Cua Nam market, Hanoi.

Nhan Dan Online- Seventy two old postcards describing the daily life of Vietnamese people in the old time are now on display at Hanoi Metropole Hotel.

The display is divided into three areas with postcards portraying the beautiful landmarks and architectures of three main cities - Hanoi, Hue and Saigon, and the Vietnamese typical figures through the length of Vietnam history.

The main area in the centre exhibits a selection of old postcards showcasing the beauty of old Hanoi. Through the postcards, a century of forgotten views and tradition in the north is live again. The beautiful picture of daily businesses in a countryside market, the primitive French architecture of Hanoi old streets, the art of entertainment in the northern provinces are captured lively in a fascinating selection of postcards.

Panorama of Hanoi.

A collection displayed in the left area dating back over hundreds years ago features the old endearing vignette in the royal land of Vietnam. On the other side are the old postcards depicting the features of the southern region emphasising the human beings with life on the canal. Hand writings on the other side of some cards are remained clearly with a stamp on the above right-hand corner.

E-mail is the most popular method of communication in today’s digital age, but a century ago, sending postcards to friends and relatives was hugely popular. In15 years, it is estimated that 18,000 postcard designs were released in Vietnam. Hanoi, Hue and Saigon were the primary focus of most of these.

Temple of Literature, Hanoi.

Gilles Cretallaz, hotel General Manager shared the same view point: “In the old times, sending postcards to each other is a beautiful tradition and a vehicle of communication as well. Nowadays, sending and receiving postcards is no more a common practice and replaced with e-cards in the time of electronic industry. We are confident that the event will foster people to keep this tradition and to promote Vietnam tourism industry”.

Southern Governor General Palace.

Beyond cultural aspect, the Metropole antique postcard exhibition is a great charity event to support Vietnamese children. The hotel will reproduce 1000 sets of ten selected postcards to sell at hotel’s La Boutique. One part of selling price from postcard sets will be deducted to contribute to Operation Smiles.

This exhibition, which is organised in co-operation with the Association of UNESCO of Hanoi, opens until March 28.

D.T