PHOTOfrenz Blog

by Wong Casandra

I took a 5-day trip to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam with my friends in June this year after quitting my first full-time job. It was a refreshing episode in my life – a mini-holiday taken to celebrate the end of a tediously boring 9-to-5 job and to bid for time while I a) rested enough before my Japanese classes b) decided what to do with the rest of my life.

Therefore, the trip held a special place in my heart as I was struggling at a crossroad in my life: disillusioned yet hopeful enough to wish for something great to happen (of what magnitude or nature; I wasn’t sure), but nonetheless, jaded and spiritually exhausted.

So I thought, what other better way to release this tremendous bout of stress than to bring my hardy, reliable Nikon F55D film SLR along for the trip! Back then, I was trying to get back into the rhythm of taking photos on a regular basis like how I used to before my job, and Vietnam, an exotic third-world country, presented many great photographic opportunities. Indeed, it was a soul-searching experiment of sorts.

And I wasn’t disappointed. I wouldn’t call myself a great photographer (well, I shoot too selectively to be one) – and plus, I was shooting casually – but I was happy with the results. Yes, I was rusty given the long period of inactivity, but I guess the joy of seeing my photos developed from those minute film canisters eradicated my usual level of expectations.

Anyone who has been to Vietnam would be spellbound by her characteristically chaotic traffic and rustic old-world charm. Roadside hawkers, boatmen, makeshift markets, speeding motorists - a whole new and hectic world, bursting at the seams, framed by a 35mm format camera.

1. Traffic at a Standstill HCMC, fondly referred to as the “Capital of Motobikes”, is flooded with hundreds of scooters, motorbikes, and riders who abide by their own traffic rules. At first glance, crossing a road might look hazardous, but it’s actually pretty elementary: just bravely walk on, and the vehicles will all swerve to avoid you!	2. Street Peddling Galore! HCMC is filled with roadside peddlers selling anything from pho, fruits, dumplings to even hats!
3. The Packed Buildings of HCMC A common sight in HCMC - buildings build closely packed together.	4. Rain, Rain Go Away A shot taken from the steps of the Ben Thanh Market; you can see workers lazing around while waiting for the rain to subside.
5. Lovers Caught! This newly married couple was posing for photos outside the HCMC Hall and Statue of HCM.	6. River Navigation The boatman took us along the river on a ride that was uncomfortable, wet and … scenic.
7. Stuck on the Other Side The old man looked ready to cross until he noticed me and stopped in his midst.	8. In Between Gates This girl didn’t look too pleased knowing that I was taking photos of her, but I did it anyhow.

Some of these photos granted me a chance to embark on a photographic expedition to Sri Lanka, of which I can safely say was the most memorable, grueling and eye-opening experience in my life (well, that will be saved for later!).

So to me, the capital of Vietnam will always remain a poignant symbol of renewed dreams and hope. Needless to say, I came back feeling much better.

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