I'm taking a walk after breakfast and across from the pond in front of the cathedral a family is building a new house. I waved to the workers and the boss motioned me in. This woman is patiently applying ground to the floor tiles. She applies it sparingly and with delicate motions so as not to waste the grout. The worksmanship (workwomanship?) is astounding.
The boss asked me if I would like to smoke a bowl of tobacco with him. The wooden straw is placed in a hole on the top of a bowl filled with water. The tobacco is lit and the smoke is cooled through the water and then comes up the straw. I politely declined and my lungs were relieved.
Here are the boss and I having tea. Notice how the walls are cement but the door jams are wood. Everything is hand done.
Two of the workers stopped for tea and a smoke with me. The man on the left has been here in Viet Nam for five years working as a laborer. He is originally from Kuala Lampur.
After circling the village, I came back to find Quyen replacing a light. Yes, you see it correctly: Can is holding one ladder that is propping up the ladder Quyen is on. Neither of the ladders is touching the light pole.
I am so glad that OSHA can't see this.
Can poses holding the ladder. One time he walked away to get the light bulb for Quyen and I ran to hold the ladder in his place. Can was surprised I would even be worried. Oh, Can, you crazy guy.
