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While visiting my ancestor's grave
site in Hue, this beautiful child caught my eye. She lived
within the cemetery confines with some other children. They earn
their living by following visitors and
quietly removing weeds and tidying up the grave site. Without fail,
visitors pay a small gratuity for their service before these phantom
servants disappear
behind the maze of tombstones. This girl was preparing a humble meal
for her clan of homeless siblings, but they were interrupted to disembark
on rendering their services at my grandfather's grave when we arrived.
Hue, 1995
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Strolling down a dirt alleyway, I
heard a solo voice of a child's laughter at play. I was led to the
source and found this culprit absorb in her daily routine. Her
mother stood off to the side, smiling innocently and coyly.....she must
have been wondering to herself why a scene like this would intrigue yours
truly so much. The value of such simple ways, so often stifled in
the day to day rat race.
Da Nang, 1995
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I
visited the neighborhood
village where my father grew up. This photo was taken within walking
distance to the thatched roof house where he was captured by the French in
1942. A new generation now lives here.... sister caring for
sister. They are growing up in a world, unbeknownst of foreign
visitors (Chinese, French nor American) who once shared this very soil in more
tumultuous times.
Hue, 1995
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I couldn't help but spare some
change. This little 'boy monk' was very polite as he approached me
and shared this dimpled smile with me. That was worth US$1!
Saigon, 1994
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Followed, then finally... cornered, by
this band of giggling children. I finally succumb to the pleas for
an impromptu group photo. My gifts to them from my camera bag; empty
film canisters, lollipops and trinkets of toys made
their day. After this shot, they all ran off every which way,
screaming and laughing. I can still hear their echoes in my mind.
Hue, 1995
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Along
the river banks near one of the oldest and most populated shopping
district in Hue (Dong Ba market), inhabitants make these ...their
home. A boy takes an afternoon plunge (bath?).
(Clarification, this is not a self portrait of this photographer).
Hue, 1995
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Wandering
around the quadrants of Saigon's commercial district, I was accompanied by
this curious shadow. This little boy was peddling coconuts, and
though I politely refused his products many times, he kept smiling and
following me. Exhausted after a couple hours, the both of us
eventually sat down for refreshing coconut drinks. My treat of
course!
Saigon, 1994
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I
stopped for dinner at one of those quaint little homes, that doubles as a
backyard restaurant bordering the riverfront. These children rowed
up on their way home, and when they saw my camera .... proudly showed me
their lantern. Their most meaningful treasure for the upcoming Moon
Festival. Hue,
1994
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Another
scene along the Saigon River. In the quiet hush of the hot day, you
would here the rhythmic 'swooshing' to and fro as travelers row their
boats. These 'young' travelers may have been coming back from a long
day at school, or on their way to the nearby market? It always
amazes me.... kids as young as 3, so responsible and adroit at tasks to
help out with the family... forced to, by an environment that accelerates
discipline and maturity.
Hue, 1994
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Southward
bound from Hue to Da Nang through the winding hilltop trails of Hai Van
pass... we stop at the highest peak to rest, cool down the rental van and
double check the brakes. A band of merchants swarmed us.
Through the innocence in this girl's eyes, coupled with her sincere
smile... I just had to buy 5 packs of stale Wrigley gum!
Da Nang, 1995
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Stemming
off from the main Mekong River into the more narrow arteries and deltas,
we push forth to the small village of My Tho. Along the way, some
neighborhood kids were enjoy a swim. If only I had my swim trunks
ready, I could have joined them (!). On second thoughts, maybe
not. The recent rain really stirred up the sediments.
My Tho, 1998
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Coming
back from visiting the famous Cu Chi tunnels south of Saigon, I asked the
driver to stop the car and let me out to experience the rural open
air. Everything.... so motionless on the vast span of open paddies,
with an occasional lingering water buffalo and backdrops of distant
mountains. A hot dull wind passes over, rustling the leaves on
trees. Very still, except for this figure flowing over the horizon,
diligently at work under the harsh sun.
Cu Chi - Saigon,
1995
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