I became fixated with ladies who were wearing the conical palm hat as they went about their daily tasks and snapped away quite a few times. Each photo has a woman wearing the hat I admired. I so wanted to speak with each one of them and perhaps listen to their stories. I wanted to know so much about them, but the only contact I was awarded was the ability to catch a glimpse of them in that moment of our time together. You may have seen some of these women throughout the blogs, but perhaps look again.
Sheilaclapkin's Blog; 
Feb 16, 2012 @ 11:22:45
wonderful, beautiful photos of the women with their practical hats!
Safe journey home!
Terri
Feb 16, 2012 @ 21:00:36
You are certainly right, PRACTICAL HATS! We are home and hope to see you soon.
Feb 16, 2012 @ 16:02:23
Conical hats are very easy to make and do a better job of providing shade. What a great invention.
It’s the face masks that always threw me… is the air quality there still that bad?
-GF
Feb 16, 2012 @ 20:59:42
The air quality as a whole is not bad, but near the street levels in the city, the traffic makes the air horrid. So the masks are worn near the cities and in the cities. They are very smart to wear them. All day, everyday in that environment would make you very ill, I presume.
Feb 16, 2012 @ 20:49:47
wonder why they where the funny hats and facemasks? Did you find out–I am sure you will—Reene
Feb 16, 2012 @ 20:55:47
They wear the hats for sun protection because their work takes them into the sun all day long. Not only do the hats cover their faces, but their necks as well. A wonderful invention.
Feb 16, 2012 @ 20:56:58
They wear the face mask because any work where there is a lot of pollution from the streets and wherever motors are running.
Feb 18, 2012 @ 18:42:12
I have been to China and Hong Kong twice each. Once with Barbara, once after Barbara.
We hear so much about the great bargains to be had in China that we go there determined to acquire some so we can boast about them when we are at home. The pressure to buy is self inflicted. But, we are only in China once (or twice). The smaller items I brought back, about $10 or less are indeed bargains but, the more expensive things (camera, porcelains, rose wood boxes, rice paper drawings, cloisonne, etc) I m not so sure of. And, some of it I realize now, I could have done without. Still, there are the memories of the purchase. Where it was, what was paid. So I get to visit China once again in my head and this time it is a free trip.
Feb 18, 2012 @ 21:10:27
Yes, the pressure to buy is self-inflicted, you are so right. We stayed in the souvenir department, no camera, no porcelains, rose wood boxes, rice paper drawings, or cloisonne, but my favorite purchase is/was green bean candy in Vietnam. Oh gosh it is so delicious. If I would have realized how much I would love it, I would have purchased a fold out suitcase and filled it with the yummy stuff. I checked and can’t even buy anything like it online. So, we will finish what we have and just dream on about how good it WAS! Wonders of wonders. We hope to be in New York in June. Isn’t there a song about that…? Be well and thanks so much for being such a delightful commenter and such a true reader.
Mar 02, 2012 @ 11:42:53
Sheila I am a good friend to both Catherine and Louis Dunn. I took care of both of them at the Masonic Home in Plattsmouth Ne, and my family has kind of adopted them. Catherine gave me your letter and asked me to look up your blog for she wanted to see the pictures that you had taken. I have a laptop computer and I will try to get it to work at the Masonic Home so that she and Louis can see these wonderful pictures that you took. Take care and I hope you have a wonderful time on your next trip.
Mar 02, 2012 @ 13:04:04
Liz, How wonderful of you to bring my blog and photos to Catherine and Lewis. Bravo to you and my sincere thanks.
Let me know how this all turns out, please.
Sheila
sheilaclapkin@gmail.com
Jun 12, 2012 @ 17:14:32
I LOVE My Conical Palm Hat when i work in the garden
Jun 12, 2012 @ 19:05:42
If I had known I would have brought you one back from Viet Nam. They are so perfectly designed for shielding the sun.
Thanks for reading.
Sheila