Is she happy?

April 10, 2013

street vendor Ho Chi MinhI took this photo of a street vendor when I was in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam last November – I was on a rickshaw at the time, which is why it’s not as focused as it should be. She was waving to us and beaming as we rattled past.

You see street vendors like this all over the city. The hat the old lady is wearing is a traditional conical hat, known as a Non La, and she’s selling lottery tickets. The stool she’s sitting on looks very uncomfortable to me, and bear in mind it’s extremely humid in Ho Chi Minh – it was at least 85F that day.

But what I wanted to capture was the expression on her face – because she has a lovely, genuine smile. She has lived through the Vietnam War and the Fall of Saigon, and her life probably hasn’t been very easy, I’m guessing. But she looks happy, doesn’t she?

*This is my entry for The Gallery and the theme this week is ‘happy’.

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  • Bibsey Mama (@BibseyMama) April 15, 2013 at 7:04 pm

    What a great shot. She looks happy to me in that moment.

  • Lous Lake Views April 11, 2013 at 12:30 am

    That’s a great picture and a really lovely thought provoking story too

  • playspotter April 10, 2013 at 4:43 pm

    Great pic – I agree! Can’t see many British street sellers looking that happy!

  • Jaime Oliver April 10, 2013 at 2:33 pm

    what a fantastic shot of a passing moment full of expression xx

  • Mother Goutte April 10, 2013 at 12:07 pm

    She does have a happy smile! Food for thoughts…

  • LauraCYMFT April 10, 2013 at 11:55 am

    She really does look happy!

  • Notmyyearoff April 10, 2013 at 11:07 am

    Ahhh – its one of those passing moments in life that really make you stop and reflect. She does look genuinely happy. Very peaceful face.