Week 8 | Hoi An Lanterns | Diemmi Le

This picture was taken last summer when I went to Vietnam with my mom and sister to visit my family there.  Most of the time in Vietnam was spent indoors in Saigon, trying to stay out of the humid heat, but this picture was actually taken when we traveled up north to Hoi An, Vietnam, the highlight of the trip.  I remember this night being one of the best nights of my time in Vietnam because of all the beautiful lighting.  I remember walking around telling myself, "Damn, this is where I want to have my honeymoon," because of how incredibly romantic the lanterns made everything feel.  They were everywhere and it was the main source of light.  They were in the river, being sold at booths, on the side walk, etc.  I think there is a general warmness in lanterns because they were candlelit for the most part.  The flame creates an aura that is more warm with its yellow/orange color.  They also aren't as assertive like artificial light may be.  Also, especially in the picture, lanterns dim the overall source of the light so that it is not as bright and in your face.  Instead, the flame (or lightbulb) is covered with intricately designed fabric, and when it shines on people, there is a sense of mystery (and conceal) to them. Overall, they created a more calming feeling and being around them, I felt more relaxed, yet happy.  It felt romantic.  In the picture, there are lots of red and orange that add to that warm feeling as well.