Sometimes you get to do things you never expected. This weekend, the famous Long Bien Bridge across the Red River was closed to traffic for a two-day festival of arts. Nancy and I were able to walk across without getting run over or choked by exhaust. In fact, the breeze off the water was quite cool.
The bridge is a historical landmark in Hanoi. Designed by Alexandre Eiffel (of Eiffel Tower fame), it was built in 1898 and originally named the Doumer Bridge after Paul Doumer, who was president of France during Vietnam's colonial period. During the American-Vietnam War, it was repeatedly hit by American bombs and repeatedly, and rapidly, rebuilt by Vietnamese youth.
Most of the art consisted of paintings of the bridge. White banners were stretched along the bridge so people could add their comments and graffiti.
A few sketch artists and calligraphy artists had set up shop along the side of the road.
I'm grateful to the student who told me about the festival. It was a great afternoon to be out and about down by the river.
No comments:
Post a Comment