I know that many people still associate Vietnam to the war and would never think of traveling there…but I walked away so touched by the people that we met. There’s a mixture of cultures, languages and backgrounds that made it all so interesting…including their beautiful smiles…but also important…a genuine curiosity to learn about us as well. So I thought I’d wrap up with some favorite captures…faces of Vietnam.
I want to end my Vietnam postings with recognizing some very special people…and that’s the staff at the Mai Chau Ecolodge. I failed to mention earlier that the Ecolodge itself was built entirely from local natural materials for their thatched roofs, bamboo interiors, and wooden furniture. Their theme for “keeping it local” also included their staff as well. Most all were local Thai people from the villages nearby…people who not only had to learn English, but the meaning of exceptional service. I honestly walked away feeling a part of this amazing family nestled in the heart of the Mai Chau valley…and there’s no doubt…there will be a return trip to check in on these precious souls who took such wonderful care of us!
my special girls…
I’m so fortunate to travel and be exposed to so much in our world. But, I also understand that for many…whether it’s lack of resources, poor health or a number of other personal reasons…travel may never be in the cards for them. My hope is that my travel postings will provide that glimpse into life in the little corners of our world…
I’ve thought a lot about the importance of travel lately…and it always makes me think of the Mark Twain quote below. To think of how long ago this was written…how appropriate for today more than ever.
Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness,
and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts.
Broad, wholesome, charitable views on men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one corner of the earth all one’s lifetime.
~~~
These faces! So lovely, and I see expressions that we all have in common…love, joy, happiness.
And your posts do just that for me. You have taken me to places I know I will never set foot in during my lifetime.
Thank you Deborah!!
Thank you, dear Robin, from bottom of my heart
You my sweet…are so welcome! xoxo
First, the quote by Mark Twain…oh my. I need to memorize that because it is so-so true. Thank you for including it.
Secondly, the people, the faces the culture, the context, the everything you have included here really IS our way of traveling the world with you…especially the parts I know I will never reach, in spite of the fact that travel is so important to me. THANK YOU again, Robin, for sharing that which is important: the SOUL of a people and place.
I knew you would like that quote! I came across it a few years ago and knew one day it would be perfect for a blog posting! Thanks so much Ginnie!
Each one is superb, and no doubt you had to winnow out many more that you didn’t include. I love the touches .. like the green scarf and jacket in one … the boys sporting teenagerhood already … all just priceless. My favorite I think is dear lady with lavender top. Imagine a mother’s look like that in your heart and mind forever! Thank you for showing me this part of the world, where I may never travel, dear Robin.
She is a favorite for me too. I came across her in a little art shop in Hanoi and even though we couldn’t communicate she was so beautiful and she understood enough that I was honored to take her portrait. And as you know…my heart has a huge weakness for the elderly… Thank you Ruth! xo
Just priceless! I love each and every photo. I for sure will never travel to any of the places you have been and I thank you for showing me the world through your blog postings. Love you so much! Stay safe and happy traveling. xoxo
Thank you my sweet! Look forward to seeing you again soon! xoxo
So many memories packed into these photos. Vietnam is one of our favorites – for all the same reason you loved it. Enjoy Cambodia!
Thanks to you and your introduction to hotels and things to do! I can so understand why you have returned time and time again!
One of the reasons I read your blog, Robin, is because your wider view with travel and interaction with different cultures, helps me to put my life in perspective. The worries I face here in my little “world” are not quite so overwhelming when I look at the bigger picture. I do agree with your quote for today. My favorite picture is the one of the lady wearing the purple shirt, smiling. Her smile conveys wisdom and contentment. Thank for sending this view of the world to me.
Doesn’t it though? I totally agree with you Donna…and yes, the lady is one of my favorites too…thank you so much for your comments.
YES to the wonderful quote by Mark Twain. And THANKS for the wonderful pictures you shared with us. I am like you are so priviledged in being able to travel and to see and experience so much – which makes me feel humble and grateful . I wish you an amazing time in Cambodia and will think of you while in the company of gorillas in the jungle! So much to talk about.
Yes! We will be non-stop in June! Can’t wait! And your upcoming trip…wow! In the company of gorillas! Thank you!
Beautiful faces and smiles, all! But my favorites this time? Those gorgeous scooter girls! and the two young boys together, they could be anywhere trying to look older and cool. All of your friends at the Ecolodge look like so much fun & so happy and I bet they will remember your visit forever.
Thanks again for taking us places only you could ~ xo
Oh I love those scooter girls too! They come from the city to the countryside to dress up in traditional clothes and ride their scooters around and take photos. They came around the corner and bingo! Got em! Yes…they all were so much fun to be around! Thank you so much!! xoxo
Thank you for taking us along, very touching, lovely images… I would love to travel more, at present I am in the process of seeking a new home to settle in on my own and I have been agonizing over the detail! Some of these images have been humbling for me looking at the happy faces on people who live in homes with little of our western conveniences. Pictures tell stories, even if we can’t visit these lands personally we can share and learn from each other making Mark’s words have deep meaning for us….x
Thanks Susan! So happy for your visit! I can only imagine…the process of seeking a new home is HUGE…and we always hope to get it right the first time! Always a humbling experience to visit these villages…keeps me in check! So appreciate your visit here!
You captured the people of Vietnam beautiful. Their resilient spirit, and gentleness comes shining through. Let their captivating smiles and glances show us we have so much to be grateful for.
Thank you for taking us along on your adventures.
So much to be grateful for! Thank you Abby! Always appreciate your visits!
Wonderful faces, wonderful images.
I really enjoyed these photos, Robin, and I’ll say it again: you have a gift for portraiture. This, I’m sure, is due to your sincere interest and affection for the people.
BTW I’ve just been catching up on your wonderful blog. I know that I will probably never get to these places but I feel that I have a sense of what it would be like. Also, I’ve recently started following Kat Sloma and her book arrived yesterday. So far I’m loving it!
Well yes, that quote certainly holds true of you Robin!!! I celebrate your travels and LOVE getting a glimpse into these other worlds. Those girls tickled me. Such beautiful smiles! And how you build trust with people, and engage with them is special…….More!!!!