Two decades after she first visited the country, Isabelle Aragon has not had herfill of Vietnam .

She has traveled the length and breadth of the countrysince her maiden visit in 1989, and closing the way, recorded striking images ofits landscape and its people.

A collection of black and white as well ascolour photographs by the French herbalist and photographer showcases what it isabout the country that captures her imagination.

The Vietnam-TravellingDiary exhibition features well-known landscapes as well as remote areas of thenorthwestern province of Lao Cai , and portraits of local people. The 42photographs were chosen from several thousands that she has taken over the last20 years.

“I want to introduce Vietnam – a beautiful and peacefulcountry – its people, culture and lifestyle to the world through myphotographs,” Isabelle said.

“I love capturing elderly people andchildren who live in remote areas. Through their faces and smiles, you can see apeaceful life.”

Isabelle, who began dabbling in photography when wasjust 12 years old, insists she is an amateur. But she modern techniques andcomputers to store her photographic images.

She had organised three wellreceived exhibitions featuring Vietnam and its people in Paris .

Isabelle first visited Vietnam in 1989 and though one day she would livehere. She made that move 17 years later, settling down in HCM City and workingfor the Institute de Development Vietnam Pacifique as a herbalist.

Lastyear, her first photo exhibition at the IDECAF (The Institute of CulturalExchange with France) featuring 45 colour photographs made a good impression onboth Vietnamese and foreign viewers.

Some described her work as adocumentary on Vietnamese people living in different regions of the country.

Vietnam-Travelling Diary will remain open at the Lotus Gallery, 67Pasteur Street , district 1 until February 5./.