Ode to a Watchful Dog: Three (or More) Pictures from Vietnam

I am always fascinated by the story behind your photographs. How is it that you come to be in these out of the way places? How did it come about that this beautiful woman let you take this intimate picture of her and her baby? How did you get all those people at the river to smile? You make us want to see more than we can see.

We want to hear your story, even if it is driving you crazy to write it.

Fine work.

The first pictures should fit in nicely with your other Madonna and Child pictures!

Good pictures, Joel. Like Linda, I am intrigued... how did you find your way to these untouristy places? Which is probably not that out-of-the-way, noting the very civilized evidence of fingernail polish on the Mekong Delta mommy.

In that last picture, what were they drying/airing on the ground, on top of the gray fabric? I also see food (?) tied on a high tree branch... I'm sure there would be no bear-problems around that area, what were those people safe-guarding their food from?

That little baby looks upset, lol. Did you scare him Joel? Nice photos. Very colorful ones of the mother on the hammock.

Is that a camp where the families live?

Joel, one of the things I like best about your photos is the memories they evoke of my own travels. These are wonderful documentaries of your adventures.

That's great, Donna. Thanks.

Katrina -- no, this isn't there home.

Marianne -- I apparently scared the kid to death.

Duckie -- I'm not sure, but I think that is rice in the picture

Linda (and Duckie) -- I had rented a motorbike to get away from a nearby town; I spent most of a day venturing along two canals that don't see much "tourist" traffic. I stopped a lot to take pictures. In the case of the woman and her baby I saw them from a distance and came to a stop in front of them and asked to take a picture. She said yes, though the baby got scared.

A lot of people probably smile because I look silly.

You silly boy! You should know by now any Americano in Asia is welcomed with SMILES!

Very true, Duckie

RICE? Green rice, of course! I should have recognized it... Vietnamese people call it Com, I think. We call it PINIPIG. (PEENEEPEEG) :-)

It's a special variety of glutinuous or sticky rice that is harvested when young, and toasted to preserve its flavor.

In the Philippines, the kernels are pounded by wooden hand pestles and delicately winnowed using large flat bamboo trays. The green color is enhanced with the juices from crushed stalks of the young rice plant.

They have the most delicately beautiful aroma when fresh! Our cook used to scatter a handful of the PINIPIG on top of a sweet soup that we eat for dessert. Heavenly!

It's hard to find even in the Philippines. It takes special farming methods and more care than regular rice. I could only find dried BEIGE flakes here in the US... they are nowhere as good as the fresh kind.

So why do you think that you look funny as the reason they are smiling? Is it simply because you're not vietnamese?

duckie, you make me hungry. joel, you make me want to be there. fantastic photos, as always. WOW you have such gobs of talent.

Your photos also bring me back to the few travels I have had, mostly to Costa Rica. Where I was able to see people outside ofthe city, and living in not so great conditions, but still so nice & wonderful - traveling opens our hearts & our minds to others.

Your photography is amazing!

Great photos Joel, cool info Duckie!
The dog was definetly keeping an eye on you Joel.