HA NOI — A Frederic Chopin statue was erected in Ha Noi on Friday.
Sculptor Nguyen Van Binh, who was awarded a certificate by the Government for his contribution to national sculpture, spent a year building on the sculpture.
This is the second statue of Chopin in the world made according to design by Polish sculptor Waclaw Szymanowski. Standing at 6.5m high and weighing over 100 tonnes, the sculpture is made of natural dark blue stone.
The statue was a gift from Vietnamese living in Poland to celebrate the 1,000th anniversary of Thang Long - Ha Noi.
Shrine for Queen Le Ngoc Han planned
HA NOI — The Association of Thang Long - Ha Noi has announced plans to build a shrine of Queen Le Ngoc Han in Ha Noi.
Construction started on Wednesday at Ninh Hiep commune of Gia Lam District, Ha Noi.
The shrine, which will cover 1,100sqm, will be the centre of the Queen's memorial area.
Mrs Viet Nam chosen as Mrs World judge
HA NOI — Dr Doan Thi Kim Hong, who won Viewers' Choice at Mrs World 2005, has been appointed president of the Mrs World 2010 panel of judges.
An official invitation was sent from David Z. Marmel, president of the Mrs World organisation, to Hong. As the head judge, Hong will directly follow contestants of this year's competition.
Mrs Hong will also be empowered to select one Vietnamese representative to compete at the event. Mrs World 2010 will take place in South Korea from October 3 to 24.
Ao dai dresses feature at Ha Noi celebration
HA NOI — Dat Rong Thieng (Scared Dragon Land), a collection of 500 ao dai (traditional long dress) by designer Duc Hung, has been commissioned for the 1000th anniversary of Ha Noi.
Hung said the capital served as inspiration for his collection. Traditional materials such as silk, velvet and chiffon will be used as background material for detailed embroidery and jewellery. — VNS