Vicki Finkel exploring Vietnam outside the clay studio

In Vietnam nearly every outdoor space is used as an eatery.

A young boy beginning his day with breakfast at a typical outdoor food stall in Hanoi.

Pho is the most common Vietnamese breakfast fare, a noodle soup, with fresh greens, usually meat, and condiments, chili and lime. Freshly prepared, a hearty way to start one's day.

A fresh serving of Pho from a street vendor in the capital, Hanoi. 



Everyone seems to be going somewhere, and usually on a motorcycle.

Morning congestion in Hanoi.

One has to rise and commute early to beat the masses on the roads.

A coconut vendor with her wares pedaling down the highway at dawn. 

Infants seem unfazed by the roar of incessant traffic. But where are the infant helmets?  

Or even adult ones at times?

A family navigating its way in downtown Hanoi. 

Bicycles allow vendors to transport their goods, and have an instant roadside display.

A fruit vendor ready to cycle and sell throughout town.

Fresh rambutan fruit on sale from her bicycle.

A vegetable vendor, with abundant greens. 

Various leaves used extensively in the Vietnamese cuisine. 

A flower vendor in early morning.

It's truly amazing what people manage to transport on a bicycle. 

A man hauling fishing baskets and more on a rural road. 

While many people work hard pedaling their goods, others use early morning to start their day with a workout. 

Group Zumba at 5 a.m. 

Greeting the sunrise limbering up together. 

After all that exercise, some might be ready for a sweet. 

A kitty cake might fit the bill. 

Or, perhaps, more of a salty snack is in order. 

Crab snack crackers, ready to grab and go, or "crab"and go. 




Then, some might need a rest.

 A vendor catching a quick morning nap after setting up shop.

And then some begin the day with a morning prayer session.

Outside Hue, a monk engages in early morning prayer rituals. 

A young monk-to-be taking a break from studies to enjoy a moment with a friendly pal. 

In many area of Vietnam, waterways are central transport links, and boats are often more useful than bicycles. 

Bananas transported for sale in the Mekong delta. 

One of many homes in the Mekong.

An outdoor kitchen.