Thao Dien- The View from a Balcony - 0032sk

Medium : Pencil B2

Size        : 25.5cm x 32cm

Another sketch from my sketch collection, "Life of Saigon". This the sketch of Thao Dien's view from my apartment's balcony. It will keep a record of the beautiful scenery of my living place. Thao Dien is an expat area in District 2 of Ho Chi Minh City. My apartment is Masteri located just behind the Vincom Megamall. The area full of villas and apartments where a majority of foreigners are living. 

The following is retrieval from my manuscript entitled "The Sketch of Life in Saigon"

These two sketches are the view of Thao Dien’s area from the balcony of my apartment. My apartment is located at the main entrance to the Thao Dien area which is located in  District 2, Ho Chi Minh. Thao Dien is one of the prime areas in District 2 that sheltering many expatriates. This area is a residential area full of villas and high-end apartments with a monthly rental average from USD1000 per month up to USD6000 per month. Besides villa and apartments, this area is famed with few International schools, malls, and restaurants that offer varieties of international cuisine.

 

Originally Thao Dien area was a swamp. The area has been developed as a residential area and still growing with the development of new buildings. This area is located near to the Saigon river. Every day sitting in my living looking towards the balcony, I will see barges transporting commodities to the port nearby. The river is an important transportation mode in Vietnam that transporting goods and commodities from outside and inside of Vietnam.

 

Thao Dien is surrounded by the Saigon River from the west, north, and along most of its eastern edge. In the south of Thao Dien is Xo Lo Ha Noi Highway, a highway that will bring you to Hanoi through the overland route. Thao Dien will soon be having its own metro line station. Although the station’s development has faced significant delays, yet it is for sure will become a significant facility that will serve the surrounding communities.

 

The beautiful about my apartment in MASTERI is I have a privileged view of Thao Dien. I witnessed the development of new buildings in Thao Dien, barges cruising the river, and planes landing and taking off too from my balcony. It such a privilege to be witnessing the growth of this small area from my small balcony. I enjoyed almost every day of my stay here.

 

Thao Dien is small but big in content

The house for short and long-term travelers

Travelers with dreams of a better future

 

A swamp turned to jewels of the orient

Giving hopes and shines to those who favor

A place that sealed memories before their departure

 

A jewel that never stop shining and potent

Growing big as the ambitions of its landers