Vietnam – Saigon – The Sculpture Park – photos

It was fascinating to walk through the sculpture park and see the incredible range of sculptures – classical to neomodern.

A good place to stumble across.

Vietnan – View over Saigon (Ho Chi Min City) from the restaurant in the Bitexco skyscraper – photos

We went up the top for a cool drink and views over the river and city. Quite spectacular. The beer was good too!

Today’s Music to keep me SSSaaaannnnEEEE in Isolation – Billie Holiday

What a voice. She sends chills through me. Another tragic lady. That version of Strange Fruit is chilling.

Today I’ll immerse myself in Billie.

 

Sri Lanka – The park and trees

We asked our driver to drop us off in the park miles away from the centre and told him we’d make our own way back. After walking around for hours we set about finding a local bus to take us back. The busses were so full people were hanging off them. They didn’t stop, they just slowed down. You grabbed hold and jumped on. I found myself hanging on, out over the road on the outside as the bus careered through the streets. It was quite a hairy ride.

Fabulous trees.

 

Sri Lanka – Colombo – Inside the Buddhist Sambodhi Chaithya Temple

We went up the windy staircase, across the walkway and into the temple. I’m not sure what we were expecting. It was different. Inside the stupa, there were many paintings of the Buddha, temples and scenes. It was massive.

Sri Lanka – The Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque

 

The mosque was an incredible red and white structure. Unfortunately we were only allowed in part of it.

Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque

Sri Lankan dancing and music.

My wife’s a dancer so wherever we travel we have to catch some local dance and music.

Sri Lanka – Colombo – Buddhist Temple Gangaramaya – More photos

OK – you’re probably fed up with these. I’ve put out too many photos. But I think you can see I was quite smitten with the place. It was a treasure trove.

I’ll move on.

Sri Lanka – Colombo – Buddhist Temple Gangaramaya – The ornate decorations

The temple was full of surprises with a section with the most lavish intricate designs.

Sri Lanka – Colombo – Buddhist Temple Gangaramaya – The room of Buddhas

There was something quite amazing – to find this room of Buddhas.