Changes at the Zoo

Allison and I went on a date to the zoo the other day. There are signs of progress all around us in Hanoi and the zoo is no exception. The elephant house is being upgraded and it appears the aviaries are getting a makeover too. I think I was most interested in signs of progress for the average joe. A few years ago, not many people had their own camera so photographers like the lady picture above with the SLR  would do brisk business by taking your photo, then having it developed, laminated and framed (not unlike US amusement parks). As in many developing countries, there was a technological leapfrog past film cameras to the point where many families have a digital camera or smart phone with a camera. But don't feel too bad for the freelance photographers: I even saw one of them with a digital SLR! so they're getting a slice of the progress pie too.

Allison liked the elephants and the hippo the best. We ate Peking Duck-flavoured chips, which are actually pretty good.

Allison had such a full and fun day that she fell asleep at the dinner table. (Well, ok, she didn't really. This picture is from another night, but you gotta admit, it does make for a nice ending.) - sc