Mapping out Hồ Linh Quan with my groupmates was a really interesting experience. After getting off the bus, we walked for a really long time through narrow, winding streets. During this long walk, I enjoyed talking to Phuong and getting to know more about her grandfather. We ultimately arrived in Hồ Linh Quan, which is right next to a lake, and began mapping out where local residents would go to do different things (such as "play badminton" and "get a knife sharpened"). Overall, aspects of this space made me feel: like I was seeing a real, un-touristy part of Hanoi; appreciative of the warmth and helpfulness of the people; happy because of the personal feel, children playing, and friendly women enjoying a badminton game; and uncomfortable because of the traffic and intense pollution (especially from tons of burning votive paper). One of my favorite parts of this experience was getting cold drinks at a tiny hole in the wall cafe after we were done mapping. I felt like this activity really showed me how well are group works together, and made me excited to continue working together on Project Kiếm Ăn (an interview project on people's experiences with their jobs in Vietnam).
Descriptive words: real, friendly, personal, unpleasant, small, big, intriguing, old...
Ultimately, I do not think that I would want to live here. Coming from a big city with lots to do, I just think I would be pretty bored living in this area. It would probably be kind of annoying to have to walk through those winding streets to get home (if I was out of the area), and I think I would just feel pretty claustrophobic. Also, the pollution and smoke was really memorably unpleasant (although I know that the smoke would only be around for the spiritual time once a year). Ultimately, I really enjoyed this experience, and would like to visit Hồ Linh Quan again, but wouldn't want to live here.
No comments:
Post a Comment