As it turns out, the UV index in Vietnam as of today is 8, so we decided to take shelter from 10am to 4pm in the shade every day. Through trial and error, we found a decent coffee shop in the area, and designated the venue as our regular go-to to get out of our solarium room.

We’ve been coming to this coffee shop for a week now, while being exposed to all sorts of behavioral diversity of the region. Yet, what happened today tops it all. A monkfish has settled down right in front of us of all the tens of seats unoccupied. This coffeeshop is virtually empty otherwise. Unbelievable.

What I mean by the fish is the look of the person, of course, considering what is happening at the moment. She has claimed three seats in a row with all of her bags strewn about, and now started combing her hair with her fingers in a rather flamboyant manner. I wouldn’t even advise my worst enemy to go anywhere near. It’s quite disturbing, but we can’t go to the other side of the coffee shop because the speakers installed there pump out static music, which is quite painful to the ears. We decided to face the music and stay put in the face of the fish.

I’d have to say that I’m in a better position than Ganu*, as he’s perched closer to her. I’m situated a table further down, and rather free from her spatial infringement. Yet, Ganu is in danger, but alas, he’s so obstinate to his own detriment, refusing to relocate to a safer zone. Even as he’s saying that he feels under siege, he stubbornly stays put, as if to confront the monkfish face to face, while she seems utterly oblivious of the situation. The face-off is only in his head, as far as I can see.

* Ganu is my partner, and Gana myself.