True Vietnamese Culture

Been floating around Halong Bay without reception, so time to catch up. Two nights ago everyone was tired after the overnight train ride, and hunkered down. Roomie Alex and I went out for a stroll and came across a unique restaurant. We grilled pork belly and scampi on our own little hibachi. The Marinades and dipping sauces caused the flavours to dance around the tongue. The menu was only in Vietnamese. For the hour we were there we were the only non-Asians. True street food!






One stop on the way to Halong was the Humanity Centre. A Viet Cong vet founded it to provide work and money for vets who died in service families and to surviving victims of bombings, Agent Orange and attacks on villages. The Vets family support extends to the third generation. Many artisans are deaf and/or dumb, are missing limbs or are mentally challenged due to toxic chemicals in utero or after birth. They get 65% of sales of their items.There are now 3 of these centres in ‘Nam. This centre specializes in lacquer wear and silk woven pictures. The fourth pic is real human hair. I bought a piece similar to the one I’m holding fro the lady who cannot speak and is missing a leg.











The lacquer ware is beautiful too. 




Comments

  1. SEJanuary 29, 2024 at 7:58 PM

    Beautiful, colourful, intricate art work! And such a worthy cause! ❤️
    Steph

    ReplyDelete
  2. Pam MJanuary 30, 2024 at 3:57 AM

    Beautiful artwork. Love the one you purchased. It must have been interesting trying to order your food.

    ReplyDelete

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