Stepping into a different space: Ho Linh Quang

            Narrow. Enclosed walls.  Shady.  Small.  Unfamiliar. Strange.  Intimidated. Confused. These are among the few words to describe my initial experience and feelings walking in the neighborhood of Ho Linh Quang.  Prior to entering the village around Ho Linh Quang, we were warned by locals that it is windy path and to guard our belonging carefully.  I suppose there are a lot of robbery and crime in the area so they just warned out which heighten my alertness about my surroundings.  Luckily, we encounter with an elderly woman who was nice enough to lead us to the market area where we would start our mapping project.  As we approach closer into the market place, the streets becomes smaller and smaller until no cars can pass and only motorbikes, bicycles, and pedestrians can go through.   There were no longer streets but it became narrow alleys.  I felt as though I was walking through a maze with many turns and no exit!  I was very nervous walking around this unfamiliar strange place where no street vendors are visible.  However these feeling subsides when we actually entire the market place around the lake. 

            Entering the new space where street vendors sell their goods has never felt so comforting to me when I finally got to the market place.  The transition space between the isolation from people while we walk through the village into a more populated area made me felt at ease.  It was definitely a relief to see a lively and busy place where one can find anything along the street.  By mapping out the locations designated on our assignment, I realize how close and convenient everything is around the village.  Those who live around the area do not have to walk or travel very far to get all their daily necessity.  Life is sustainable in a nutshell within this small urban village.  The area was more traditional than modern because all the vendors are small and it is within their private home as well.  The people around the village were very friendly and nice when we asked for help and directions.   I really enjoyed exploring new areas around the village and finding the essential needs all within walking distance.  The area was very compact and crowded with young kids playing the park and elders playing badmintons. To sum it up in a few words after walking around Ho Long Quang:  lively, friendly, and compact.  Would I live there? I think I would enjoy growing up or retiring in a small neighborhood similar to Linh Quang village because everything is so convenient and easy to travel around.   However I would not want to live there when I’m in my adult years because it is way too narrow and I would love more space as well as quietness.