Hanoi Train Street
Life on the tracks
Can one live closer to a railroad track than on Hanoi Train Street? The train zooms by and is part of daily life for those living on this street. I arrive early in the morning to observe the "life on the tracks." I walk up and down the street peeking into doorways often met with sheepish smiles or blank stares. I know I am invading their privacy, and am uncomfortable with the intrusion. However, curiosity overrides my discomfort. Certainly, the residents are accustom to the gawkers, but this does not mean they like it. My intention is to remain as respectful as possible. Yes, I request permission to take a photograph before clicking, but I doubt this is sufficient.
The beauty shop is a family affair
Working at home for a local shop
Taking time for an early morning snack
Collecting cans for money
Chopping nuts for the market
Making deliveries
The art of the ramp for motorcycles
A place to socialize on the tracks
A garden or a shop: each plant has a price
The intrigue of a door
An artist's home
The largest entranceway on the tracks
Peeking in from the other side of the tracks
Respecting privacy is difficult with open doors
The beauty of decaying windows and walls
Tourists leave their mark
Tourists arriving: selfie time
Merchant leaving Hanoi Train Street and going to a local market
Since tourists are arriving, this is an opportune time to follow the above merchant to the neighborhood market. The locals are going inside and doors are shutting. Life on Hanoi Train Street is shifting from the residents to the tourists playing and taking selfies on the tracks. As for me? I head for my next stop - the local market.
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