COMM2692_ASN02_LeMinhTung_S3924445_01

The Hanoian
by Night
One other side of Hanoi is about the
workers who work at the construction
site. They often wear orange jackets,
highlighted by neon stripes for safety,
and rubber boots to step on mud or
cement. Masks are always on their
face and the sound of loud machines
working shows how they focus on
their shift. No one talks to each other
because they want to finish their job as
soon as the night is over.
From far away, the sound of people
chatting with each other echoes back.
Hanoians seem to enjoy hanging out at
cafes or restaurants after a long day of
intensive hours. It sounds very typical,
but people of Hanoi love to sit down
and have pleasant conversations with
their friends. Their expressions when
having a cup of tea or a Pho bowl at
night seem pleasing and comfortable.
Outsiders might think it’s normal,
but Hanoians appreciate these gentle
moments. Nothing can compare to
relaxing time with their loved ones
after an exhausted day at work.
Hanoi often puts up a ‘sad look’ when
the night arrives. ‘The calm before
the storm’ is what it feels like when
wandering through ancient streets in
Hanoi under the stars. As I mentioned
before, the moon shines as clear as
silver at midnight, especially in the
middle of the month. Late at night, a
couple walks side by side and holds
hands, giving each other warm kisses
during the freezy air of winter. It is
common for Hanoian love birds to do
this in all four seasons. People often
walk with their loved ones under the
sky, with poetic scenery in Hanoi, and
talk about anything.
We are all driven by the busyness in
our life. We often forget how to take
a step back and slow down. We lose
track of time and forget to spend
quality time for ourselves and our
loved ones. Day in, day out, Hanoians
learn to live in this peaceful city by
enjoying the romantic moments for
themselves. It shows that this city is
the place that’s worth living in, and
it is crucial to take a deep breath
before turning into busy bees
again.
“Hanoi people” is not
only a concept, a type
of person, a beautiful
precious memory, but
also a symbol of Hanoi
today.
Content by Chi Do
Photo by Tung Le & Ngoc Vu
When people first think about Hanoi,
Hanoians often appear with gracious,
elegant visuals. The most apparent
manifestation is that they are
complemented as gourmets and have
exquisite taste in their lifestyles. They look
confident and filled with energy in the
daylight. Nevertheless, only a few know that
Hanoi has another character behind all the
glamorous appearance when the sun goes
down.
The moment the sky turns dark, life in Hanoi seems
different. The moon is up, the air is cold, and the
silence becomes more apparent than ever. Dining
owners and street vendors are working hard during the
night shift. However, they are all hospitable, and despite
demanding challenges, bright smiles are always on their
faces. They say ‘Hi’ to every customer who waves them
‘Goodbye’ when they finish eating. The diligence and
hard work can be easily seen on their wet shirts or many
moments that they wipe away their sweat. From roaster
carts to Pho small vendors, the smell of delicious food is
in the air and makes people crave more.
When there is no one, dining owners talk to each other
and complain about what’s going on in their lives, feeling
sleepy, or even their children are getting married next
month. The remarkable thing is, they might be strangers
at first, nevertheless, their difficulties and shared
experiences over time have formed an unbreakable bond
between these people that obtained them the sympathy
and friendship they needed.
Different people with various activities
in the night.
06 - Nightynight Nightynight - 07