Here is another drawing I did on arriving in Bạc Liêu. This is Cao Van Lau Theater – also called Non La (conical hat) Theatre for obvious reasons. When I saw this I couldn’t resist drawing it. It didn’t come out as well as I wanted…I’m never satisfied!
Tue-20-June-2017
When I arrived in Bạc Liêu, I had a bit of free time, so instead of crashing out in the hotel (like I usually do), I went out to do some sketching (and find some food). I sat in the square on a supremely uncomfortable metal perch (some architects idea of a vandal free bench) to sketch this, while I ate some sweetcorn. Apparently this sculpture is of a dan kim (a two-string guitar), which is the symbol of Bạc Liêu (I saw it in gold embossed certificates and even wall clocks during my trip). I was a bit dissatisfied with the drawing – and felt it was not bold enough.
Tue-20-June-2017
This time for my Vietnam work trip, instead of going to Hanoi I flew into Ho Chi Minh City and made a long drive from there to Bạc Liêu. It took a tiring 5 ½ hours, some of which I used up doing this wobbly sketch, the rest of the time snoozing….at least I didn’t have to drive all that way – thanks to Mr. To.
Tue-20-June-2017
Here is my last sketch in Vietnam – late at night at the airport on my way back home. There is only one flight direct from Hanoi to Manila and it leaves at 1:15 am – so no sleep that night!
Tue-6-June-2017
This is the sketch I did last Sunday. Having wandered round the old quarter in Hanoi, I sat down at a quiet cafe near Hoan Kiem lake for an iced coffee and drew this.
Sun-4-Jun-2017
Here is my last sketch from my visit to the Temple of Literature. This is a much quicker drawing of the entrance tower to the third courtyard. It’s not a very good copy of it though.
Sat-3-June-2017
Here is another drawing from the Temple of Literature. For this one I found a shaded spot in the fourth courtyard – it’s been incredibly hot (as I write this it’s 37℃ but feels like 44…the high today is supposed to be 40!). In the foreground is a small statue of what I think was a lion, but from the angle I was drawing it was difficult to make out.
Sat-3-June-2017
Yesterday I visited the “Temple of Literature“, here in Hanoi. Even though it’s pretty crowded with tourists, there are still quiet spots and a nice atmosphere – plus of course lots to see and to sketch. This drawing is of the massive drum house behind the fifth courtyard.
Sat-3-June-2017
Last night I ate at “Luna d’ Autunno” – an Italian restaurant. I had a very nice freshly made pizza and a beer – these musical figures were standing on the piano near the door.
Fri-2-June-2017