th centuries, Hoi An was an important Vietnamese trading port. This international sphere of influence led to an interesting blend of indigenous, French, and Japanese architecture. But whatever the style, it feels historic. Walking the streets and narrow alleyways, one feels almost transported in time. And the best part of it is, in order to enhance Hoi An's antique charm, they restrict motorized vehicles from the historic area during certain times (there wasn't much consistency so we couldn't quite figure out what their schedule was). And those hours ...

"Charming Hoi An" Linzstoker's photos about Hoi An, Vietnam (woodworking shops in hoi an)

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Silk Screens Manchester 2008

!±8± Silk Screens Manchester 2008

rivercultures.co.uk Silk Screens marked the 2008 Beijing Olympics with live events happening simultaneously in 4 British cities on 19th July 2008 - London, Manchester, Birmingham and Glasgow. SILK SCREENS FILM BBC Video Nation Silk Screens Producer Rosemary Richards with Leonie Collier, Tariq Aziz, Alyson Fielding and all Regional Video Nation producers Filmmaker Peng Wenlan LIVE EVENTS Company Artistic Director Deb Mullins Silk Screens Live Artistic Director Hi Ching Project Manager and Programmer Catherine Boyd Project Co-ordinator Ameneh Enayat Chief Production Manager Ben Raine Production Management Glasgow Gareth Hance Production Management London Andy Cheeseman and Sarah Morton Production Management Manchester Roy Fernley Lead Designers Gordon Allum and Jane Ripley Design Team Tracy Benner, Jennifer Lewis, Max Marshall, Cristina Ottonello and Sue Westergaard Pyrotechnics Team Mathew Nicholls and Frank Earle-Whiffen Health and safety advisor Adrian Bristow Silk Screens Live Soundtrack composed and created by Hi Ching With thanks to China Product Warehouse Centre Birmingham UK for supply of lanterns. Emergency Exit Arts Producer Tish Francis Associates Associate Producer Hi Ching for River Cultures Manchester video Euan Doak, Claire Houang Video edit Hi Ching FEATURED ARTISTS Der Shing Hwang Fenfen Huang Goldie Webb Cheung Kimho Ip Sam Glazer Jimmy Le Messurier Master Chen and Jin Long Academy PARTNERS in Manchester include Manchester City Council Chinese Arts Centre ...

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Tana Silk Floor Lamp - Lime

!±8±Tana Silk Floor Lamp - Lime

Brand : OM Gallery
Rate :
Price : $99.00
Post Date : Oct 23, 2011 11:00:39
Usually ships in 1-2 business days

Handmade by personal friends of the Om Gallery and constructed with fine taffeta silk by skilled Vietnamese craftspeople, our exquisite lamp represents a one-of-a-kind creation. As with all Om Gallery products, this item is made with the highest fair trade principles in mind. The Tana Silk Floor Lamp makes an exquisite addition to any room. Whether placed in a corner or a more prominent area, this striking and uncommon lamp is a superb accent light. Your purchase of this Om Gallery lamp will contribute to the improved living conditions of our Vietnamese partners and their families. For this, we would like to thank you. Tana Silk Floor Lamp measures 45"H x 11"W (at the base).

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Vietnam and Cambodia - Land of the Dragon

!±8± Vietnam and Cambodia - Land of the Dragon

"I can't say what made me fall in love with Vietnam... (and Cambodia)... that everything is so intense... The colours, the taste, even the rain. Nothing like the...rain in London. They say whatever you're looking for, you will find here. They say you come to Vietnam and you understand a lot in a few minutes, but the rest has got to be lived. The smell: that's the first thing that hits you, promising everything in exchange for your soul. And the heat....You could be forgiven for thinking there was no war." These were the words of Thomas Fowler from the film, "The Quiet American," which so accurately sums up Vietnam. It is a land that captures the very essence of your soul and takes you on an unforgettable journey through the land of the dragon.

Ancient mythology tells us that the people of Vietnam are descendants of the Dragon Lord Lạc Long Qun and the Immortal Fairy u Cơ. They produced 100 children, 50 of whom lived with their mother in the mountains and the other 50, with their father in the sea. So steeped in mythology is the land of Vietnam that each area is shrouded in some story of mythological formation.

Landing in Hanoi, capital of Vietnam and home to about 3.7 million people and 1.2 million motor bikes, is like landing in the heart of a giant mosquito that never sleeps. Endless streams of bikes pass you by each day, with many families of 4 heading off on their daily chores. Farmers from surrounding areas meet at the "morning market at 03h00 and by 07h00 have cleared up and gone. At night, entire streets are transformed into night markets which trade until late in the evening. Unlike its sister city, Saigon, Hanoi has narrow streets and still retains some of its old city charm. The old quarter, often known as the "36 streets," dates back over 2000 years. The area was once home to numerous craft guilds which created work areas. When the streets were eventually named, each street was named after the craft sold along that street and so today, if you need shoes, you head for Hang Guay, and for jewellery, Hang Bac.

Leaving the bustle of the city behind and traveling northwards towards the sea, highway 5 takes you to a world Heritage site, and the tail of the "descending dragon." Halong Bay is an endless canvas of 1969 limestone islands, 989 of which have been named. Many of these islands are home to numerous caves, some of which can be visited on foot and others in the pleasant tranquility of a kayak.

According to local legend, Halong Bay was created by a family of dragons, sent by the gods to help protect the Vietnamese from Chinese invaders. The dragons spat out pears and jade stones which soon turned to a myriad of islands protecting the people from the invaders. Today, these very same islands provide a safe home to many small floating villages, the inhabitants of whom survive off the 200 species of fish and 450 different species of mollusks that the waters provide.

Far south of Halong Bay is the picturesque small historical town of Hoi An, where the "The Quiet American," was partially filmed. Between the 15th to 19th centuries the town served as one of South-East Asia's most important trading ports for spices and silk and today is still a traders paradise. Cars are banned and the narrow cobbled streets are lined with old buildings, temples, pagoda's and endless shops selling hand made trousers for , evening dresses for and three-piece suits for . In the heart of the town is the Ving Hung Hotel, which served as the dressing room for Michael Caine during filming. Today, tourists jostle to book into the same room which overlooks the narrow bustling lantern lit streets below, which come alive during the festival of the full moon.

From the quiet tranquility of Hoi An, a short flight takes you in the belly of the dragon, Saigon or the modern day, H" Ch Minh City. Inhabited by 8 million people and 4 million motor bikes it pulsates 24 hours a day. Traveling through the vast tarred streets with towering modern hotels and malls, it is hard to believe that the city started out as a small fishing village in an area that was originally swampland, but when heading out into the neighbouring areas the tranquility of forgotten days soon prevails. Endless rice paddies line the myriad of roads that spread out from the city. Framers work the land,

harvesting rice in the blazing heat. Old carts are pulled by weary horses. Rubber trees are methodically planted in rows, their sticky sap slowly seeping into wooden bowls for collection.

Driving back in time, one arrives at the area of Cu Chi, whose 121km hand-dug underground tunnels became famous as a battleground of the Vietnam War. The forested area is littered with B52 bomb craters and the endless spattering of gun fire can be heard from the firing range. Some of the tunnels are open to tourists to experience for a brief period, what life in the tunnels must have been like. In the blistering heat of the day, 7 of us descended into the dark abyss below us. The tunnels are narrow, dark, airless and in places slope down and narrow so one has to belly crawl. 40m was all it took for me to realize that as a non-sufferer of claustrophobia, another 20m would surely have converted me. Lack of air. Stifling heat. For the Viet Cong, life in the tunnels was difficult. Sometimes, during periods of heavy bombing from American troops, the Viet Cong would be forced to remain underground for many days at a time. Malaria and sickness were rampant and accounted for the second largest cause of death after battle wounds.

As horrific as life in the tunnels must have been, it is the images of the war weapons and traps set by the Viet Cong for the Americans that will remain in my memory for a life time, but as one local guide said, when your way of life is under attack, you will do all in your power to protect it.

South of Saigon lies the feet and arms of the dragon, whose claws spread out to form the massive expanse of the Mekong Delta. The area, also known as Nine River Dragon Delta, drains an area of over 790 000 km2. The Mekong is the 12th-longest river in the world, and runs all the way from the Tibetan Plateau through China, Burma, Thailand, Laos and Cambodia, into Vietnam and finally into the south china sea.

With such an expanse of water it is not surprising to find that the residents of the Mekong area are river people. Where Hanoi's streets come alive with early morning markets, the tributaries of the Mekong erupt into a chattering wash tub as hundreds of boats navigate the narrow channels laden with hands of bananas, grapefruit, jackfruit, spinach, fish and every kind of vegetable imaginable. Trade takes place under the shade of Vietnamese hats while hotel and restaurant owners on the shore line yell instructions across the water of their daily needs. About 20 minutes up the Mekong we headed along a narrow tributary to encounter life up river. Locals wade about in the waters catching fish. Children cycle and play along narrow sidewalks dodging chickens and dogs. Mothers sit at the waters edge washing clothes while the men potter about fixing their boats. Farmers live on combination fish and rice farms, generating an average of a month, while small family businesses survive making rice cakes, rice paper and potent rice wine.

Leaving the peace and tranquility of the Mekong, our next stop was neighbouring Cambodia, lying at the back of the dragon. Like Vietnam, the history of Cambodia is marred with foreign invasions, international political intervention and internal conflicts. The pinnacle of Cambodia's history arose during the rulership of the Khymer Kings between about 800 - 1400AD. It was during this period that Khmer kings built the most extensive concentration of religious temples in the world - the Angkor temple complex - and hundreds of surrounding temples.

Then in 1431 the Thais plundered the area and the complex of Angkor was abandoned. For almost 200 years the forces of nature invaded the temples. Fig trees took up residence on temple walls and slowly engulfed the buildings. Moss adorned the intricate carvings and aerial roots flowed to the floor.

Today, the complex of temples is a World Heritage site. Many of the Hindu statues have been removed and replaced with sculptures of Buddha and numerous renovations are underway. Time seems to have stood leaving an imprint of mystique. I lost my heart to the temples of Cambodia.

I cannot say what made me fall in love with Vietnam and Cambodia. Perhaps it was the ever smiling faces of the people, the sheer simplicity of life or the vast green rice fields; the smell of the rain or the sounds of children splashing about kicking a home crafted soccer ball. Perhaps it was the excitement with which vendors haggle over prices or the intense respect shown by children to their elders. Whatever the reason, they left an indelible imprint on my heart and a yearning to return, in my soul.

Vietnam and Cambodia - Land of the Dragon

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Hoi An, Vietnam - Top Ten

!±8± Hoi An, Vietnam - Top Ten

Hoi An

If you fancy upgrading your wardrobe with shiny new threads, Hoi An is the place. Every other shop in this small, perfectly formed central Vietnamese town belongs to a tailor who will happily whip up a pair of slinky pyjamas or a silk kimono ('made-to-measure, Visa or Mastercard'). It will be made from the fruit of locally bred silkworms and, with luck, will fit perfectly and carry no size tag.

This fashion hub and Unesco World Heritage Site has long been a class act. In the 16th and 17th centuries, it was an international port called Faifo swarming with Chinese and Japanese merchants. Today, the exotic trader influence shines through in the shrines, silk shops, bridges and quaint tile-roofed wooden houses.

Because many of the downtown streets are closed to cars and even motorcycles on some days, they are great for a wander. Although most shops target tourists, unusually for Vietnam, much of the town has been conserved. A heritage time capsule, this living museum of Vietnamese culture offers visitors the tranquility many need as an antidote to the mania of the country's cities, and from their lives back home.

The limited development that has been allowed has unfolded sympathetically, resulting in a minimum of tower blocks and karaoke parlours and a general lack of tat and tack. It feels "boutiquey" rather than "souveniry", to echo one observer.

When you tire of the lanterns, kites and looms, there is no need to pack up and leave. Just beyond the fringes of this most picturesque of towns, you will find plenty of momentous attractions, if little in the way of golf, although the area has five world-class courses in the pipeline.

Tempted? Hoi An is just down the road and is far quieter than Hanoi. Instead of honking horns and revving motorbikes, the prevalent sounds are whirring sewing machines, clinking chisels and softly shuffling flip-flops topped by sibilantly humming voices.

Give in to the temptation to fall into a trance, but try to snap out of it when you take a taxi, as you are still in the most commercial of countries. Confirm the cost and destination. Otherwise, expect to arrive at the wrong hotel, to be charged way too much and then to be stung for extras, such as for having too many shopping bags or for any other reason your driver can concoct, such as being a large person, or your belt causing wear-and-tear on the upholstery.

Finally, ensure you have plenty of traveller's cheques or stacks of cash. The reason: as in much of Vietnam, the ATMs have the distressingly capricious habit of, like casino one arm bandits, dispensing cash at random intervals or not at all.

For wireless internet access on what some Vietnamese call your 'toplap', try the Hai Scout cafe at 111 Tran Phu Street. Alternatively, try another old quarter stalwart, the chic and bare-bones Art Cafe at 30 Thai Hoc Street, which is a good place to relax and soak up Hoi An's ample atmosphere. "It nice," as the sign says.

Simon Ramsden lists the top ten attractions in or near a town with four UNESCO World Heritage sites within easy reach:

1. Japanese Covered Bridge
Surprisingly short and stocky, Hoi An's most famous landmark has a tall story behind it. The story begins with a monster called Cu, which was so big it had its head in India and its tail in Japan. The products of its nether regions, which are situated over Vietnam, have been credited with most of what is good, and bad, in the country's history.

In the 1590s a covered bridge was built in Hoi An to link the Japanese side of town with the Chinese quarter. According to the story, because the bridge spanned the weakest part of the monster, the pressure killed it. Hence the shrine of atonement halfway across.

As if that legend were not odd enough, one entrance is guarded by a pair of monkeys and the other by a pair of dogs.

2. Hoi An Harbour
To see the harbour at its most magical, rise at daybreak and go to the bridge. A guide will take you out on a wood-boards-and-peeling-paint ferry for a fresh, laid-back take on the town. Bobbing and lolling around, you may feel that you have stepped back in time to the age of Marco Polo.

3. Tran Family Worship House
Ringed by a garden and high fences, the Old Town house could more accurately be described by a bourgeois word you are still not meant to use. Infused by Chinese and Japanese influences, the temple, sorry house, was constructed by a mandarin named Tran Tu Nhac.

Intriguingly designed, it splits into the main worship part and an annex for family and guests. The worship hall has three doors, each for a different type of visitor.

The left door is for men, the right for women. The middle door, for the grandparents, is opened during the Tet new year festival and on other celebratory days. If the place feels too rigid for your taste, try Phuc Kien Pagoda - the assembly hall-cum-temple for Chinese from the Fujian province who worship the Fujian god Tien Hau.

4. Cargo Club Restaurant and Patisserie
One of the joys of Hoi An is the eccentric English displayed on menus. Think "grilled tofu with grass" and "banana pancake with bile honey".

Set in an ancient, two-storey shophouse on one of Hoi An's liveliest streets, the Cargo Club at 107-109 Nguyen Thai Hoc Street serves up a few linguistic oddities of its own, including 'alsatian baguette'.

Nonetheless, the food is reliably delicious and diverse. The repertoire includes everything from spicy seafood noodle soup to roasted fennel and goat cheese salad. Adding to the attraction, the club has chic dark wood decor and a balcony that commands sweeping views of the harbour.

To get so close to the water that you could drink it, try Citronella Cafe at 5 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai. But stick to the bottled water. For the purest water you can find, visit any of the stalls and cafes that sell green coconuts, where the vendor will hack one open for you with a machete. The coconut is free, but expect to pay for the straw to suck the juice out with.

5. Zen Spa
Founded to promote traditional Vietnamese therapy, Zen Spa (zenspa.com.vn) has two local branches. One, at the Hoi An Hotel, is right in the heart of town. The other, at the Hoi An Beach Resort is further out, by the seaside. Pampering services that come under the Zen Spa brand include facials, foot treatments, body scrubs, Pearl of Asia (incorporating exotic Thanh Long or 'dragon fruit'), Heaven and Earth (gentle body scrub with a great coconut aroma), The Five Elements ('fresh herbals and silver coins with ginger wine') and Forever Together ('fresh leaves and herbs'). Different.

6. Cua Dai Beach
So much appears in print about Hoi An's old quarter that the visitor may forget that the town lies beside the South China Sea. Fringed with palm trees, Hoi An's beach, Cua Dai, boasts clean white sand that stretches all the way to Danang and is short on hawkers: a blessing in a country where you are far too often assailed with the demand "You, buy my things."

7. Marble Mountains
These mountains are named after the crystalline metamorphic limestone from which they formed. Blessed with soaring, incense-filled caves and pagodas, the Marble Mountains have seen it all, fulfilling roles at various times in its history as a temple complex, battleground and hospital. In the latter of these roles injured Vietcong would convalesce whilst watching the ant-link figures of GI's playing on the beach below, oblivious of the enemy's presence.

The king of the Nguyen Dynasty, Vietnam's last ruling family, named the mountains after the five elements that make up the universe: (metal, wood, water, fire and earth). If you want to become at one with the universe, in characteristically business-like Vietnamese fashion you will be charged a small entry fee for each of the five elements with which you wish to harmonise.

8. My Son Sanctuary
The Unesco-listed My Son Sanctuary, often described as a Hindu holy land, rests in a remote jungle valley ringed by two mountain ranges. My Son once hosted the religious ceremonies of kings of the Champa dynasty, which ruled southern and central Vietnam from around the 7th century to the 19th. Unfortunately most of it was obliterated by the US Air Force in the war, but what remains is interesting, if only because the Hindu relics seem so out of place this deep inside Indochina.

The sanctuary consists of a string of semi-ruined but imposing tower-temples built by means that modern architecture does not understand. Often likened to the Cambodian temple complex Angkor, which the Champa sacked, My Son is a spooky place as awash with butterflies as with the spirits of the dead.

One of the strangest sight you will see in its grounds is the two American bomb casings dating back to a 1963 raid. The casings' shape echoes the deliberately phallic stone columns scattered around the sanctuary.

9. Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park
The karst (limestone crag) configurations at Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park stem from 400 million years of geological upheaval and growth. To get a sense of how slowly Phong Nha-Ke Bang evolved, consider that it takes a century for any of the stalactites or stalagmites to grow a single millimetre.

This Unesco site ranks as the oldest major karst area in Asia. It is big, too. Radiating from the border with Lao, Phong Nha-Ke Bang comprises 65 kilometres of caves and underground rivers. An adventure sports playground with a promising future.

10. Cham Museum, Danang.
This museum houses the world's finest collection of Cham sculpture and is a glorious testament to the artistic achievements of the Kingdom of Champa. The sandstone carvings of gods, beasts and celestial dancing girls possess exquisite beauty and grace and are so liberally displayed as to make it a challenge to fully appreciate this enchanting museum in a single visit.

Hoi An, Vietnam - Top Ten

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2011 Chinese New Year - As We Say Goodbye to the Tiger, the Year of the Rabbit Is Most Welcome

!±8± 2011 Chinese New Year - As We Say Goodbye to the Tiger, the Year of the Rabbit Is Most Welcome

An Ancient Tradition in Modern Times

As the most important and festive of the traditional Chinese holidays, the 2011 Chinese New Year of the Rabbit starts February 3 and will end January 22, 2012. The celebrations begin New Years Eve and continue until the full moon 15 days later.

Every year, the New Moon in Aquarius marks the Chinese New Year. Rather than have a fixed date each year, the Chinese culture tunes into more natural celestial events. Aquarius is the sign that represents humanitarianism so there may be something to this approach that we in the west can learn from this ancient civilization.

The influence of the Chinese culture is sweeping the world and for good reason. In its most pure expression, the philosophy underlying its traditional practices is Taoism, which is very holistic. Chinese Astrology, Medicine, Feng Shui, Tai Chi and Chi Gong all share a common holistic foundation.

The origin of Chinese New Year is itself centuries old. Honored in countries with significant Chinese populations, it is also celebrated in countries that don't recognize it as their own national holiday, such as Canada, United States and Australia. For many, the spectacular New Year parades throughout China towns are the main attraction, showcasing colorful costumes, elaborate floats and performances, fireworks, lion dances and the hundred foot-long dragon puppet made from silk, bamboo and paper.

The tradition is every family thoroughly cleans their house to sweep away any ill-fortune with the intention to make way for good incoming luck. Windows and doors are decorated with red color paper cut-outs with positive themes of "happiness", "wealth", and "longevity". Living rooms are adorned with blooming plants to symbolize rebirth and new growth, platters of oranges and tangerines and a candy tray with eight varieties of dried sweet fruit. The presence of the ancestors is acknowledged on New Year's Eve of the Chinese New Year, which is celebrated with a family feast. Each following day of the 2 week celebration marks customary activities, and the 15th day is the Lantern Festival celebrated at night, with children carrying lanterns in a parade.

The Year of the Metal Rabbit

According to the Chinese Five Element Astrology Calendar, February 3, 2011 marks the year of the Metal Rabbit, with Metal giving strength and endurance, and the elemental color white. Known to be one of the luckiest and gentlest of the 12 animal signs, it is believed the year of the Rabbit will bring a welcome change after the fierce year of the Tiger which began February 14, 2010. Bringing a more congenial and diplomatic mood, the Rabbit symbolizes graciousness, good manners, sound counsel and kindness. It is said that the Rabbit year will bring more calm, peace or respite from conflict or war.

The Chinese New Year is a celebration of change; out with the old and in with the new! A Chinese proverb says that all creations are reborn on New Year's Day. We can all benefit by celebrating this ancient tradition to bring renewal into our own lives.

2011 Chinese New Year - As We Say Goodbye to the Tiger, the Year of the Rabbit Is Most Welcome

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Chinese Yueju Opera-Love With a Fairy Carp-Scene-5

!±8± Chinese Yueju Opera-Love With a Fairy Carp-Scene-5

Cast: XU Yulan (徐玉兰), WANG Wenjuan (王文娟) male role: XU School (徐 派) Female role: WANG School (王 派) JIN Chong: Why are the husband and wife in a hurry Tell me?. Servant: Yes, it seems so Mr.ZHANG and mistress. JIN Chong: Did you see clear? Servant: Yes, I did. JIN Chong: Chase back at once! Ms. Jin: Today is a happy Day 'm me.We drinking water with my daughter already have accompanied the nail from the eyes of the poor moved out of your system! Mudan: Hearing that I feel a great joy andhilarity.Mother I toast to happiness. Waiter: Mistress Masteress and see the lantern. Maid1: It 'a desire, a lantern that I wish you a beautiful new spring. Maid2: There is a number one scholar-lantern that I made. Ms. JIN: My daughter wants to marry a beautiful student number one! JIN Chong: It 'so disgusting! Ms. LIN: Why are you angry? JIN Chong: It 'the bad guy, Zhang Zhen, who were expelled from lights we had was bold enough to see with my daughterthe road. If it is known by others, our family is ruined reputation. Ms. JIN: Our daughter is right on the street could home.How? They were dark and short-sighted to mistaken someone else for them. JIN Chong: I saw someone else can clearly.How errors for my daughter? Servant: Master, they are chased back! JIN Chong: My! JIN Chong Son of a bitch You dare to entice my daughter after you and ruin their reputations were expeled? Come, tie a rope! Carp: Ohno, Father ... (To do ...

Chinese Yueju Opera-Love With a Fairy Carp-Scene-5

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We play Dark Cloud 2: Chapter 3 - Inventions

!±8± We play Dark Cloud 2: Chapter 3 - Inventions

* Chapter 3 - Anti-Curse Amulet [Emblem Sacred Scriptures & & * Hmmmm! Jurak] - Antidote Amulet [B & Dell Clinic Sign & Emblem Holy] - Antidote Drink [Bottle & Dell Clinic Sign & Well] - Anti-Goo Amulet [* Laundry and Governor Waterfall & Pond] - Barrel Cannon II [Fountain & Barrel & Well] - Bucket Leg [Can & Well & River] - Pack Bucket [Mailbox & Trash & Warehouse] - Cannon Ball Arm III [Manufacturer & Crystal Moon Post & *] - Cheese [Sign Cafe & Trademark Lao Chao & Milk can ] - ClownHand II [Clown Attack & Parasol & Scale * Robo] - Dragon Shoes [Cloth & Runaway Dragon & Waterfall] - Drill Arm [Auto Book Reader & Fan & Windmill] - Holy Water [Bottle & Holy Emblem & The Sun] - Machine Gun Arm [Fan & Rifle & Runaway Dragon] - Machine Gun Arm II [Fans & Telescope and Windmill] - Magic Gun [Fountain & The Moon & Moon Crystal *] - Body Milk can [FP & Milk Can & Peeping Pole] - Missile Pod Arm [Mushroom & Rotating Sign & wooden box] - Non-Stop Amulet [Clock & Monument &Star Glass] - Premium Chicken [Pork Dumpling & Special Beijing Duck & Dragon Fire Burning *] - Foot Roller [Freight Train & Rotating Sign & Wheel] - Samurai Arm [Barrel & crescent shaped & Light Weapons] - Samurai Body [ Cedric shop sign and crescent-shaped Light & Telescope] - hand-sewn Sand Breaker [Silk Flag & Horn & Spinning Ivanoff *] - Smash Wrench [Lamp Manufacturer & Rock Stars] - Soap [Laundry and Palm Tree & Waterfall] - Spike Boots [* & Parasol & Pumpkin Moon Crystal] - Stamina Drink [Bottle...

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Vietnamese Embroidery - 13" x 19" Red Lantern and Lotus - EBB112

!±8±Vietnamese Embroidery - 13" x 19" Red Lantern and Lotus - EBB112

Brand : VietnameseArtwork.com
Rate :
Price : $89.00
Post Date : Sep 29, 2011 09:51:04
Usually ships in 1-2 business days

Fine art of embroidery: exquisite still painting of a vase lotus and red lantern

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PONGEE SILK WOODEN LANTERN LAMP

!±8±PONGEE SILK WOODEN LANTERN LAMP

Brand : East Enterprises
Rate :
Price : $128.00
Post Date : Sep 26, 2011 14:45:38
Usually ships in 4-5 business days

1) PONGEE SILK WOODEN LANTERN LAMP. 2) LAMP SIZE: 18" HIGH, 13"WIDE. 3) REGULAR SOCKET, IN-LINE LOW & HIGH SWITCH, MAXIMUM WATT 100 UL LISTED. 4) SHADE: SILK 15" SOFT LINING FABRIC UNO SHADE. 5) SHADE SIZE: 15HX13W" 6) FABRIC & COLOR: 100% PONGEE SILK, EGGSHELL.

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!±8± Tana Silk Floor Lamp - Sky

Brand : OM Gallery | Rate : | Price : $99.00
Post Date : Sep 24, 2011 13:54:03 | Usually ships in 1-2 business days

Tana Silk Floor Lamp - Sky

Handmade by personal friends of the Om Gallery and constructed with fine taffeta silk by skilled Vietnamese craftspeople, our exquisite lamp represents a one-of-a-kind creation. As with all Om Gallery products, this item is made with the highest fair trade principles in mind. The Tana Silk Floor Lamp makes an exquisite addition to any room. Whether placed in a corner or a more prominent area, this striking and uncommon lamp is a superb accent light. Your purchase of this Om Gallery lamp will contribute to the improved living conditions of our Vietnamese partners and their families. For this, we would like to thank you. Tana Silk Floor Lamp measures 45"H x 11"W (at the base).

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Tana Silk Floor Lamp - Solar

!±8±Tana Silk Floor Lamp - Solar

Brand : OM Gallery
Rate :
Price : $129.00
Post Date : Sep 22, 2011 06:51:06
Usually ships in 1-2 business days

Handmade by personal friends of the Om Gallery and constructed with fine taffeta silk by skilled Vietnamese craftspeople, our exquisite lamp represents a one-of-a-kind creation. As with all Om Gallery products, this item is made with the highest fair trade principles in mind. The Tana Silk Floor Lamp makes an exquisite addition to any room. Whether placed in a corner or a more prominent area, this striking and uncommon lamp is a superb accent light. Your purchase of this Om Gallery lamp will contribute to the improved living conditions of our Vietnamese partners and their families. For this, we would like to thank you. Tana Silk Floor Lamp measures 45"H x 11"W (at the base).

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!±8± Tana Silk Floor Lamp - Aqua

Brand : OM Gallery | Rate : | Price : $99.00
Post Date : Sep 20, 2011 11:45:07 | Usually ships in 1-2 business days

Tana Silk Floor Lamp - Aqua

• Shades: Silk with clear plastic lining
• Includes 6-foot cord with on/off switch
• Requires two (2) 35-watt CFL blubs (not included)
• Dimensions: 45 inches tall x 11 inches wide x 11 inches deep
• Handcrafted

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Tana Silk Floor Lamp - Aqua

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