Hanoi, Vietnam

Baskets of Fruits - Hanoi, Vietnam

Who says you need concrete to make a traffic circle? These fruit vendors take things into their own hands and create one with their baskets of fruit. More reading: Hanoi under the skin

Dusk at St. Joseph's - Hanoi, Vietnam

We stayed in the quarter near St. Joseph's Cathedral for most of our time in Hanoi. It was a great neighborhood, but the 5 AM bells were difficult before we discovered the wonders of ear plugs. The neighborhood was an interesting blend of Vietnamese street action with Western restaurants and independent designers' boutiques. More reading: Hanoi under the skin

Woman Selling - Hanoi, Vietnam

This woman, like so many of her counterparts on the streets of Hanoi, looks decidedly focused on making the next sale. This is the face of Vietnam's heavily capitalist-informed style of Communism, particularly in northern Vietnam. More reading: Hanoi under the skin

Newly Married Couple - Hanoi, Vietnam

We followed these newlyweds around while their photographer put them in various poses and gave them cues on the mood and look he was going for. This one must have been part of the Fred and Ginger series. More reading: Hanoi under the skin

Garden Decor - Hanoi, Vietnam

We found this scenes of a husband and wife - ear cleaning!? - in a bonsai tree near the Temple of Literature. The carefully manicured trees were dotted with scenes from village life. More reading: Hanoi under the skin

Fresh Loaves of Bread - Hanoi, Vietnam

Thanks to Vietnam's French colonial history, there is a steady supply of fresh and tasty French-style bread available on Hanoi's streets. More reading: Hanoi under the skin

Ngoc Son Pagoda - Hanoi, Vietnam

A peaceful pagoda on a small island on Hanoi's Hoan Kiem lake offers a respite from the bustle of the surrounding streets. More reading: Hanoi under the skin

People on the Street - Hanoi, Vietnam

Notice the tiny plastic stools. These little stools, ubiquitous in Vietnam, allow people to create impromptu gatherings and restaurants on the sidewalk. Communist propaganda painted on the building completes the scene. More reading: Hanoi under the skin

Getting a Haircut - Hanoi, Vietnam

Street hair cuts (with an added ear cleaning bonus) are a common offer. This cowboy was the most stylish of the bunch. Public hair cuts only seem to be for men, as women get their locks chopped indoors at more traditional hair salons. More reading: Hanoi under the skin

Roses on a Bike - Hanoi, Vietnam

Perfect roses make their way down Hanoi's streets on the back of a bicycle. More reading: Hanoi under the skin

Hanoi Building - Hanoi, Vietnam

Hanoi's old town is marked by French architecture including exceptionally slender buildings storefronts on the ground floor and apartments above. Rumor has it that taxes were once levied by how wide the storefront was. More reading: Hanoi under the skin

Typical Sidewalk Scene - Hanoi, Vietnam

The sidewalks of Hanoi are full of people, food, motorbikes, stools and anything else that prevents pedestrians from passing. This squatting vendor reviews her goods while balancing delicately one inch above the ground. More reading: Hanoi under the skin

Pastries - Hanoi, Vietnam

Le Croissant bakery serves up almond croissants and pain au chocolats that melt in your mouth. This bakery is run by the Hoa Sua school whose profits support restaurant and hotel training for disadvantaged youth. This place became easily incorporated into our morning routine. Read about Hanoi's Social Enterprises.

Woman at a Food Stall - Hanoi, Vietnam

The owner of this food stall samples her food to make sure everything is still fresh and tasty. More reading: Hanoi under the skin

Florist on Bike - Hanoi, Vietnam

Who needs to go to a florist when the florist can come to you? More reading: Hanoi under the skin

Orange Roses - Hanoi, Vietnam

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Smile Cafe's Staff - Hanoi, Vietnam

Smile Cafe is another restaurant in the Hoa Sua school portfolio. All profits go to support training underprivileged youth and students work in the cafes to get on-the-job experience. In addition to its great food and Vietnamese coffee, the staff at Smile Cafe were some of the friendliest we've met. And, there's free wifi to boot. Read about Hanoi's Social Enterprises.

Bananas and Coconuts - Hanoi, Vietnam

Fruit and incense are offered for blessings of success and good health. Visits to temples like this provide a welcome respite from the frenetic activity of Hanoi's streets. More reading: Hanoi under the skin

Face Masks - Hanoi, Vietnam

Rows of Tet (Vietnamese lunar new year) festival masks on offer in Hanoi. More reading: Hanoi under the skin

Vietnamese Baby on a Motorbike - Hanoi, Vietnam

Typical Vietnamese motorbike configuration: father on front, holding son, mother on the back holding daughter, large kitchen appliance and pig carcass strapped on the back. Given how comfortable this little guy is, it's likely he's been riding since he was born. More reading: Hanoi under the skin