VI
EN
The days of rain and pandemic were already depressing, and now Hoi An is in the rainy season, adding to the anxiety. And now, with Hoi An entering the rainy season, residents have another worry: flooding. Hoi An is located downstream, where a large river flows into the sea, so heavy rain, strong winds, and storms, especially if the rainfall is excessive and concentrated, will inevitably cause localized flooding.
Rain and storms are a season we have to endure every year, like a habit, so we're forced to... get used to it; people are used to it.
Hoi An is an ancient city; its old houses, temples, and assembly halls were built a long time ago, mainly from wood and mortar, with no reinforced concrete structures. Therefore, preserving and conserving these historical sites is a major concern for the city government. Facing storms, there are many worries. But during these times of pandemic... the anxiety is heavier than ever.
If viewed through the most unbiased lens, Hoi An during this pandemic is a time of exquisite beauty and charm. It's rare to see such an authentic Hoi An. It's a place with fewer people, no more colorful lanterns, no more chaotic sounds of Western and Chinese voices, no more noisy car horns on weekends... Everything has changed for the better, embracing the old-world simplicity, the so-called 'nostalgia'.
Looking at the economic situation and future development, these are truly undesirable times, as many unforeseen consequences have arisen.
Life is in a state of widespread instability, a fact clearly visible both in the news and in our own eyes. In Hoi An, tourism has long been a key economic sector, holding a very high market share in the overall economy. However, these days, those working in the tourism industry are gradually shifting their working methods from in-person to online.The people of Hoi An still...The city and the entire country are joining hands to fight the pandemic. Because they understand that during a pandemic, not only the city but all of humanity is affected.
My only wish is for "normality" to return. At that time, everyone will have work, everyone will be happy, everyone will work diligently as if it were the last time... on this land with its rich history and culture; where we have lived, eaten, and worked in tourism for nearly 30 years.
"There are afternoons when gold covers the rooftops, sidewalks, water's surface, and tree canopies, yet no one picks it up."
