5:30 AM: the alarm kicks in after less than 5 hours in bed
5:39 AM: I manage to get out of bed
5:53 AM: I get in the taxi like a zombie
6:03 AM: I reach the meeting point just 3 minutes late

It’s me, Hà, and Son—who acts as a human connector between Ha’s Vietnamese and my English. Still, Ha can understand me, and somehow I can understand him.

The first part of the session is focused on lakeside life. In particular, two spots: (1) an open-air, homemade gym and (2) a self-managed street ballroom. If karaoke is Vietnam’s first love, dancing could be a close second.

Being with someone who knows the people and can act as a connector makes a big difference in the way I approach the scene. I feel comfortable, and the ability to talk with people strengthens the connection with the place.

I learn that the group is split into two, and they meet here every day to exercise between 6 and 7 AM. Then, on the other side of the street, a bit farther south, the ballroom gets going from 7 to 8 AM. Like community rituals. Community—again—it seems to be the root source of peace and happiness here.

Then, after a phở and a caffeine boost, we move on to Đồng Xuân Market. Not exactly the same as the one in Berlin, but apparently owned by the same people, as far as I understand. Here, the morning heat starts to kick in, and the sunlight becomes harsher. A perfect setup to play with shapes and lines.

We move around the Old Quarter a bit more and end the session with a sugarcane drink, sitting down to review the photos from the morning.

Honestly, I was skeptical before booking this 1:1 session, but I have to admit I’m glad I did. It was great to exchange perspectives with such a talented person, walk around making photos in good company, and by the end of the session, I walked away with several tips—and got to witness how another street photographer looks at the world.

12:35 PM: I start to feel the need to rest 3:35 PM: I’m on the bed for an hour-long power nap

The rest of the day focuses on one thing: FOOD!
I embark on a walking food tour that lets me try dishes I hadn’t yet tasted.

After the tour, with a happy belly, I start wandering again around the lake. People are still in celebration mode—it’ll go on until Sunday. I enjoy the festive but calm mood, the kids playing around, and the background music coming from the other side of the lake.

I’d love to keep walking and enjoying the fresh breeze all night, but it seems the power nap wasn’t enough, and my body is slowly giving up. I need to head back if I want to be able to send out this missive.

12:35 AM: I hit send

Till tomorrow,
— M