Roadside water station soothes hot sun
These days, Ho Chi Minh City is entering a period of intense heat, the outdoor temperature at many times exceeds the threshold of 35 degrees Celsius, making traveling and making a living more difficult. In the midst of that heat, free iced tea pots by the roadside become stops, contributing to soothing the stuffiness and spreading human affection in the crowded city.
On Hoang Sa street, a small corner in front of Mr. Duong Gia Hoang's house has become a familiar "water station" for more than a year. Initially, it was just a bottle of mineral water for convenience, then Mr. Hoang added iced tea for everyone to use as they pleased.
It's simple, anyone who is thirsty should stop by to drink. Many people in the sun just need a glass of cool water to get much less tired," Mr. Hoang shared. Every day, he takes advantage of adding water and changing ice to always have cool water to serve passersby. This small water point currently serves hundreds of workers every day, from technology car drivers to lottery ticket sellers.
Not only Mr. Hoang, such "meaningful water stations" are gradually spreading on many streets in Ho Chi Minh City. On Tran Hung Dao street, Mr. Le Minh Luan (41 years old) also regularly places free iced tea bottles in front of his house. For Mr. Luan, this action stems from simple empathy. "I feel tired even when walking on the street in the sun, let alone many people have to work all day. Having a water bottle for them to drink makes me feel happier" - Mr. Luan said.
Spreading affection from simple things
Not only in people's homes, this model is also maintained in many religious establishments, contributing to expanding free stops for pedestrians.
At Phu Long Pagoda, iced tea bottles are prepared regularly every day, serving from 8 am to 8 pm. Mr. Nguyen Van Loc (61 years old) said that he changes 3-4 bottles of water each day, depending on the number of users. "On hot sunny days, it drains very quickly, sometimes just changing it for a while and it's almost empty. But seeing people stop by to drink water, rest a little and then continue, I'm also happy" - Mr. Loc shared.
Along with that, in front of Mac Ty Nho Parish Church, iced tea is cooked from the previous night and plastic cups are prepared for drivers. From early morning, water bottles have been neatly placed in front of the gate, anyone who needs to just stop to pour a glass and then continue the journey. Stopping the car in the shade to drink water, Mr. Nguyen Minh Tuan (35 years old, technology driver) said: "Ho Chi Minh City is entering a hot period, many times driving on the street thirsty for water and having such free water is very precious.
From initial small locations, free iced tea bottles gradually appeared more and more and became familiar on many streets such as Nguyen Huu Canh, Cach Mang Thang Tam, Truong Chinh...
On Nguyen Huu Canh street (Thanh My Tay ward), two small chairs and a free iced teapot placed in front of a coffee shop of the couple Nguyen Thi Ngoc Anh (36 years old, from Dak Lak) have become a warm stop for many people waiting for the bus. Simple but meaningful actions are silently spreading kindness in the crowded streets.
It is worth mentioning that all these water points operate based on self-awareness. No regular supervisors, no binding regulations, but most users maintain a common awareness of drinking just enough, not wasting and keeping hygienic, contributing to preserving the very unique beauty of the city.
