Classroom » Multimedia
Blacksmith in Vietnam
About this recording
- Creator
- Kristin Post
- Date created
- January 28, 2001
- Duration
- 1:09
- Location
- Bac Ha, Vietnam
- File
- MP3
- License
- This recording copyright ©2001. Terms of use
Related media
Learn more
- Search LEARN NC for Asia, Bac Ha, blacksmiths, culture, holidays, markets, Sapa, Southeast Asia, Tet, tourism, tradition, and Vietnam.
In the classroom
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Tourists and locals in Hanoi frequently escape the city by spending some time in mountain villages close to the Chinese border. Unlike Sapa, which is at a higher elevation, Bac Ha is located in a valley. It is considered less touristy than Sapa, but is well known for it’s colorful market where local ethnic groups come to seel their weavings.
I visited Bac Ha in the winter, just before Tet, Vietnamese New Year. The normally bustling market was quiet, because people were getting ready for the week-long holiday. However, I did stop to record a blacksmith. On a cold day, it was slightly warmer to stand near him as he hammered out some iron scissors. You can hear him saying “hello” and laughing with some friends; he is probably mocking, my get-up with microphone and headphones.
From my journal:
Bac Ha not warm like I was hoping. Ranier. Hotel seemed colder. And no market because of Tet.…I decide to check out the market. It’s not busy — but there are plenty of tourists. Eat some 2000 (VND) noodles. Lose my gloves. Take picture of a Hmong woman and her sons. Record a blacksmith.
