LIFE AROUND THE STAIRS
LIFE AROUND THE STAIRS
Hao Sy Phuong is an apartment complex created by Chinese people in Cho Lon area. After more than one hundred years, Hao Sy Phuong has been associated with the formation and becomes an indispensable part of Saigon. Even though the building has signs of deterioration and is in the clearance part of the city, the historical values of Hao Sy Phuong are timeless and had been captured in every photo. Most people pictured here seems to project a sense of serenity and belonging right where they are.
The stairs, just a simple senseless object, are actual the connection to the thread of the stories for the people who live here. Unlike the mode before they get into their door. Then, one day when you have a chance to look back, every steps, every stair are in your memory.
Most of the resident here are not young. And that silent staircase, also contains a lot of thoughts. The older we get, the more we pay attention to the past. So, where will their lives go if this staircase is no longer available, and what if Hao Sy Phuong will be replaced? Will the beautiful traditional culture of this place still exists or will it forever be in the memory?
The album of photos focus on capturing moments and scenes of daily life, revolving around the stairs of that old apartment building. So that when we look back later, we can understand how beautiful and idyllic old Saigon was through each photo!
Image 1: The simple life of the people is almost encapsulated in the first photo. Only in older building, including Hao Sy Phuong, you can catch the image of washed hanging clothes in front of the house, forming colorful patches. Gradually, that has become a typical culture of the people here, old-time but extremely familiar and closed.
Image 2: A distinctive feature of old apartments is that you will easily see forgotten items. It could be a chain, a broom, a toy, or even a bicycle. I do not know if it's intentional or unintentional, but the items will stay there for many years. Every day, people still pass by no one touches it, but no one dares to throw it away.
Image 3: Daily life here is still happening around the stairs. The cavalier, the hasty, everyone absorb in their own lives. But the stairs are still there quietly, as a companion, to complete the task well, to listen to each person's thoughts through each step.
Image 4: To those children, going to school is their daily job. I just wonder, when they grow up and look back later, will they feel loved and cherished every moment of growing up in a special place like this? Is Hao Sy Phuong a place to give wings to children's dreams to fly high and far away?
Image 5: The morning of adults resident at Hao Sy Phuong is leisurely sitting in coffee with "neighbors", confiding, discussing business or simply taking a moment's eye, or starting a new working day. Perhaps, it is difficult to capture these images in the next few years. But old, or outdated, never equals the end of value. And the story of each person in the photo, will motivatethe future generations.
Image 6: Saigon has many beautiful and modern coffee shops, but why do many people still keep coming back a "familiar shop"? Is it because they are afraid to change, or because they have loved everything about this place, including the fading stains of time? And the stories every morning, if not here, who do they tell?
Image 7: Each breakfast is served hot at the door, serve first, pay later, if you do not have money, you can pay the next day. What a generous culture, and where is on earth that people love each other so much? Moments, not only beautiful in photos, but also attractive in real life.
Image 8: The people here each have their own beliefs, but everyone is aiming for better life. Praying more luck for the business run smoothly every morning is also an unforgettable image when it comes to Hao Sy Phuong. The green color present for faith, sustainable timeless culture.
Image 9: The family has gone through many generations, but the culture and beliefs are still preserved and exist to this day. Five generations are currently living in the same house. Although they are not rich in material things, they are abundant in spirit because they believe in a brighter and brilliant future.
Image 10: Hao Sy Phuong still exist and follow the flow of unstoppable changing of Saigon until today. Even though the name of Hao Sy Phuong may remain in your memory in the future, the cultural features and historical values will forever be there, in the hearts of many people. Life will change, good things will stay, and better things will come. Saigon, forever idyllic, close and strangely dear!
NGUYEN HONG HIEN NHAN, Viet Nam, Ho Chi Minh
