Paradox - Two Sides to Every Story

This entry is from the beginning of October as I travelled to Hai Phong and Cat Ba Island,

"Sitting on a tiled and dusty balcony of a decent hotel in the province of Hai Phong, I am able to look out and see a great paradox: the merging of the vast wonders of the natural world and the signature aspects of development. Natural scenery like jagged rocks, bays, rolling waves, green and more green from the plants and trees. An awesome breeze from off of the water that brings both the coolness and a salt-water smell that is not too strong but enough to let you know you are seaside. The paradox. I also am keenly aware of the sign that shows the plans for continued development. The area that has been cut away out of the hillside to make room for more housing and development, the bay that has been filled in with dirt because of the intention of building a hotel or some other attraction. Phone lines, cell towers, and all of the modern machines are all in my line of view. The Great Paradox...On one hand - the purity of creation; on the other hand - the magnificant display of what that creation has since created...."

For instance, there are the homes that are right across the road from the University where I work:

And there are also the thatched roofs (as seen below) in the villages that are within a few kilometers of the university, Truong Dai Hoc Hung Vuong.