A FUNERAL, A WEDDING and an ATM

Big mistake, going to my banking town for Easter. My plans were to stay at site but, everyone left to visit family. Even the nuns left for the mother house in another town.
I was unaware that my banking town is THE place to be for Easter break, which starts the week before Easter. The whole country is here, the town is packed and every hotel is booked. The streets are bursting with vendors of every sort, food, trinkets, jewelry, sunglasses, clothing, shoes – you name it and you can buy it. In addition, there are carnival type rides, blaring music, and concerts throughout town. And lots and lots of alcohol. A big contrast to Christmas!
I decided to escape the crowd and went to the cathedral on Saturday morning. I was alone in church when unexpectedly a procession walked in, singing and carrying a crudely made pine box with white flowers on top. It was a funeral and I decided to stay in honor of a friend that just passed away. It was a solemn and beautiful service.
I stayed around after it was over enjoying the quiet, and as I was about to leave, a wedding procession marched in. I decided to stay for that as well. It too was a beautiful ceremony, but of course joyous.
I was tempted to sit for a while after that ceremony was over to contemplate the irony of witnessing a ceremony for death and one of new life together back to back but thought I better get out of there before yet another ceremony begins.
Later that day I met a young man at my hostel from Vietnam. He is a professional photographer and captures the world and rural people, all over the globe. He travels by motorcycle so he can get to the most remote places. His name is ATM – that is not exactly how he spells it, but that is what it sounds like and he suggested I just remember ATM machines and call him that.

He told me he was very sick and had eaten something bad. My nursing and mother hormones kicked in and I could not help but run out and get him some medicine, water, and mild food to digest. Needless to say he was grateful and we promised to keep in touch so that when I start my next adventure, touring Asia, in a few years, I will pass through Vietnam and visit him.
Please check out this young man’s photos, they are amazing! http://www.instagram.com/anhtientrinh

I like people who spend time to travel not only outside, but also inside themselves.

It does not take long to realize when you have met someone special.  Quote from ATM
Happy Easter!!!

Photos: The bride, man praying in church, the funeral, selling coffee out of a gas can, no Easter eggs just trinkets.

The bride

Funeral

Selling coffeeout of a gas can!

No Easter eggs just this!