The Old Man by the Sea

 

I came off a small boat and onto the shores at a small fishing village. I was at a small island south of Phu Quoc, Island. Around a cove were straw huts and shacks that were the homes of a fishermen. One such man sat outside his home and called out to me;"Zero calorie, zero calorie..." this man spoke out as he sipped his zero calorie beverage which accompanied his lunch of fish, rice, and a cigarette. He kept laughing and smiling as he pointed at his drink. Then he waved a fish and offered it to me. Here I am on a remote island fishing hamlet and this happens. It's what one would call an unforgettable and somewhat surreal moment. He was funny, he was jubilant, and he kept insisting I sit and eat with him.