We’re in the week after the new year (Têt) holiday in Vietnam.

The city is calm, restful. Streets are breathing, pause for a few days before life comes bursting again.

Most places are closed, people are off work and spending time with family.

Some rare cafés are still open. They are the place where I spend most of my time in Vietnam.

Why do they feel so welcoming while I’m so far from home ?

They are to me the best place to get a pulse on the city. Coming again and again into the same places, seeing different faces and sharing space with locals, going on about their life. Being a witness to small moments.

Seeing, hearing, sensing, senses are ablaze within these places. It has become my favourite spot to get to know a new place. Far from attractions, this is where life goes. Truth comes to light within a shared space. Bubbles of conversation and calm live peacefully alongside on another. Slowing down and observing tell you more about a place than any tour guide will.

Getting to know Vietnam was first having a handshake with its cafés.

Today didn’t really feel like a holiday, still it was a great day.