© irene waters 2014
Life is tough on the Mekong and in Halong Bay for those who live there. Not only are clothes frayed but also the houses. The woven walls fraying, the window coverings fraying and the house itself sinking.
© irene waters 2014
At least those living in the sampan are afloat its a tough life. Although their quarters are cramped we saw no evidence of frays (fights) although the clothing hanging had some evidence of fraying.
© irene waters 2014
© irene waters 2014
Despite the poorness of some of the countries we visited I was always impressed at how impeccably the local people dressed. Most looked as though they had on their Sunday finery, ironed and clean. I was more crumpled than most although my clothes were obviously newer than those we saw people wearing. Their pride was immense. It was not often we saw frayed jeans. We saw them much less than we do as we walk down the street in our more affluent society.
https://dailypost.wordpress.com/dp_photo_challenge/fray/
About Irene Waters 19 Writer Memoirist
I began my working career as a reluctant potato peeler whilst waiting to commence my training as a student nurse. On completion I worked mainly in intensive care/coronary care; finishing my hospital career as clinical nurse educator in intensive care. A life changing period as a resort owner/manager on the island of Tanna in Vanuatu was followed by recovery time as a farmer at Bucca Wauka. Having discovered I was no farmer and vowing never again to own an animal bigger than myself I took on the Barrington General Store. Here we also ran a five star restaurant. Working the shop of a day 7am - 6pm followed by the restaurant until late was surprisingly more stressful than Tanna. On the sale we decided to retire and renovate our house with the help of a builder friend. Now believing we knew everything about building we set to constructing our own house. Just finished a coal mine decided to set up in our backyard. Definitely time to retire we moved to Queensland. I had been writing a manuscript for some time. In the desire to complete this I enrolled in a post grad certificate in creative Industries which I completed 2013. I followed this by doing a Master of Arts by research graduating in 2017. Now I live to write and write to live.
Reflections and Nightmares- Irene A Waters (writer and memoirist) 
Your collection of photos is a stark reminder of how lucky we are.
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We most certainly are Joanne and sometimes it’s good to remember it.
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Wonderful observation. How indicative of their pride that these people dress cleanly and neatly despite their poverty. Admirable.
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Yes I saw the same in Vanuatu. Despite living on dirt floors they would still sweep each day. It is admirable.
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Since Vietnam is on my bucket list, I appreciate your beautiful shots. Thank you.
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Evelyne a place to look forward to when it reaches the top of your list. We had a great time.
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Powerful, beautiful photos these Irene and ditto Evelyne. The more I read on your blog about Vietnam the more I want to go, must go. Excellent take on the fray challenge 🙂
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Thanks Sherri. I have to take you where the challenge takes me but you couldn’t go past a Vietnam visit for somewhere a little different to England.
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Just slightly… 🙂
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The food looks impeccable, too, Irene. I’m always amazed at the incredible strength and courage of the human spirit. Thanks for sharing with us. 🙂
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Pat the fruit was truly superb as it is in most tropical climates. My favourite is passionfruit as I am not that keen on mango and paw paw but all fresh off the trees and sun ripened. Yum 🙂
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Yum for sure, Irene. I’ve not tasted a couple of the fruits you’ve mentioned but can only imagine my mouth watering. 🙂
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