Ho Chi Minh City- the Far-East Pearl

"Make contact with the masses to awaken, organize, unite and train them, and lead them to fight for freedom and independence." Ho Chi Minh wrote to his fellow communists. He was born Nguyen Sinh Cung, and later change his name to Ho Chi Minh resemble the Bringer of Light.

His posthumous reputation from his struggle for independence against France, then against the United States' involvement. He had been the heart and soul of Vietnamese communism during the earliest day of movement. "Ho, ho, Ho Chi Minh" was the chant of radicals in the 70s.

Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon, is the largest city of Vietnam. Upon the victory of communist war in 1975, Vietnam was turn into a communist state with the South overtaken, on 2nd July 1976, Saigon was officially renamed as Ho Chi Minh City in honor of Ho Chi Minh, the pre-eminent North-Vietnamese Leader and spiritual leader of Vietnamese Revolutionary. Today, HCMC is home to what more than 9 millions people, making it the most populous metropolitan area!

++ Shot with film Nikon FE + Nikkor 50mm f1.2 on Kodak Portra 400 & Fujifilm Superia 200 ++ 

a railway track run between Hanoi and Ho Chi Min City

Houses in Ho Chi Minh City, Ben Thanh Market

Fruits dealer on wheels, Ben Thanh Market.

Street of Ho Chi Minh City.

There are probably 4-5 millions of motorcycles in Ho Chi Minh City alone.
That is a incredible number for the 9 millions population. 

Motorcycles are mode of transportation in Ho Chi Minh City.

For those who can't afford motorcycle, opt for bicycle
Carrying nearly everything they could, weaving their way through the swarms of motorcycles.

Police Officer in Ho Chi Minh City.

Eyeing for the traffic light, it was a race track on Ho Chi Minh roads
Pandemonium breaks out when the traffic light changes, as cyclist rush forward 
rushing to get ahead of others.

Water Puppet Show, a traditional art form closely connected with the long-standing spiritual life of Vietnamese.
It is performed in a pool of water, and water surface is their stage. It depicts the tales of rural life, portrayed in 
traditional Vietnamese orchestra. Splendid! 

Coffee production is second largest source of income for Vietnam, after rice.
Coffee beans are easily available and sold in cookie jars. 

Night Streets at the Ben Thanh Market, are also home to countless people.

Road Side restaurant at Ben Thanh Market.

Not sure if this apply to Vietnam but in this city, people ought to buy houses, cars, motorcycles or anything else in cash term, there won't be loan from the bank nor anybody else. You'd understand, why people are always rushing forward, always moving in fast pace. Every single minutes, are mean of income for them. The widen gap of rich and poor threatens and swallows them whole. You can see people driving in fancy red Bentley Coupe, juxtaposing homeless people on streets, who can't afford to get a house in cash. Canvas as blanket, street as bed. Through sunless lanes creeps poverty with hungry eyes, sin of sodden face. It weighing down my heart.  

Misery wakes me up in the early morning. 

Houses near to Ben Thanh Market, showered by time.

Crossing Ho Chi Minh City is not easy
but they will always take care of their elderly.

Tallest Skyscraper in Ho Chi Minh City, Bitexco Financial Tower. 

Coconut Candy makers at Mekong Delta.

Children of the Mekong Delta.

Boats ply through the waters of Mekong Delta in a scenic routes.

On the street of District 6, Ho Chi Minh City.
Hustle Bustle traffic of the Central Market

At the Binh Tay Market

Lady in pink helmet. 

Traders at around Binh Tay Market

Night streets hawker stalls of Ho Chi Minh City in neon lights

Spicy noodles.

Here's one place i spent most of my time at Ho Chi Minh
Tous Les Jours at downtown, love the foods, environment and musics. 

Ho Chi Minh City is divided into 24 districts, district 1 and 3 are the heart of most things to do, also best areas to stay. 7 named urban districts, 7 numbered districts, and 5 outlying named suburban districts.

Dragons, of the Ho Chi Minh City

Houses at District 1

District 1 central square, where people spent most of their time at. 
Exercising, socializing.  

Dogs are pet and eventually food for most of Vietnamese people. 

Life along railway track at District 3

Crossing District 3

Train zooming cross residential area of District 3

Despite the rapid development in Ho Chi Minh City, green lungs are always appreciated 
Central parks like this are designed in District 1 and 3.

Handcraft trader passing the City Council.

the Vietnam's bustling largest city set in stride of cultural and economic pace for the country but juxtaposition gap of both are widely prominent. Here, where you see massive state of art office towers and residential banglos, contradict the homeless. There are also shopkeepers struggling on a USD 1,500 shop rental on a ground floor unit around Ben Thanh market. In downtown, there are people dressing in suit talking business, fancy LV and Gucci, of a YSL tie; there are people excreting by road side. Perhaps, the trees planted by the revolutionist leader are not yet reap, in return to cultivate the people? Cultural loses their race against Rapid development? 

Regards,
JW

Hasselblad 500C

You don't see when you use film, you feel. The beauty of its depth, contrast, color rendition and the factor of unpredictability. I'm now back to the darkroom junkie, soak, bath, fix, wash and the digital scanning; love then hate!

Like many objects of passionate devotion, the Hasselblad is both physical ornament and mythical marking. Once the technical gear of sterling quality and a facilitator of ritual engagement to the world. My inauguration of Hasselblad 500C came in mid 2012, I'd finally save enough. Months of near constant loitering through the capitals of Southeast Asia, had their mark onto the finer grain structure of Kodak Portra, it was pure joy. This is the second time, i'm putting a halt onto Digital Photography, only this time, i didn't ditch my Digital gears.

I just wanted to slow down and think, the merciless simplicity of Hasselblad answered that call.

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A Hasselblad of Love. 

Regards,
JW

2. 0. 1. 3


Life is like shooting on film
it develops from the negatives

it be get tough sometimes
you gotta hold on, like a carousel
going around & around & around. 

HAPPY 2013!


Regards,
JW

Christmas in Krabi

a town on the west coast of Thailand, river mouth to the great Andaman sea. Stone tools, ancient colored pictures, beads, pottery and skeletal remains found in the province of cliffs and caves, it is made to believe that Krabi was home to Homo Sapiens since period 25,000- 35,000 B.C.

the Emerald of of the Andaman.

at the peak of Ao Nang Hilltop, embracing the beauty of vast Andaman Sea 

Transportation from Krabi Airport to Krabi Town will take you about 20 minutes by taxi (350THB), 35 minutes by bus (90THB). i was at Krabi in December 2010, Taxi only cost 200THB and bus was 50THB. Such inflation? Or was it because of the blooming of tourism in Krabi? Nonetheless, i think it is still reasonable comparing to Bali. Much much more reasonable. 

Krabi wasn't named out of nothing, it is famous of its luscious crabs! Onto the "Very Good" vessel to the restaurant on water. 
"Very Good" Vessel

Boat will take you 400THB to and fro, not on head count, it'll be reasonable for people travelling in group.
Boat can be easily found by the river side, i believe it can be cheaper, try nego!

a rescued sea turtle at the water restaurant 

Mud-skippers 


The floating restaurant, not for the sea-sick people, i'm serious!

I went in around 3pm, too bad Giant Crabs was sold out! 
Medium crabs will cost you 450THB for 1Kgs

500 grams in Tom Yam Kung, another 500 grams in Curry
No additional charges on any kind of servings.

Grilled squid. You can probably leave this out. 

After lunch, we head to Wat Tham Sua (Tiger Cave Temple) from Krabi town, taxi 500THB to and fro, bus 50THB. If you're going for sunset, highly advise to go for the taxi. I took the bus, by the time i came down from hill top, it's already nightfall and no sign of any form of any public or private transport! i paid some 30THB to random motor-biker, to get me to nearest bus stop.

Wat Tham Sua was named after a tiger paw prints on stone, surrounded by ancient forestation. The temple teaches Buddhism called Vipassana (insight meditation), which based on the teachings of earliest Buddhist exists. Aside from meditation center, it is also a place for archaeological and historical interest, mold for making Buddha prints found in excavations.
Foot of mountain bestowed of Guan Yin goddess; At Peak of mountain blessed of Buddha

1,237 steps climb up the limestone mountain

Midway to the top

Midway to the top, limestone mountain

Top of mountain, views of the surrounding countryside and Andaman Sea

at the peak of Wat Tham Sua

Countryside Limestone mountains

Night falls during midway down Wat Tham Sua, Hungry and tired. i paid some 30THB to random motor-biker, to get me to nearest bus stop then another 400THB for private taxi from Wat Tham Sua to Ao Nang.
Dinner at the staircase restaurant, we ordered, fried rice, pancake, burger, omelette, all for 250THB 

at the Ao Nang walkway

Christmas Eve at Krabi! 

My stay for first 2 nights, Sea Beer Guest House, Ao Nang (450THB a night)
Fan room, shared toilet and a beautiful Ao Nang street view! 

a quiet Christmas Morning 

the pole of a thousand wires

Krabi policeman

Santa?

I got a half day canoeing trip (700THB) to the beautiful nature, to Bor Thor village, paddle to tunnel caves Tham Lod Tai and Tham Pee Hua. Tour includes, lunch, coffee/tea, insurance, life jacket, fruit, drinking water, 5 liters dry bag and tour guide. Basically, you just need to bring sun cream, sunglasses and camera. 
kayaking on the Bring river, a mangrove lined saltwater river

inside the tunnel of Tham Lod Tai, a splendid formation of stalactite and stalagmite airy cave

The Big Headed Ghost Cave or the Skull Cave (Tham Pee Hua), skulls, ancient wall painting are found on the roof and walls of the cave

Inside the Tham Pee Hua Toe

Tham Pee Hua Toe

Half day canoe trip ends around 2.30pm, head back to Ao Nang. Rested, read and enjoying sunset by the Ao Nang beach.
Santa Claus and the girlfriend

Sunset, Ao Nang Beach

Sunset, Ao Nang Beach

Idyllic, unspoiled beaches, pristine beaches on outlying islands, no wonder thousands of tourist flocking in Ao Nang all year long, for its wide range of activities. Foods can also be easily find on Ao Nang street, here, from traditional local food market to a wide choice of western options. 
BBQ! 50THB

Tom Yam Kung, 60THB

Seafood Friend Rice, 70THB

Fried, BBQ and grilled, ranged from 20THB to 80THB

Grilled corns on the cob! 20THB

Grilled fish, 120THB

the Bokehlicious Neon Christmas Tree

Christmas in Krabi was rather warmth, 3 hours approaching Christmas, fireworks and sky lanterns painted the starry night in candle light and chaos of colors; Acoustic musics and Christmas carols in the sky! 

The next morning, head out for breakfast at Sitti Cafe, a nice little cafe at the corner of Ao Nang street, comfortable. 
Motorbike rental for 200THB

Morning at Ao Nang

Long Tailed Boat also known as Ruea Hang Yao is a watercraft native to Krabi, long tailed boat races held regularly in Thai province, compete for the status, and prizes! The long tailed boats in Krabi are super-sized of what now become a traditional means of water transport. These boats can be easily found on most beaches, and can be hired for hour or tour.
Long Tailed Boat

Tourists from Japan

Little kid enjoying his morning sunbathe and toys

Little Sitti Cafe

Decorated in blue and white

Long Black

Hopped on our rented motorcycle, cruise along Ao Nang looking for hotels, guest houses. Driving in Ao Nang is a leisure, in much reduced speed, we're immediately identify as tourists on the bike. Despite the often allegation on reckless driving in Thai, native users on the road have been very polite to us.
at the Hilltop of Ao Nang, here you can grasp the great view of Andaman Sea

Pink helmet

Here where i spent the rest of my afternoon with book, music and espresso

Espresso served with butter cookies (50THB)

the gloomy dog

the gloomy kid

We set in a air-con hotel at Walking Street, Ao Nang (2000THB), then head for Italian Food. Foods in Ao Nang are really abundant, here, we can find a restaurant every 20 steps away. Just pop in, check for price and menu, make your choice.  
at the Italian Restaurant

Pug

I'm really impressed by how the Thai government runs their tourism, it is at its best form, easily above expectation. Nature are well preserved despite the tourism loom, they didn't scarify forest for Highway, Hotels.  They know, tourism flourish from their nature. 

The "Land of Smiles" best described this place, people here are really friendly. Public Transportation is really convenient, i was waiting for bus at Krabi Town and Ao Nang, shuttle buses (pick up truck), taxi and tuk-tuk pass by every 10 minutes. Touring information can also easily found at any tourism information counters in Ao Nang, Thai government also setup a convenient info center at the heart of Ao Nang, they give advice onto the best deal that feed your needs, here, you can go Helicopter ride, Rock Climbing, Horse ride, Elephant ride, ATV ride, Boat ride, Kayak/Canoe, Snorkeling, Diving... 

I'll take one word to describe Ao Nang- Impressive


Regards,
JW

Green Walk towards the Gloomy Merdeka Square

Conflict doesn't lead to stability of a country but the cooperation? is a struggle!

300km Green Walk from Kuantan to Parliament started off with 70 ascetics on the first day (13.11.2012), accumulated to at least 15,000 supporters on last day (25.11.2012). Green Walk participants marched to demand projects review on Lynas Advanced Material Plant (Rare Earth Processing Plant), Raub Australian Gold Mining Sdn Bhd (Cyanide on Gold Mining), RAPID project (Refinery and Petrochemical Integrated Development), and Baram Hydro-electric Dam Project (Hydro-electric Dam) fighting for the rights to live in hazardous-free environment.

Check post on Green Walk journey.

Approaching the gloomy barricaded Merdeka Square, leader of the Green Walk Movement, Wong Tack and the rest of the 15,000 participants were denied entry into the Merdeka Square (Dataran Merdeka). DBKL officials present that the Merdeka Square was under renovation and no activities will be allowed there, an iconic square where he wishes to have dialogue with the Members of Parliament. He was then sit outside the barricaded square with 80 (or more!) other supporters from evening until the next morning.

The asceticism had inspired at least 15,000 participants but the petition to review hazardous projects had turned down from the governing bodies, deemed as conflict, as chaos in the country by main stream media. Cooperation is a struggle! To a culture that makes no stranger to democracy countries, the peaceful meaning of assembly, protest, rally. To a culture of press freedom, human rights, the concept of respect for people. So, how can we do this? Why can't a declared democratic country cooperate with us, integrate with us, balance with us?

(Malaysia democracy ranking slipped to 82 and press freedom slipped to 104, all out of 150 countries.)

The root of belief, freedom for everyone, freedom of expressing opinions, equality, human rights, with responsibility; law and constitution? That often found contradict each other? 

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images shot entirely on film with Nikon FE @50mm f1.2 Fujifilm Superia ISO200 Exp2014 CanoScan

the Green Ranger! 

Chanting at Titiwangsa Station, while waiting for the green walk participants 

Men, Women, Children marched on despite the weather. 

Green Walk asceticism manged to inspire crowds from a wide cross-section of Malaysia society. 

a melting pot, the current Governing Bodies failed to achieve over the past 55 years.

Our land is being occupied and the government is colluding with the corporations. 

There is no guarantee for the health of our future generations

"Stop Lynas! or die trying!" 

My arthritis hurt badly in the morning, i'd been longing for today for 2 weeks, 

i begged my husband, son, grandson, i must cheer for them. 

Marching towards the Merdeka Square, an iconic place dubbed as a symbol of independence. 

妙赞法师也来为苦行者祈福

妙赞法师

pr

ays for ascetics 

not only a melting pot but a sizzling cauldron! 

Some of what Main Stream Media, reported "2,000 participants". 

Wen Tan, who has been an excellent PR for the Green Walk, she takes good pictures,

presented them with beautiful digital artist's work, keep the information flows to the public. 

YB Lim Kit Siang, a prominent leader of the Democratic Action Party. 

(Jimmy Carter) We have become not a melting pot but a beautiful mosaic. Different people, different belief, different yearnings, different hopes, different dreams. One mission- Stop Hazardous Industries. 

"It gives me the shivers talking about Rare Earth Plant." 

"After 13 days of walking, we're finally here!" announced Wong Tack.

 the barricaded Merdeka Square. Defying the symbol of independence. 

Green Walk participants held their head in disbelief, after denied entry to the iconic square. 

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We neither walk behind nor in front, we walk side by side, be comrades. We didn't do it for the individual glory, we do it because we loved our home, bestow to liberals' applause. We owed Green Walk participants the peace of mind, we owed them not just thanks and best wishes, but action! We need to take action and every single voice of you makes a difference!

Green Walk might have ended, but the war just begun. Don’t let other people decide your fate; the choice is in your hand. Brace yourself for a greater blockade! Stop Lynas! Or die trying. 

Regards,

JW.