Anne's blog travel 06-07

Thursday February 1st 2007

As I go off in search of diner last night I come accross a stage at a busy intersection close to the lake. Singers are performing, women beautifully dressed, then one or two smartly dressed men. It seems to be in preparation or celebration of some Vietnamese event as "Vietnam" - the only word I understand- seem to be a word that comes back in every setence. In one act dancers dressed as workmen are carrying the flag of Vietnam and they dance some ballet steps along with female dancers. Motorcycles with riders on their way home have pulled up from the traffic to stop and listen. Motorcycle taxis have just decided to have a break and listen to the music. One man, suddenly gets up and rushes to the bus he was waiting for and almost just misses it.

I leave about then remembering that at the other hotel I stayed previously, the men and women staff often broke into spontaneous singing with no apparent shyness. They would just sing while mopping the floor or cleaning, serving breakfast. It all seemed very natural. I imagine that singing has a bigger place in this culture than in the countries I've lived in.

But, if the Vietnamese smile could be bottled...this would certainly be the richest country in the world. Just this morning on my way to the laundry shop to drop my week's laundry, a man calls out as many people do, to offer their goods or services. He's sitting on a motorcycle; he doesn't even ask if I want a ride, he just smiles and half his teeth are missing and yet all I can do is smile back at him.

Tam Biet

(Damm Biut) goodbye....for now