Member-only story
4 Days in Vietnam
Saturday. 8/1/1998
“Khatoco Hotel,” The neon sign spells brightly against the fresh dusky night. Up top, three giant well-lit cigarette packages display prominently as if it says “smoke me please”. Our group pour out of the packed van and file into the air cooled hotel lobby. Thọ, a ten years old boy who sat next to me in the van, flanks my left side. To the Vietnamese standard, he is a good looking kid. A very talkative boy indeed. His raw wit and frankness make me laugh during the ride. I met him this morning when the van arrives to pick me up at my cousin’s place. Since I was the last person to be picked up, I was squeezed into the back between this little kid and a grouchy looking woman. I think I stepped on her knee. But don’t blame me, this van is jam packed. There are fifteen people in this vehicle plus luggage. I was a little concerned to say the least. “My gosh, we are going to travel for approximately 1000 km in this thing ?” I asked myself. As soon as I sat my butt down, Thọ asked: “Are you taking photographs ?” after looking at the camera dangling around my neck. “Yes.” I said, although I wanted to say something like “No, I just like to wear ‘em.” It didn’t take him long to introduce himself with all the background information. He’s from the countryside called Cân Giuộc. It’s a small town by the Mekong river. Thọ belongs to the little wife (second wife) of a man who sits in the second row…
