Vietnam, from a design perspective –

I am mesmorized by the aerial view of Ho Chi Minh City, the rich crimson color of the earth, the bright lime green of the rice fields, immediately my mind is spinning and full of creativity.  The wall of a formal dining room on the East coast at Thanksgiving flashes into my mind as I sit in awe, contemplating the reality of such a vibrant crimson color.  I then get a grasp of the matter at hand, and remember the responses I received to telling people that I was going to Vietnam.  “Is it safe?” “Are you going alone?” “Do you want to go to Vietnam?” “I would love to go back (a comment filled with memories and vivid images).”

I am ready to explore the city, Ho Chi Minh, formerly Saigon.  The name alone has presence.

The possibilities of the streets are endless…I want to take the entire market home with me and throw thousands of incredible parties, each with a different theme.  The varieties, colors and shapes of the fruits in site, present endless design opportunities.  The hot pink color of the dragon fruit with it’s green accents represent the choice colors of summer trends.  The white color of the tapioca drinks served in the market coupled with the shape of a pineapple, form the pristine design of a clean white vase.  The circular pieces of the inside of a “mangosteen” fruit are the perfect size for stuffing in a bean bag chair.

I venture into the food stalls where locals are enjoying there lunch.  The floral bouquet created on each plate jumps out at me.  Lime green herbs and fire red chile peppers beneath the translucent white rice paper of a spring roll, accented by the burnt orange fish sauce.  I begin to see the handbags, serving bowls, and pillows these colors inspire.

Moving on from the market, I walk to the main street of Ho Chi Minh City, Don Koi.  The woman in me instantly becomes excited by the sight I have before me – a long street of incredible shopping!  Am I surprised by the very modern looking shops that line this street? At first I am, but then take my mind back to the sights I have seen in just one day in Vietnam – the colors and shapes of the natural environment, and am I still surprised by this street of incredible design?  Not at all.