Uyen Luu

Its always such a delight to be on a beach. I found a nice stretch near Hoi An in called “Cua Dae”, Vietnam, it used to be like this everywhere – where there are no hotels or resorts – just palm trees and lots of people selling bananas and you and some tourists (if any). The beach stretches as far as the eyes can see. The sand is white, the water is clear.

In 2000, in when first traveled to Vietnam as an adult, there were no tourists. Tourists were seen like angels steeping out of the TV or a magazine and the people praised their white unblemished skins.

Today, Hoi An is full of tourists, (but when I say full, I mean there are just some people from all over the world walking around – there isn’t a crowd or anything like in Prague, Paris, London etc). You do not see ordinary Vietnamese people using their town for anything other than to work the tourists. Its a bit sad but not really. People have been living in the third world for so long, this is a time when they can prosper and live with basic essentials such as food, clean running water, electricity and so on. And it is so beautiful how they have kept the history and the heritage of the place.

In my opinion, (and my cousin), we didn’t eat too well here. But we loved the place. Being in it and breathing it.

Almost 34 years of age. The most happiest I have ever been, in myself, in my life. I am able to go to the loveliest beaches and am surrounded by a great family. Blessed with good health, a solid mind and strength to open doors of opportunities. I have thanked Buddha every day for letting me see.

And hope to him that I will grow old like this lady on the beach (minus the black teeth) with a wise and kind view to the world.