I was amazed, though, at how many pictures I put under the category of “women doing things.” And the list kept growing as I looked through my albums several times. I felt very empowered how women all over the world are talented, hard-working, and take pride in their accomplishments.

This very physically strong woman is cutting rice in a rice field. As she bent over to efficiently cut the rice, she kept cutting bunch after bunch after bunch with amazing ease and grace.

I tried my best to cut some rice, but definitely with not the success as the Vietnamese woman.

This woman’s talent and enjoyment can be seen in her terracotta figure making. I watched this woman create this cute little elf with her artistic hands.

This woman’s hands were busily weaving a basket out of water hyacinth. I asked her if her baskets were for sale, as I was considering buying one. They were for sale, but only for export to other countries, selling for several hundred dollars.

All these women are quite inspirational!

Sweet (and inspirational) Travels!

For more photos, go to Delicious Baby.

When I visited Vietnam, I had the opportunity to experience about six groups personally, although I probably saw many more as I traveled around. I was definitely intrigued with the style of clothing of each group, and how they differed.

Many women were willing models, and showed some of their biggest smiles when the camera was taking their pictures. The woman above is a Black Dzao, taken at the Tam Duong market in the Sapa region of Vietnam. The hair is worn in a bun, kept in place by a silver frame resting on top of the head.

This woman is of the Flower H’mong, one of the most colorfully dressed groups, with intricately embroidered clothing. This photo was taken at the Coc Ly market in the Bac Ha region. I love her happy and enthusiastic smile.

This friendly woman’s photo was taken in the Mekong Delta area, where I was on a bicycle ride in this region. She was walking on the road as I was passing by, and more than willing to model for this photo. I love the warmth and wisdom in her smile.

The clothing of each of woman is definitely beautiful, and representative of their ethnicity.

Sweet Travels!

See more photos at DeliciousBaby!

“It was the children, however, that made my experiences that much more colorful. They would not only greet me with smiles, but they would wave and say ‘hallo,’ or better yet, instead, most would say ‘bye bye’ as a greeting. It was completely adorable. Perhaps ‘bye’ is easier for them to say than ‘hallo?’ Or perhaps that is what they were taught? I don’t know. But no matter what the reason, to be greeted with ‘bye bye’ made me smile and laugh with joy.”

“The children were also very enthusiastic when it came to taking pictures. All I had to do was show them my camera, and they would immediately gather together, look at the camera, and give their biggest smiles and giggles. And waves and peace signs. Adorable.”

Hammocks seemed to be a favorite place for the children.

An older child taking care of her younger sibling, by carrying the baby on her back was precious to see.

I also found these entries in my Vietnam journal. The first was written early in my travels, the second was written in the middle of my trip, and the third was written near the end:

“For every picture I took, I probably could have taken 6 more…”
“For every picture, there is at least a dozen more…”
“For every picture I took, I can take 6, no 12, no 24 more…”

Especially of the children.

Sweet (and precious) Travels!