Asher.
I am in a small village and local market town on the Mekong river. Far away from Ho Chi Minh City.
Although, I did see a few tourists ( from the west ), this particular place is very local.
This was not a group tour and hence I was lucky to determine my own schedule and places after discussions.
These boats fulfill various roles in the daily life. They can be floating houses, sale boats carrying a larger
amount of articles for sale. Food, household stuff etc. If the boats are multi purpose they are generally much larger than the ones I shall post. Those are trading boats where the owners go from place to place selling various items.
The house you see is indeed a house. Simple, decayed, bare. Families live together. Not uncommon to find brothers, sisters, their children, in laws etc, all occupying the same house.
I met the folks, but found that English was almost non existent in these parts.
But one does not need language to initiate a conversation..although to maintain such it becomes indispensable. Sign language has to fill in.
But a smile does wonders. And more so if you can sit on the floor ( e.g ) without hesitation or can follow their customs without too much of a pretense.
Remember, I am not the guy with the dollars! I don't look like one, act, or behave like one either!
And, generally, I don't dress like the others either!!
Their life revolves around the river, and the floating marketplace on it....
Hold it, traveler! I am still on this intriguing image. What kinds of purposes are these boats for? Is this a waterway or a flooded road? Where is it? The Philippines?
If so what Island?
Is this a native or tourist spot?
Did you meet with the folks. Dont Rush. There’s such a lot of bustling real life here and I am left wondering and ignorant beyond unusual boats and beautiful dignified decay, behind!
Asher