The new year of the tiger begins on 14 Feb 2010, replacing the old year of the ox, according to the Chinese lunar calendar. The new year day is a public holiday in multi-ethinic societies, such as Malaysia and Singapore, in South East Asia.


Chinese New Year decoration at New Bridge Rd. and Eu Tong Sen St., Singapore (02/2010)

CLICK HERE FOR LUNAR NEW YEAR ALBUM

Tags: LunarNewYear, Singapore

The tranquil Ho Hoan Kiem or Lake of the Returned Sword is just a stone throw away from the hustle and bustle of Hanoi Old Quarters. The lake gets its name from the legend that tells the returning of a magic sword by Emperor Le Loi back to the Golden Turtle God in the lake. Some have also suggested that the lake is the home of a rare distinct species of turtle. The scenic spot in Hanoi is popular among the locals and visitors (irrespective of interest in reptiles) and a welcoming retreat from the sea of motorbikes that fills the city streets.


Hoan Kiem Lake: day and night, Hanoi (11/2009)

CLICK HERE FOR MORE PICTURES OF HANOI

Tags: Vietnam

Motorbikes rule the streets in Vietnam and this is especially true in big cities such as Hanoi and Saigon. Busy streets are filled with relentless flow of honking motorbikes and cars. Street crossing can be daunting at places where zebra crossings and traffic lights are scarce. It is almost impossible to wait till a halt in traffic before crossing. The common advice is to start crossing when there is a reasonable gap in the traffic and walk predictably across the streets so that the vehicles can avoid you. It works!


Traffic in the Old Quarter of Hanoi (11/2009)



CLICK HERE FOR MORE PICTURES OF HANOI

Related link:

• Wikitravel: Crossing the Road in Vietnam

Tags: Vietnam, Video