Timber Beams

Before I left for Saigon, my uncle's mother sat with me and told me to call her grandmother. She told me she remembered my mum and that she was kind and gentle natured. She then proceded to tell me about her house. 

The hardwood beams that supported the roof were taken from an old timber house built by her grandfather. Considering she is 97, she told me that made the house at least 200 years old. The house sat in a rice paddy which lay as a strategic advantage to the Viet Cong, who in 1964 told her that they would take the house. It was with that, she had the house demolished and moved to a junction on the main road a few kilometres from where the house was. The beams, some furniture, and a wall was all that was left of the place.

She told me to take care of myself, and to visit soon, lest she not be there. I snuck this photo, and shortly after, my driver arrived to take me to Saigon.

Dong Tam Snake Farm

After I went to a venom producing facility (they use it to treat snakebites) in Bangkok, I decided to go to the one in My Tho, Vietnam. Apparently it's one of the biggest ones in the country. I was just faced with a heap of sorry looking animals in tiny cages. 

Two Asian Black Bears entertain each other through the bars of their small prison cells. 

After

In Vietnamese culture, it's customary to have your photo placed at the temple after you pass away. It accompanies your ashes and allows your family to remember you. Ancestry is a very important part of the culture. 

It is because of that, older people are always keen to have a nice photo taken of them for that purpose. This is my uncle's mother (I think technically grandma in law?). She is 97 years old. She dressed up in the traditional Ao Dai (Literally 'long dress') to have this photograph taken.

Chua Vinh Trang

Apparently my uncles were educated here before the war. 

My Tho Cafe Sua

Okay, so strictly speaking, I'm not actually in My Tho. I'm at my second aunt's place just outside. It's a nice area. They grow rice here and have many roadside markets.

This morning (they wake up at 5.00... death), I head to the local coffee shop. Being a tight knit community, I was clearly spotted from ages away. I was watching from a distance before quickly being invited in for a chat and a coffee. 

My Tho. So Far.

Chinatown, Bangkok. Late lunch.

Orchard Road

I enjoy Singapore. Theres old temples of various denominations, lots of art galleries, an amazing public transport system, and its clean. Very clean. 

I was beginning to think it was a little bit sterile when I met these two skater guys at the Orchard Road skate park. Juan Qi An is a Singaporean videographer and part time skater, and his buddy Jaron is ironically from Perth. They let me photograph them for a bit. 

Jaron airborne. 

Marine Parade

It's been a hard few months. I've been readjusting to everything since mum passed away. I've done the ob photog job here and there to get by, but otherwise, it's been frankly depressing. Utilities companies don't really care when you call them to say that Kim Huynh has passed away. Government departments are worse. Every time I check the mail box, a new letter comes for mum. Another phone call has to be made. A token 'were sorry for your loss' is uttered, shortly followed by 'now fill out his heap of forms'.

Depressing huh? I thought so too. Last year, mum and I visited Malaysia and Singapore. I had happy memories walking through the streets. So it was with was that in mind that I decided that I would head back.

The stars aligned and my cousin Huy, is working in the land of the Merlion.. which equals free accommodation! So, here I am. Once again, trolling through the streets of this asian giant. Here are pics from yesterday.

A Hindu Priest at Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple, Little India

A Hindu Priest offers salutations to Ganesh at Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple, Little India

A Hindu Priest offers milk at Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple, Little India

Courtyard at the temple. 

Why can't Australian train stations be this nice?!

I don't know why, but I enjoy having haircuts overseas. This barber in Little India was awesome. Haircut and a straight razor shave. He decided to shave my cheekbones, and my earlobes, which is admittedly weird, but the guy has skills!

Haircut selfie. 

View from the Marina Bay Sands boat thing.