La Côte d'Azur
My source for inspiration often stems from observations, symbols and surroundings. It was no fault that travelling to Vietnam would offer an abundance of culture.
Located within the Ba Na Hills saw a surreal experience of French colonial villages, flower gardens and a fantasy park.
The French village had old cobblestone streets, tall buildings and street lamps reminiscent of the French colonial influence upon Vietnam in the mid 19th century. The walls were lined with plaques, hand painted murals and signs. One plaque in particular stood out. It had old style graphics of palm trees, a boat surrounded by a blue ring and hand painted script reading La Côte d’Azur. Later upon research was I able to find its meaning.
La Côte d’Azur is referred to as the French Rivera. It translates to mean The Coast of Azur: in reference to the clear blue of the Mediterranean sea and sky.
This phrase resonates with me deeply, as I fulfil my longing to be near the blue coast.
Pocket moleskin notes:
Photograph— Sun shaped stained glass window, Ba Na Hills.
Moleskine— Featuring: sparkling water logo, sun face at a pottery village, Hoi An | Metal door at Manzi Art Space in Hanoi | Moon, leaves and sun #2, symbols etched into Marble Mountain.
Drawing on Paper— La Côte d'Azur drawing.