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| Asahi Pentax K1000, 35mm SLR, images of Vietnam page 4 |
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Vietnam is criss crossed by countless rivers and tributaries, consequently boats have, and still do, figure heavily in transport needs. Top left, these shallow draught, flat bottomed, wooden river boats are returning empty from a trip to the Perfume Pagoda in the North of the country. These two boats represent the trucks on this river and are often loaded so heavily the gunnels are barely above the water. The wooden ones are gradually being replaced by steel versions, top right, but following a very similar flat bottomed design, necessitated by the shallow rivers. Now, I wonder how many people in the west would let their kids play with a boat this size, no worries, the 10 year old girl appears to be in charge. |
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| Not far from the old capital,
Hue, in central Vietnam a river ferry carries all manner of goods from
one side to the other, including ten people, two bicycles and a Honda Cub
motorcycle. The bamboo conical hat is still worn in rural areas as it has
for centuries.
The reason we have their complete attention is that the captain of the boat I am on is about to pass just astern them at considerable speed. Viewing the original enlargement reveals ten very worried expressions, even though just a passenger I still feel guilty to this day. |
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