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Painting Koi

November 6th, 2011 Leave a comment Go to comments

Painting Koi

Abstract Art Feng Shui Painting Koi Fish Painting Japanese Koi Painting 1
Abstract Art Feng Shui Painting Koi Fish Painting Japanese Koi Painting 1
Paypal   US $206.99
Feng Shui Art Koi Fish Painting Chinese Fish Painting Feng Shui Painting 14
Feng Shui Art Koi Fish Painting Chinese Fish Painting Feng Shui Painting 14
Paypal   US $206.99
LUCKY KOI 24x36 Philippine MODERN PINOY Art Oil Painting FREE SHIP
LUCKY KOI 24x36 Philippine MODERN PINOY Art Oil Painting FREE SHIP
Paypal   US $159.50
LUCKY KOI 30x40 Philippine Art pinoy manila Oil Painting FREE SHIP
LUCKY KOI 30x40 Philippine Art pinoy manila Oil Painting FREE SHIP
Paypal   US $229.00
ACEO watercolor May photo challenge SPIRIT Island
ACEO watercolor May photo challenge SPIRIT Island
Paypal   US $7.99
ACEO xr Sexy Tasty Cream Man Naked Pinup sketch art sofianime hentai card yaoi
ACEO xr Sexy Tasty Cream Man Naked Pinup sketch art sofianime hentai card yaoi
Paypal   US $29.88
ACEO xr Sexy Nude Blonde Belly Dancer Naked Pinup sketch sofianime hentai card
ACEO xr Sexy Nude Blonde Belly Dancer Naked Pinup sketch sofianime hentai card
Paypal   US $69.88
ACEO xr Sexy Blonde Girl Nude Strawberry Cream Naked Pinup sketch card sofianime
ACEO xr Sexy Blonde Girl Nude Strawberry Cream Naked Pinup sketch card sofianime
Paypal   US $28.88
ACEO xr Sexy Blonde Girl Rose Lingerie Bra hentai sketch card sofianime
ACEO xr Sexy Blonde Girl Rose Lingerie Bra hentai sketch card sofianime
Paypal   US $18.88
ACEO xr Sexy Blonde Cat Girl Nude Teaser Roses Marylin hentai sketch card
ACEO xr Sexy Blonde Cat Girl Nude Teaser Roses Marylin hentai sketch card
Paypal   US $18.88
ACEO xr Sexy Nude Vampirella Red Thong Teaser hentai sketch card psc Sofianime
ACEO xr Sexy Nude Vampirella Red Thong Teaser hentai sketch card psc Sofianime
Paypal   US $28.88
ACEO xr Sexy Redhead Girl Nude Naked Pinup sketch art sofianime hentai card
ACEO xr Sexy Redhead Girl Nude Naked Pinup sketch art sofianime hentai card
Paypal   US $29.88
ACEO xr Sexy Blonde Girl Nude Naked Pinup sketch card art sofianime hentai woman
ACEO xr Sexy Blonde Girl Nude Naked Pinup sketch card art sofianime hentai woman
Paypal   US $29.88
ACEO xr Sexy Blonde Girl Nude Pink Bikini Naked Pinup sketch card art sofianime
ACEO xr Sexy Blonde Girl Nude Pink Bikini Naked Pinup sketch card art sofianime
Paypal   US $29.88
ACEO XR Sexy Nude Faerie Girl Rose Butterfly Psc Original sketch mrmd sofianime
ACEO XR Sexy Nude Faerie Girl Rose Butterfly Psc Original sketch mrmd sofianime
Paypal   US $39.88
ACEO original Dancing Koi 13 fish asian Marissa Evans
ACEO original Dancing Koi 13 fish asian Marissa Evans
Paypal   US $7.99
ACEO original Dancing Koi 14 fish asian Marissa Evans
ACEO original Dancing Koi 14 fish asian Marissa Evans
Paypal   US $7.99
Hand painted Original Signed Oil Painting 24x20 Red Koi Fishes Pink Lily YM04
Hand painted Original Signed Oil Painting 24x20 Red Koi Fishes Pink Lily YM04
Paypal   US $.99
Hand painted Original Signed Oil Painting 24x20 Koi Fish Pink Lily Green YM08
Hand painted Original Signed Oil Painting 24x20 Koi Fish Pink Lily Green YM08
Paypal   US $.99
ART CHINESE WATERCOLOR PAINTING NINE HAPPY KOI FISHES
ART CHINESE WATERCOLOR PAINTING NINE HAPPY KOI FISHES
Paypal   US $.99
MANEKI NEKO LUCKY SIAMESE CAT w KOI FISH ACEO PRINT
MANEKI NEKO LUCKY SIAMESE CAT w KOI FISH ACEO PRINT
Paypal   US $4.99
Koi Goldfish Pond Art Original Painting Carla Smale BobbysBears
Koi Goldfish Pond Art Original Painting Carla Smale BobbysBears
Paypal   US $26.00
Orient HAND Painted PaintingBAOSHANCOUPLE RED KOI FISH Swim
Orient HAND Painted PaintingBAOSHANCOUPLE RED KOI FISH Swim
Paypal   US $14.97
SIGNED LE fantasy art goth gothic dark fairy dragon calendar print painting draw
SIGNED LE fantasy art goth gothic dark fairy dragon calendar print painting draw
Paypal   US $.01
Koi Fish
Koi Fish
Paypal   US $25.00
nude erotic tattoo purple snake moon chinese fantasy art SIGNED 5X7 PRINT
nude erotic tattoo purple snake moon chinese fantasy art SIGNED 5X7 PRINT
Paypal   US $5.00
Hand painted Original Signed Oil Painting 24x20 Red Koi Fishes Pink Lily YM02
Hand painted Original Signed Oil Painting 24x20 Red Koi Fishes Pink Lily YM02
Paypal   US $.99
skateboard deck painting hanging wall art day of the dead
skateboard deck painting hanging wall art day of the dead
Paypal   US $150.00
ACEO watercolor HYDRANGEA blues original macro
ACEO watercolor HYDRANGEA blues original macro
Paypal   US $7.99
LIVE KOI FISH DRAGONFLY RIPPLE CARP POND PAINTING LIMITED EDITION NO 5 OF 100
LIVE KOI FISH DRAGONFLY RIPPLE CARP POND PAINTING LIMITED EDITION NO 5 OF 100
Paypal   US $24.95
LIVE KOI FISH BREAKING OUT FROM REST CARP POND PAINTING LIMITED EDITION 4 OF 100
LIVE KOI FISH BREAKING OUT FROM REST CARP POND PAINTING LIMITED EDITION 4 OF 100
Paypal   US $24.95
LinLi Art Chinese Calligraphy 2 Names w Love KOI 8X10 Wedding Anniversary Gift
LinLi Art Chinese Calligraphy 2 Names w Love KOI 8X10 Wedding Anniversary Gift
Paypal   US $25.00
Abstract Art Feng Shui Painting Cherry Blossom Painting
Abstract Art Feng Shui Painting Cherry Blossom Painting
Paypal   US $206.99
HUGE MERMAID ANGEL PAINTING FISH BY LISHA SOTELO lishasdreams
HUGE MERMAID ANGEL PAINTING FISH BY LISHA SOTELO lishasdreams
Paypal   US $449.99
Pebble Beach Art Tree Ocean Surreal McKenzie PAINTING
Pebble Beach Art Tree Ocean Surreal McKenzie PAINTING
Paypal   US $495.00
Abstract Art Asian Feng Shui Cherry Blossom Flower Painting
Abstract Art Asian Feng Shui Cherry Blossom Flower Painting
Paypal   US $206.99
Feng Shui Painting Abstract Art Cherry Blossom Flower
Feng Shui Painting Abstract Art Cherry Blossom Flower
Paypal   US $179.99
Handicraft Abstract Feng Shui Painting Koi Fish Painting no frame
Handicraft Abstract Feng Shui Painting Koi Fish Painting no frame
Paypal   US $.99
ACEO watercolor LILAC magenta lavender original macro
ACEO watercolor LILAC magenta lavender original macro
Paypal   US $7.99
Feng Shui Painting Japanese Koi Fish Painting no frame
Feng Shui Painting Japanese Koi Fish Painting no frame
Paypal   US $9.99
ACEO Koi Goldfish Pond Art Original Painting Carla Smale BobbysBears
ACEO Koi Goldfish Pond Art Original Painting Carla Smale BobbysBears
Paypal   US $15.00
11x14 Cherry Blossom 1 Love Lucky Chinese Brush Painting
11x14 Cherry Blossom 1 Love Lucky Chinese Brush Painting
Paypal   US $16.50
11x14 Nine Koi Fish 2 Chinese Brush Painting
11x14 Nine Koi Fish 2 Chinese Brush Painting
Paypal   US $16.50
11x14 Panda and Bamboo Chinese Brush Painting
11x14 Panda and Bamboo Chinese Brush Painting
Paypal   US $16.50
4x5 Hummingbird Cherry Blossom Chinese Brush Painting
4x5 Hummingbird Cherry Blossom Chinese Brush Painting
Paypal   US $4.99
4x5 Dragon Chinese Brush Painting Year of the Dragon
4x5 Dragon Chinese Brush Painting Year of the Dragon
Paypal   US $4.99
11x14 Tiger Chinese Brush Painting
11x14 Tiger Chinese Brush Painting
Paypal   US $16.50
Abstract Art On Canvas Feng Shui Painting Flower Painting
Abstract Art On Canvas Feng Shui Painting Flower Painting
Paypal   US $215.99
Chinese Bamboo Painting Feng Shui Good Luck Bamboo Painting
Chinese Bamboo Painting Feng Shui Good Luck Bamboo Painting
Paypal   US $206.99
Abstract Art Asian Cherry Blossom Feng Shui Painting
Abstract Art Asian Cherry Blossom Feng Shui Painting
Paypal   US $206.99
Abstract Art Cherry Blossom Tree Feng Shui Painting
Abstract Art Cherry Blossom Tree Feng Shui Painting
Paypal   US $206.99
New BIG 11x14 FRENCH BULLDOG DOG ART PRINT KOI by ORIGINAL M HOLZER PAINTING
New BIG 11x14 FRENCH BULLDOG DOG ART PRINT KOI by ORIGINAL M HOLZER PAINTING
Paypal   US $19.50
Lotus Flower Modern Abstract Oil Painting on Canvas Art 1
Lotus Flower Modern Abstract Oil Painting on Canvas Art 1
Paypal   US $206.99
Koi Fish Original Abstract Canvas ART OIL PAINTING
Koi Fish Original Abstract Canvas ART OIL PAINTING
Paypal   US $425.00
New BIG 11x14 PUG DOG ART PRINT KOI by ORIGINAL M HOLZER OIL PAINTING
New BIG 11x14 PUG DOG ART PRINT KOI by ORIGINAL M HOLZER OIL PAINTING
Paypal   US $19.50
Abstract Liquid Art Lily Flower Pond Original PAINTING
Abstract Liquid Art Lily Flower Pond Original PAINTING
   US $449.00
Italian Gondola Poles McKenzie PAINTING Oil Acrylic
Italian Gondola Poles McKenzie PAINTING Oil Acrylic
Paypal   US $495.00
5x7 CALIFORNIA GARDEN POND KOI LYNNE FRENCH Signed LANDSCAPE Oil Painting ART
5x7 CALIFORNIA GARDEN POND KOI LYNNE FRENCH Signed LANDSCAPE Oil Painting ART
Paypal   US $28.50
9 Koi Fish In Lotus Pond Bali Style Oil Canvas 80cm x 60cm 333 X 25 BW
9 Koi Fish In Lotus Pond Bali Style Oil Canvas 80cm x 60cm 333 X 25 BW
Paypal   US $85.00
Vernazza Cliffs Italian Village ART PAINTING size 16x20
Vernazza Cliffs Italian Village ART PAINTING size 16x20
Paypal   US $225.00
HUGE 3FT BIG EYE PRINT KOI SLEEVE SROHLFS
HUGE 3FT BIG EYE PRINT KOI SLEEVE SROHLFS
Paypal   US $95.00
Tuscany ART Fiery Canal Italian boats McKenzie PAINTING
Tuscany ART Fiery Canal Italian boats McKenzie PAINTING
Paypal   US $495.00
Koi Carp Fish Original oil painting Art on linen 40CMX40CM
Koi Carp Fish Original oil painting Art on linen 40CMX40CM
Paypal   US $180.00
Modern Abstract Art Plum Blossom Koi Fish Oil Paintings
Modern Abstract Art Plum Blossom Koi Fish Oil Paintings
Paypal   US $100.00
Mermaid Fish Folk Art Print Poster Painting Koi Blue Colorful Artwork Wall Decor
Mermaid Fish Folk Art Print Poster Painting Koi Blue Colorful Artwork Wall Decor
Paypal   US $9.99
Orient 100 HAND PAINTED Painting KOI FISH PLAY WITH PEACH FLOWER Last artwork
Orient 100 HAND PAINTED Painting KOI FISH PLAY WITH PEACH FLOWER Last artwork
Paypal   US $49.97
Koi Fish Water Naive Self Taught Folk OUTSIDER Mary Carol art MCW Primitive
Koi Fish Water Naive Self Taught Folk OUTSIDER Mary Carol art MCW Primitive
Paypal   US $55.00
Tuscany Original ART OIL Boats in Shadow Italy PAINTING
Tuscany Original ART OIL Boats in Shadow Italy PAINTING
   US $495.00
Koi 1 asian inspired painting by todd v QAE 4is
Koi 1 asian inspired painting by todd v QAE 4is
Paypal   US $55.00
Red Boat Tuscany Italy ART Boats Italian water canal PAINTING by McKenzie
Red Boat Tuscany Italy ART Boats Italian water canal PAINTING by McKenzie
Paypal   US $495.00
Italian ART Gondola Ride Canal Italy PAINTING
Italian ART Gondola Ride Canal Italy PAINTING
Paypal   US $475.00
Pisces Zodiac Art Print Big Eye Mermaid Girl Starsign Astrology 5x10 Poster
Pisces Zodiac Art Print Big Eye Mermaid Girl Starsign Astrology 5x10 Poster
Paypal   US $12.86
Pisces Zodiac Art Print Big Eye Mermaid Girl Starsign Astrology 8x16 Poster
Pisces Zodiac Art Print Big Eye Mermaid Girl Starsign Astrology 8x16 Poster
Paypal   US $23.75
Koi at the Hyatt
Koi at the Hyatt
Paypal   US $275.00
Amongst the Koi Mermaid Jasmine Becket Griffith big eye fantasy 8x10 art PRINT
Amongst the Koi Mermaid Jasmine Becket Griffith big eye fantasy 8x10 art PRINT
Paypal   US $13.99
pixie fairy cat wizard magic potion fantasy art painting SIGNED 5x7 PRINT spell
pixie fairy cat wizard magic potion fantasy art painting SIGNED 5x7 PRINT spell
Paypal   US $5.00
tarot card fortune gypsy magic spell fantasy art painting SIGNED 5X7 PRINT
tarot card fortune gypsy magic spell fantasy art painting SIGNED 5X7 PRINT
Paypal   US $5.00
magic witch spell lightning storm book fantasy art painting SIGNED 5X7 PRINT
magic witch spell lightning storm book fantasy art painting SIGNED 5X7 PRINT
Paypal   US $5.00
unicorn horse winter snowflake forest fantasy art painting SIGNED 5x7 PRINT
unicorn horse winter snowflake forest fantasy art painting SIGNED 5x7 PRINT
Paypal   US $5.00
wizard santa christmas snowflake snow yule magic SIGNED 5X7 PRINT fantasy art
wizard santa christmas snowflake snow yule magic SIGNED 5X7 PRINT fantasy art
Paypal   US $5.00
goddess wolf werewolf vampire lycan goth gothic SIGNED 5x7 PRINT fantasy art
goddess wolf werewolf vampire lycan goth gothic SIGNED 5x7 PRINT fantasy art
Paypal   US $5.00
arianrhod celtic goddess art silver purple owl SIGNED 5X7 PRINT fantasy paint
arianrhod celtic goddess art silver purple owl SIGNED 5X7 PRINT fantasy paint
Paypal   US $5.00
steampunk mermaid submarine jellyfish ocean sea SIGNED 5X7 print siren steam
steampunk mermaid submarine jellyfish ocean sea SIGNED 5X7 print siren steam
Paypal   US $5.00
Original PAINTING by CES Fish Swim Impressionist KOI Pond EBSQ Canada ART Daily
Original PAINTING by CES Fish Swim Impressionist KOI Pond EBSQ Canada ART Daily
Paypal   US $265.00
Art by DOYLEY huge 60x24 original oil paintings ABSTRACT koi fish on canvas
Art by DOYLEY huge 60x24 original oil paintings ABSTRACT koi fish on canvas
Paypal   US $599.00
Amongst the Koi Jasmine Becket Griffith CANVAS PRINT big eye mermaid fantasy art
Amongst the Koi Jasmine Becket Griffith CANVAS PRINT big eye mermaid fantasy art
Paypal   US $125.00
9x12 Original ART Impressionist GOLDEN GARDEN KOI Lynne French Oil Painting
9x12 Original ART Impressionist GOLDEN GARDEN KOI Lynne French Oil Painting
Paypal   US $58.50
Oh Boy Koi GOLDFISH colorful fish folk art decor
Oh Boy Koi GOLDFISH colorful fish folk art decor
Paypal   US $12.50
Mandarin Duck Koi Fishes Marquetry Inlay Wood Art GICLEE PRINT 8x10
Mandarin Duck Koi Fishes Marquetry Inlay Wood Art GICLEE PRINT 8x10
Paypal   US $19.00
Tuscany ART Beach Coast Shore bathers Italian PAINTING
Tuscany ART Beach Coast Shore bathers Italian PAINTING
Paypal   US $495.00
Original Painting Cat Teahouse Tetsubin Japanese Teapot Asian Stone Zen Magnolia
Original Painting Cat Teahouse Tetsubin Japanese Teapot Asian Stone Zen Magnolia
Paypal   US $1,200.00
California ImpressionistCalifornia Plein AirCarmelLagunaGeorge RawsonHawaii
California ImpressionistCalifornia Plein AirCarmelLagunaGeorge RawsonHawaii
Paypal   US $1,800.00
ORIGINAL PAINTING BUTTERFLY KOI FISH RED WHITE GOLD OLIE ABSTRACT ASIAN yin yang
ORIGINAL PAINTING BUTTERFLY KOI FISH RED WHITE GOLD OLIE ABSTRACT ASIAN yin yang
Paypal   US $145.00
Papillon dog koi pond limited edition aceo print art
Papillon dog koi pond limited edition aceo print art
Paypal   US $7.99
PRINT Modern Fantasy Mermaid Fish Koi Folk Art Painting
PRINT Modern Fantasy Mermaid Fish Koi Folk Art Painting
Paypal   US $24.00
Original Painting Orange Tabby Cat Blue Tetsubin Zen
Original Painting Orange Tabby Cat Blue Tetsubin Zen
Paypal   US $1,200.00
Orient ART PaintingBAOSHANVIVID COLORFUL KOI FISH Play WITH RED Petal
Orient ART PaintingBAOSHANVIVID COLORFUL KOI FISH Play WITH RED Petal
Paypal   US $17.97
Painting original TANCHO KOI art wall decor JAPAN fish
Painting original TANCHO KOI art wall decor JAPAN fish
   US $50.00
Painting original SHUSUI KOI art wall hanging
Painting original SHUSUI KOI art wall hanging
   US $50.00

Koi Fish Face Paint Design VIDEO Tutorial (Face Painting Tips)

Check out this beautiful Koi Fish face painting design video tutorial by Lisa
Joy Young and let us know what you think! Buy Face Paint Supplies Here! Click
Here to Leave a Comment/Ask a Question Products Used: Diamond FX light blue,
dark blue, white, (or marine split-cake) orange, yellow, lavender and black.
#1 & #3 [...]

Face Painting Tips

Speed painting - Koi fish tattoo design, black and grey

Sparkling Singapore & Ancient Vietnam Trip Journal by Anthony Kristovich III

I have always loved aircrafts and long haul flights. We boarded award winning Singapore Airlines in LAX with about 30 hours of travel time ahead of us. With 8 magazines, 6 movies, 4 meals and a sleeping pill, the time went quickly and I arrived relaxed and ready to explore. American airports are not very people friendly. Singapore's ultra-modern airport invites you to linger with free internet terminals, a cinema, rooftop swimming pool, aromatherapy spas, oxygen bars, indoor nature garden with waterfalls and koi pond.

I'm part of a group of 28 singles. This was a smaller group than expected, but I understand several people dropped out claiming fear of bird flu. I could sense I was part of a quality entourage of seasoned culture-vultures.

We began with an orientation tour at the top of Mt. Farber and its spectacular views. The group was impressed by this sparkling metropolis located between Malaysia and Indonesia. Singapore is the leader of S.E. Asia, a bustling port that was modernized by the East India Trading Company and the British Empire. It's called the Lion City and inhabited by 4 million souls. 76% are Chinese and the other minorities all blend harmoniously. Singapore is a city, state, capital and country all in one and draws 8 million visitors per year, yet few Americans have yet discovered it.

We checked into the opulent Regent Hotel of The Four Seasons. I'm given a suite and swear this hotel wins the award for the most gracious staff on the planet. We've arrived at a perfect time with the "Great Shopping Festival" on full swing. There's nothing like "retail therapy" to soothe our jet lag minds. Orchard Road, like a tree lined Fifth Avenue, was only a block away and center of all life. Shopping is the national obsession here and bargain hunting a blood sport.

There are 150 mega-malls with some that never close. I'm a label slave and purchased a used authentic Rolex with documents, for a fraction of its original cost. We had only 4 days here. So I had much to do, it's like Hong Kong on steroids. The Arts Festival was on with many venues from painting and sculpture to music and dance. At night Clarke Quay on the river became party central with its trendy clubs rocking until dawn.
We had an astute and friendly guide named Farida who showed us all the sights with a wonderful sense of humor.

We visited the lush National Orchard Gardens with its 60,000 orchids, China Town with its markets and temples and Little India with its intense aromas and vibrant colors. Then we went to the ultra-contemporary financial district, Merlion Park with its landmark fountain and the historic colonial area that was established by Sir Stanford Raffles.

We stopped to sip a Singapore Sling at the famous Long Bar of Raffles Hotel where rooms start at $700 per night. Our other tours included Jurong Bird Park and the Night Safari at the zoo, considered the best in the world with its free roaming enclosures for 2500 animals.

In our free time, we rode rickshaws around town and took the cable car over to Sentosa Island.
Some of us opted to head back to the zoo for a Jungle Breakfast with the Orangutans. At night Terry & I dinned on jumbo chili crabs and rice cakes.

This vibrant island-state of Singapore is glistening clean with purple bougainvillea bushes lining the highways. All cars are equipped with alarms to sound if one exceeds the speed limit. No graffiti, no gangs and in this tightly "controlled democracy", it's the death penalty for drug traffickers. We all made jokes about getting caned for chewing gum or jay-walking.

It was a nice leisurely visit here. I usually feel like Jack Bauer on the TV series "24" on my trips with non-stop itineraries. Here I felt well rested as I boarded for our 3 hour flight to Vietnam.

Arriving in Hanoi is like stepping into another world with rice paddies, sampans, lotus blossoms, coconut milk and noodle soups. It's like a time machine dropped us back to the 15th century in this graceful land steeped in history. It was far poorer than I anticipated. There was however, an alluring charm which was found in the gentility of the people with the sincerest of smiles.

I've always been a fan of the Third World. Whereas Singapore was dynamic, Hanoi was culturally stimulating. The city was studded with lakes and shaded by tamarind trees. It was a dichotomy that bustled with Chi-energy and yet was tranquil at the same time.

We checked into the deluxe Sheraton Resort, an oasis of calm amidst the chaos. Our fabulous guide named Hong was with us for 6 glorious days.

His first lesson was to teach us how to cross the streets. The traffic here is horrendously busy with 7 lanes packed with 2.4 million motor scooters. "It's called the Chicken Game" he explained. "Don't run, don't stop, just walk slowly so the drivers can predict your direction. They will miss you!" That afternoon I stood in fear stranded 20 minutes curbside realizing this "lesson" went against every one of my survival instincts. Entire families passed by on a single scooter; I understand this is called the "Vietnamese sandwich." Everything was transported by these mopeds, 8 piglets, a dozen chickens upside down, a TV, a tree and more. The pollution was thick and heavy. The inner city looked tired and worn. Suddenly there was a monsoon downpour. People draped ponchos and it became raincoat city. The traffic never slowed. I ducked for cover. It dissipated as quickly as it began, life went on and the air was temporarily washed clean. I finally crossed the street by walking slowly at an even pace. Everyone missed me.

The sun shined every day on our tours which included the Temple of Literature, One Pillar Pagoda, the French Quarter and the Ho Chi Mihn memorial. We lined up with hundreds of people and entered the tomb where Ho Chi Mihn's preserved body is visibly encased just like Lennon in Moscow. Armed communist soldiers commanded us to remain in silent reverence, no cameras, umbrellas, sunglasses allowed and arms at our sides at all times.

Later we visited Hoa Lo Prison, or the Fiery Furnace. Built by the French in 1896, thousands of political prisoners were tortured here until 1954. We viewed the dungeons with leg irons, torture equipment and "head cutting machines."

In the 1960's the Vietcong used it as a prisoner of war detention center for American pilots shot down during the Vietnam War. It was our captive pilots that sardonically named this place "The Hanoi Hilton." We also did a walking tour through the Old Quarter where each narrow lane was named for its ancient craft: Silk St., Coffin St., Grilled Fish St., etc. Hong led us to a food market with turtles, sea slugs, pig heads and other unmentionable creatures for sale. "Thit Chow" is dog stew which is considered peasant food here and "country rat" is ceremoniously served at all birthday parties. They say it's much healthier than "city rat."

Most of our meals were included and thankfully rodents were never offered. We enjoyed elaborate American and Japanese breakfast buffets and 10 coarse lunches. Every restaurant was affordable. One evening my dinner menu presented salad of jellyfish, deep fried eel, ginger crickets and sticky rice with tender roasted pigeon. It seems the Vietnamese will eat anything that moves because it all "tastes like chicken."

We attended the Water Puppet Show, an ancient art form unique to Hanoi. This blend of music and dance on water was has been the source of entertainment of villagers for centuries.

We then scattered to explore the city, Asia's oldest capital. Some went for massages and pedicures at prices that couldn't be resisted. Some shopped for souvenirs while others had clothes tailor made for them. I had an embroidered silk dress cut to my body in 4 hours for only $45. We also visited the handicraft villages for bargains in art. Want a "Monet?" No problem, just $25. Be careful, it's wet. There were also ceramics and beautiful lacquerware. The currency was a great challenge for us as $10,500 Dong equals 65 cents. We felt like millionaires, yet it was disheartening to learn that the annual per capita income is just $320! We tipped generously throughout.

Vietnam's pulse is found in its cities whereas its decorous grace is found in its villages. We headed out through the countryside for a full day cruise on Halong Bay. The air was fresh as we passed rice paddies, duck and prawn farms. It was rice harvest time and hundreds of rice farmers were laboriously bent over their ponds. Timid children smiled and waved as we drove by.

We arrived at this natural UNESCO World Heritage Site and boarded our private wooden junk boat. Quietly we sailed into a peaceful dreamscape that looked surreal with 3,000 islands of sheer limestone cliffs emerging from the calm emerald sea. There was a timeless, haunting quality to this scenery. Nat. Geo. called it "magic in stone and water." We enjoyed a fantastic seafood lunch with fresh caught crab and prawns. It was a perfect day in the sun in the land of escapism and serenity.

The highlight of the trip for me was our group's cyclo-tour through Old Hanoi on the last day. We turned a corner downtown to find 28 bicycle-rickshaws lined up to peddle us individually for an hour through the narrow scooter filled lanes of oncoming traffic. There were some near-misses at the red lights which were always ignored. We all laughed as the locals stared. Terry at 6'4'' is considered huge even in America. Here he looked like King Tut seated on a throne as his 90lb. driver peddled him effortlessly in line with our group.

Later we went our separate ways for independent exploration. After several hours, I found myself lost in an area of town with no taxis. I had to get back to join others for dinner. I had no choice but to hire a ride on a scooter. Dressed in a skirt with my arms full of bags, I mounted the tiny seat and off we went. On the highway, I wrapped my arms and legs around my driver like an octopus. He laughed the entire way to the Sheraton.

We flew back to Singapore for a good nights rest at the Le Meridian before our long flight home to Los Angeles via Tokyo. I reflected on journey well done with new insights gained on history and culture. It was like visiting two different planets within one vacation. The contrast of this trip is evident in our photos from the contemporary garden paradise of Singapore, to the new renaissance of traditional Vietnam. This is certainly an Asian affair to be remembered.

Former Miss Wisconsin Suzy Davis has traveled the world for nearly 30 years,
initially as a flight attendant and now with her company

http://www.AdventuresForSingles.com

Article Source: http://www.earticlesonline.com/Article/Sparkling-Singapore---Ancient-Vietnam-Trip-Journal/132437

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