After four and a half hours of sleep (staying up too late on Mike's computer), I woke up at 5Am to pack and go with Mike to the morning market at 6AM.
Ducks for sell
Ha must have really gotten up early, for he met us at the market (an hour drive from his village), as did Mike's family.
I had a traditional morning market breakfast with Mike and Ha of pig intestines, pho (noodle soup), and rice wine - yum!
They both drove me to the airport on their motor scooters to catch my 9AM flight - Mike had my back pack and Ha had me. Along the way, Ha gave me all kinds of advice. (It was a half hour ride and Ha likes to talk) Though some of it was private, I will share excerpts: "Take care of your health. . . . Get plenty of sleep. . . . Don't think too much. . . . We live for our children. . . . Things change, but what is true stays true. . . . When you get old and retire, you can come live with me and my family. I think of you as the grandfather of my sons."I will miss Vietnam, but especially these two people - their generosity, sense of humor, and, or course, their passion.
Is that Mike's daughter he is holding? So CUTE!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad to know you have a nice place to live when you get old and retire ;-)
You are a professional photographer, I like the photo of the lady with a hand of banana.
ReplyDeleteChristy..! You could come to stay with us, too!