The Lacquered Cabinet
Nathan sat on his usual bar stool at the far corner of the bar, well away from the massing throng. He had two ice-cold beer bottles carefully positioned in front of him plus a frosted glass. He concentrated intently on the bottles as he contemplated his day, another unsuccessful one. At frequent intervals he would deliberately raise a bottle, stare at it then gently roll its cold damp surface across his hot brow, exhibiting a sigh of ecstasy. He was always at the bar early so that he could acquire this exact seat, before the local offices disgorged their single women and men hoping to make some arrangement before the night was out. This was the local pick-up bar, not that Nathan was interested. He was there because it was only a stone’s throw from his pad and the nearest dog stand was only on the corner which provided him with his gourmet evening meal or at least the best one he could afford.
He was on his uppers. No job to go to and the searching for one was getting depressing. The end of an afternoon scouring the job market was always ended with a highlight at this local bar and a dog to follow. Not a gracious start to a former successful entrepreneur who was more used to fine dining in society than supporting the street vendors. The world had delivered him a blow, well below the knees and extricating himself from the mire was not as easy as he had thought. He ignored the crush and noise of the eager young hormonal things around him and concentrated on the two bottles in front of him, neatly positioned, within easy reach of both of his arms, resting on the bar for moral support. The only decision he had to make was which bottle to choose, left to right across his brow or right to left. The frosted glass was just for show as he swigged the beer direct from the bottle once the mood was right and that took some time to decide.
“Hey barman! A cold Bud and a glass over here please!” shrilled a voice at his elbow disturbing Nathan’s deep concentration.
“Barman! Barman! Over here,” shouted the voice in desperation and the owner elbowing her way to secure a wider frontage at the bar. Nathan had to lean further to his right to make room for the intruder not that that was possible since there was a solid wooden oak panel barring any progress in that direction. Nathan had to breath in to allow some leeway and since his deep concentration was broken, he glanced sideways to view the intruder and decide whether it was worth giving them a piece of his mind.
“Barman! Barman! Over here. I’m next in line. A Bud please!” shouted or more correctly pleaded the voice at his elbow. A voice inside Nathan’s head announced that he should try to put a stop to this rude intrusion and there was only one course of action. The barmen were too busy on the front bar with larger orders to contemplate taking up an order for one bottle of Bud. The money and tips were from the men in suits trying to impress and outdo each other with large orders and even larger tips. The end of the bar wasn’t the place for the showmen. Only the weak and desperate cowered there or people like Nathan, who arrived early, chose their place and had an array of bored barman ready to serve him his two beers before the crowd blotted out the horizon.
“Barman! Barman!” a shout or more of a mumble of defeat was all this woman could now muster. Nathan glanced sideways and noticed a slight Asian girl, taller than normal with her arm raised, waving a five-dollar bill, besides him. He relented.
“Sorry lady but they won’t take any notice down this end of the bar, too busy with the big spenders. Here have one of mine and a clean glass to go with it,” whispered Nathan pushing the bottle and glass with his right hand, across the bar in front of the lady by his side.
“Oh, Oh, thanks but there’s no need. I’ll get my own,” she stuttered, obviously taken aback by his gentlemanly conduct.
“I don’t think your luck is in today lady. They never come to this end until much later. Here take one of mine. I stock up for the lean hour.”
“Put like that I think I will. Thanks and here’s the money.”
“No need lady and you can drift off to your friends. Don’t feel indebted to me, please.”
“Oh, it’s not like that. What I mean is that I haven’t got friends here. No, what I mean is that they haven’t arrived yet, that’s what I mean,” she answered stumbling over her words.
“No worries lady, I’m not probing, I’m just contemplating life with a beer in hand. You go off and find yourself a young buck. Plenty out there to choose from for a pretty filly like you. That’s what you are here for isn’t it? That’s what they are all here for at this hour.”
“True but I think I have missed my chances tonight. Got delayed and the scrum is heavy tonight. I’ll pass on the glass. Cheers to you! Good health and thanks again,” she replied with a mock curtsy. “What are you here for if not to find some one? I’ve seen you before sitting in the same place, propping up the bar, with two beers and contemplating some far yonder.”
“Very observant of you; I come here to wind down after a hard day of getting nowhere. That’s what I do.”
“That sounds sad. You don’t look a sad type to me. You work around here?”
“No, I lodge around here and work is avoiding me very much like the barmen are ignoring you my lady.”
“Stop calling me ‘Lady.’ Sounds like my pa ready to give me a good telling off. My name’s Vana by the way.”
“Hello Vana, pleased to meet you. Call me Nathan.”
“Is that your real name or are you just pretending to be someone else this evening?”
“No Vana, it’s just Nathan I’m afraid. I don’t have to hide from it and I don’t have a Mrs. Nathan anymore.”
“Sorry, I didn’t mean to pry. You know this is a pickup joint and you find out that some of the men here are already spoken for.”
“Oh, I’m aware of that Vana. I’m only here for cold beers and some contemplation after a fruitless day and the only high spot each evening is a dog from the corner stand and a night with a square screen.”
“That sounds sad Nathan. You don’t look one to mope.”
“I don’t, but it is dispiriting searching for a job all this time.”
“So, what is your profession and why are you having such difficulty in the current booming market?”
“It may be booming for some but not for a lowly carpenter like me.”
“But building trades are in demand at the moment. Just look at the number of cranes in this district.”
“Sorry Vana but I mislead you somewhat. I’m a specialist, a cabinet maker and there’s not much call for those at the moment with the flood of cheap tat from the Far East. Sorry I didn’t mean to be disparaging about your fellow men over there. I detect a strong accent which makes me suspect that you are not of local birth.”
“That’s where you a wrong Nathan. I was born and bred not far from here but yes, my mother is Vietnamese and I do spend a lot of time over there and that probably shows.”
“And what do you do over there all that time?”
“I’m an archaeologist and I go over there to advise on all the reconstruction, renovation and restoration of important sites.”
“I presume that the order in which you stated that is significant, us having bombed the shit out of the Country not so long ago.” Nathan took a long pull on his beer. “Restoration I know about. It used to be my business before I took on the mass furniture market and got truly side swiped by the Far East manufactures.”
“What, you restored furniture, old stuff?”
“That’s right Vana. Used to buy truck loads of the stuff from Europe and do it up to pristine condition. The bottom fell out of the market with the fakes that sneaked in.”
“And you’re going to blame the Far Eastfor all that are you?”
“Who else has got the cheap labour to turn the stuff out to such high quality? It’s really good stuff and they even go to the trouble of ageing the pieces. The irony is that I used to make it look like new.”
“Look Nathan, I need to run. Will you be here tomorrow night?”
“Where else have I to go after pounding the streets all day Vana?”
“Look, I’ll pop in and buy you a beer, you having been so kind to me tonight.”
“Think nothing of it. Bye?” as he pulled on the last dregs and decided also to call it a day, hang by the dog stall stand and face another night of moronic TV.
The next afternoon Nathan faced a dilemma when he sat at his usual corner seat at the bar which added another dimension to his decision making that night. Should he order two bottles or three? What are the chances of Vana turning up tonight? Nil, absolute Zero me thinks.
“Barman, the usual please, and from the bottom of the freezer box if you don’t mind, it could be a long night, oh make it three.” Nathan settled down for another evening of contemplating his unenviable position with an added possible surprise that he might have a visitor.
“Hey barman! Two more of the same please,” shouted a recognisable voice of Vana as she pulled up a bar stool and reached over for one of Nathan’s bottles. “Couldn’t you wait or did you think I wouldn’t turn up Nathan?”
“Hi Vana, I did consider all possibilities and decided to reserve my position. You could have turned up later and we would have been snookered.”
“True and I’ll forgive you for thinking that I might not turn up, but here I am and I have some information to impart which you may find interesting.”
“What, no, the dog seller has moved his pitch?”
“Not of that world shattering importance Nathan, but it might just be up your street.”
“Well thank God for that. I was worried for my supper.”
“Well don’t worry about that, I’m going to take you to dinner so drink up.”
“That’s an invitation I haven’t had for some time. Aren’t you concerned that I might take advantage of you?”
“Leave me to worry about that. When I tell you my news you might even offer to pay for my meal.”
“If it’s so good Vana, lead on and don’t dawdle girl. I’ll even pass on the beer.”
“Now, before I spill the beans tell me more about yourself and your background, if you would.”
“You mean a kind of interview? I’m well practised on those at the moment. How far back do you want me to start, childhood or professional career?”
“Just the adult bit please. You sound a well-balanced person so probably had a happy childhood.”
“OK, I followed my father into the cabinet making business except I was more interest in restoring antiques and pa just let me have my way since it was so profitable. When he retired, I took the business on and concentrated wholly on antiques.”
“Were these just European pieces?”
“Mainly, but there was always a strong demand for Asiatic stuff with the thick glossy lacquers. They easily chip and I got quite skilled at matching up the varnishes.”
“So why did you go bust?”
“I needed investment to expand and took on a partner. He brought in lots of cash and we turned our hand to hotel furniture, supplying the wholesale markets. Made lots of money since our products were of a high quality and in demand. The problem was that my partner got greedy and insisted that we get the stuff knocked up in China, at a fraction of the cost. Not a good idea. The quality control went out of the window and the buyers rejected much of our purchases.”
“Didn’t you stop it? Didn’t you intervene?”
“You have to understand that we were making so much money I didn’t take much notice. I was too busy churning out the quality stuff. The crunch came when my partner cleared out the piggy bank and disappeared. He left immense bills and I had no option but go into liquidation. And here I am looking for a job.”
“You mentioned a wife. What was her role in all this?”
“Ah the wife? She was more interested in making herself look beautiful and spending all my money on it. When the cash flow dried up, she upped and buggered off to find some other dumb fellow who could afford to pay for her expensive treatments and cosmetics.”
“You don’t sound too concerned Nathan.”
“I’m not. We didn’t have a marriage. I just had an artificial beautiful lady at my side. Not much fun really, without a true relationship, anyway, less of that? What’s the news you got for me? You’ve kept me waiting throughout dinner.”
“You know that I’m an archaeologist and that I spend most of my time in Vietnam. We are currently restoring and rebuilding old palaces over there to attract more tourists and their cash into the Country but there is also a serious side to our work. Apart from restoration we study the old techniques and methods. We also make up what you would call fake pieces for show but they have to be accurately made in the old style. Now this is not my area of expertise. I deal more with pottery but I know there are vacancies in the specialist cabinet area if you are interested?”
“I presume that would mean six months in Vietnam Vana. I shouldn’t think they would appreciate pure white Americans going over there after all the mayhem we caused.”
“It’s not that bad and I do know they would appreciate an expert in this area. I have arranged an interview for you tomorrow. It’s only for six months initially and it will be a change from propping up a bar over here.”
“OK Vana, I’ve nothing to lose, I suppose. Thanks, I’ll take the plunge and have the interview. Now having given me the third degree, how about you? What’s your background? How come you are over here?”
“Quite simple really. Mum was a nurse in an American field hospital during the offensive. They were short of medical people to accompany wounded soldiers back home during the evacuation and she came over that way and stayed. My pop came over the same way. They got together, got jobs and here I am.”
“How did you get into the archaeology business?”
“With my knowledge of Vietnamese, it’s the only language we spoke at home, my history tutor at college suggested I concentrate on Vietnam and that’s what I did, specialised in Champa culture and pottery.”
“So, what’s life like in modern Vietnam today?”
“For people with money, jobs and professions it is very good. Basic things are much cheaper over there. I save all of my salary when I’m over there and just live off the generous per diem, the daily allowance we are entitled to.”
“Now the sixty-four-thousand-dollar question. Will I have Vana to look after me or will I be in the wilderness on my own.”
“Don’t be silly Nathan. The post I have found for you is with our team and there will be a group of say ten people from here. So don’t worry, I’ll look after you.”
“Well, that makes me feel much better. What about accommodation?”
“The University provides that but most of us tend to find something more suitable, less studenty, say rent a house between us and have someone in to do the cooking and cleaning. It’s quite civilised.”
“I like the sound of that. Are you a free spirit Vana or do you have a boy friend over there?”
“That’s a leading question and the answer is I am a free spirit at the moment.”
“So, if I play my cards right, I have a chance then?”
“You’re a bit forward Nathan! You see, I generally go to your bar because usually a number of my people hang out there. You whites tend not to be attracted to people like me with a squashed nose.”
“I think you have a beautiful nose Vana and a wonderful personality and that’s what I’m interested in. I’ve had my share of dumb blondes and they are not all that wonderful.”
“Are you making a pass at me Nathan?”
“Well, you invited me to dinner so can I assume that you have more than a lacquer thickness of interest in me, particularly since you met me in a pickup joint. OK, put your cards on the table, face up.”
“OK, OK, I am fond of you and if you get accepted then I would like to spend more time with you and if you pay for the meal, I’ll invite you my place tonight, for coffee.”
Three months later, after a crash course in Champa, Vietnamese history and culture, I was on a Delta flight to Hanoi, with only hand luggage and a huge crate of my tools in the hold. Vana was to meet me at the airport where I hoped she might be able to speed up the clearance of my precious cargo.
“Hi Nathan, you look like a real loud American tourist in your getup. Give me a kiss!”
“Hey, don’t be too hard on the poor fellow. You did say to travel light and it would be hot, hot, hot here. All I had was my best Miami beachwear for this climate. Anyway, you said I could buy what I needed here. Give the man a break, please.”
“OK Nathan, it was uncalled for.”
“Hey, you look good and I missed you the last month. Now what shall we do first. Get the man some real clothes to blend in with the natives or go over to the Cargo and get a release on my tools.”
“With your height, build and colouring I don’t think you would ever blend in. Have you got all the paperwork with you? Good. Then let’s go and make a start over in the cargo and Custom sheds. At least it’s recorded as specialist archaeological equipment not carpentry tools. That will speed things up. Come on we’ll get a cab over and hopefully the driver might know which office we should go to first.” I felt too jetlagged to do too much traipsing around office corridors, but Vana insisted that we should make a start. After the fifth false start we hit jackpot and I left Vana at the counter as I sat and dozed on a plastic chair. Eventually Vana turned towards me and I automatically jumped up expecting a stream of questions and some disappointments.
“Well, is everything in order?”
“This officer is satisfied with the paperwork so far and the detailed listing of goods. It was just as well you had it all translated into Vietnamese. He tells me that it is now in the hands of Customs who may want to inspect.”
“I don’t mind that Vana but can I or we be present when they check? I don’t want things to disappear.”
“I understand and I shall ask,” she answered and again spoke rapidly to the official, who to my relief started to smile. “He says he will contact us when the Customs want to inspect. It will be a few days before the container gets into the Custom sheds. That’s all we can do for the moment. Just wait for the phone call.”
“Is it just as simple as that Vana?”
“Well let’s say, we will phone regularly to check the progress of the container and be there when it appears. Come, we need to get you back to our lodgings.”
“Great, I could do with a clean up and some rest. Some food would also go down well at this moment.”
“Oops, sorry Nathan, I was too preoccupied with your crate to think about your wellbeing. There’s an eating place just by our place so you can check it out. No dogs I’m afraid. You’ll just have to get used to local food.”
“But Vana, I’m deeply disappointed. You told me the locals eat dogs here, the four-footed variety.”
“OK, OK Nathan, I don’t think you are quite ready for those. Come on, we’ll get a cab.” After a simple meal of thick noodle soup plus some stir fry, Vana took me around the corner to a tall, narrow building which was to be our home. “I’ve rented a big double room with bath for us Nathan until we find something better.”
“I’m glad we are still together Vana. I though maybe you were going to abandon me in a bed-sit on my own somewhere.”
“No chance Nathan. Look, I have a meeting soon and must be there. Can I leave you here to clean up and get some rest? I’ll get back as soon as I can but that will depend on the traffic,” said Vana, picking up a motorcycle helmet from a chair and heading for the door.
“Whoa Vana, not so fast! You are not going to ride on a motorbike, in that traffic?” I asked in amazement having witnessed the utter mayhem on the roads. I hadn’t witnessed a fender bender but all the elements were there as the bikes weaved about dangerously and in all directions at once.
“That’s right and so will you Nathan. You’ll get the hang of it.”
“I’m not so sure of that but I’ve noticed your name badge and it says ‘Van Anha.’ Have I been using the wrong name for you all this time?”
“No Nathan. That’s my proper Vietnamese name but you can guess why in the States I’m called Vana. Bye, must dash. Just rest in this heat and don’t open the window or the curtains. Bye!” and she slammed the door and I heard her footsteps on the tiled stairs. Being inquisitive, I didn’t quite follow her recommendation. I opened the curtains to let the sun stream in and soon felt the heat rise. I prised open the stiff window and was suddenly engulfed in violent noise from the street below. After shuddering, thinking of Vana on her bike, I closed the window quickly and drew the curtains as advised and found myself in a more acceptable environment. After a long cool shower, I just flopped out onto the bed and was asleep before my head hit the pillow, dreaming of some monster dragon trying to steal my noodles.
“Hey lazy bones! Time to get up,” shouted Vana as she shook my leg. I woke suddenly, sat up found myself naked and searched in vain for a towel for modesty. “Don’t worry Nathan, I’ve thrown all your all your gaudy clothes out.”
“You haven’t, have you?” I answered, searching around the room.
“No just joking but I did tidy them up off the floor. They are in the wardrobe over there. Now get dressed because we or specifically you have been invited to dinner tonight to meet our team.”
“Can we buy some appropriate clothes Vana so that I don’t look too out of place around here?” I asked as I hurriedly got dressed and slammed the door shut and ran down the stairs following Vana.
“We will just go to the shop across the way to buy you a helmet. Now just stay close to me and don’t run.”
“Hey, I’m not crossing with all this traffic weaving about.”
“You’ll get used to it. Now hold my hand and just walk slowly. They will just ride around you. Trust me.” I felt obliged, as a gentleman, to stand up-stream of Vana to give her protection which was totally unnecessary since the traffic drove at us from all directions. My heart was in my mouth until Vana deposited me safely on the other side. “Now that wasn’t too bad. Here try this on for size.”
“Now please explain to me why I should be buying a helmet Vana?”
“Well, if you’re going to ride pillion with me then its law that around here you wear one.”
“But can’t we just get a cab?”
“Don’t be such a girl’s blouse Nathan. That reminds me. We need to get you some clothes. We may have some difficulty with your size but I’m sure we can tone you down a bit.”
“Vana, can I ask you something? Where is your bike?”
“It’s just parked by our door on the pavement, the dark green scooter.”
“I thought as much. I suppose we have to cross the road again to get to it?” I asked quietly. Vana just laughed and nodded.
“Come on! Let’s get you some clothes so that you don’t stand out as a soft target.” After a hairy ride we got to the venue for dinner and I helped Vana to pull and push her scooter into a slot between what seemed a hundred more of the same.
“Now, take your helmet off and keep it with you. The restaurant is upstairs there and I think they will all be there eager to meet you.”
“These clothes are a bit tight. I’m not sure I look any better.”
“Believe me you do Nathan. Now darling be on your best behaviour because since you are not an archaeologist by profession and training, they are all suspicious and will probably belittle you, so hold your own on your speciality and skills and don’t hide it under a bushel. They need to know that you will be useful member of the team, not just and extra. Now give me a kiss and follow me up.”
I managed to stand my ground at the dinner and Vana even admitted that she was proud of me. The team wanted to check out my credentials and I tried to impress them with my knowledge of Asiatic furniture, the finishes and more importantly the methods of construction. I also found that although they were to be based in Hanoi, their main site was at the ancient Capital City of Hue, a long way south. They would be expected to spend some time there where the citadel was going through a major makeover and the palaces were being reconstructed. My expertise was going to be utilised in studying the construction of the remaining bits of furniture, supervising the restoration and building more of the same to exacting standards to furnish and decorate the palace chambers. I was also tasked with training up a team of locals who could then carry on. I did try to impress on Section Leader Hui, that it took years to train up specialist cabinet makers but I didn’t want to make waves at this early stage. I also met my colleague and partner, a diminutive Vietnamese lady who told me her name. It sounded like ‘Wendy’ so I christened her Wendy to everybody’s delight. She spoke a little English and seemed taken aback by my size. I wasn’t exactly huge or overweight by American standards but I did tower over her and she was a little intimidated. Wendy planned to pick me up on her scooter next morning and take me to the University workshops to get me started.
Fortunately, the dinner finished early and Vana was able to dice with death again on our trip back to the flat. I just hung on with eyes closed most of the journey.
“Nathan you will have to get some courage up for tomorrow. Your Wendy will be driving and I don’t think she will appreciate you hanging on for grim death as I do. Just sit and observe the traffic and you will get used to it. At some stage you will have to buy yourself a bike.”
“That’s what I’m worried about. Traffic at home has some semblance of order but here it’s just mental. Is there a quiet time? A time without any traffic so as a learner I can just edge my way along?”
“There is but that’s the most dangerous time when some young ones take to racing. The busier it is the slower the traffic, believe me. Now let’s split a beer and talk about tonight and what you have done the last month without me?” I told her about the hours I had spent back home, researching in the library and then Vana dissected the conversation at dinner in minute detail until she was satisfied that I had come out with at least some brownie points. I realised that she felt fully responsible for me and I had to come up to the mark. It was past midnight before we showered and managed some long-awaited passion before falling off into deep sleep.
“Hey, what’s this alarm going off at this time? It’s only six.”
“That’s right Nathan, Wendy will pick you up in half an hour. Get dressed and go and have some breakfast down at that place we had lunch. Ask for ‘Phoo’ and you will get a bowl of noodles. She is expecting you to be on the pavement waiting,” ordered Vana as she turned over. I showered, shaved, dressed in quick time and hurried to the diner, remembering at the last moment to take my helmet. The cafe was already full and I had to sit on one of those miniscule plastic chairs, out on the pavement. Without even ordering a girl brought me a bowl. I tried to ask for some coffee and bread but she looked puzzled at me and ran back into the kitchen. I had a bowl but nothing to eat with, so in local fashion started slurping the best I could until a neighbour took pity on me and shouted something to the kitchen staff. The girl returned hurriedly with a paper packet of chop sticks and half a baguette. At least I had half of the order. I noticed the man put his own ivory sticks into his top jacket pocket and I decided to do the same with mine but slipped them in the satchel. A pot of coffee was exchanged for my bowl and I drank it hurriedly and bit chunks out of the baguette when I spied that I was being observed. It was Wendy, on the pavement, sitting on her scooter with her head in a blue helmet and a scarf over her face. With my mouth full, all I could do was manage a quick wave, pick up my stuff and in the hurry, I heard the shirt split at the seams. I tried not to notice that Wendy had her hand covering her mouth and a sparkle of laughter in her eye. The girl came out and made a fuss over me pointing out my split shirt. I paid her a Dollar which is the only currency I had at this time and sped over to Wendy.
“Sorry, had an accident. Do you mind waiting? I’ve got to buy another shirt. It’s just across the road there.”
“Hello Nathan and good morning. I will ride you across the street,” she replied in rather clipped English. “It will be quicker and safer for you.”
“Thanks Wendy and excuse my manners. Good morning and how are you?” I said in greeting and she just smiled and pulled up her face mask. I donned my helmet and gingerly sat behind her not knowing what to get hold of for my own safety. It didn’t seem right to hold onto her body. Wendy reversed the bike out onto the already busy road and expertly manoeuvred it across two streams of traffic and up the pavement up to the clothes shop. I pointed to the rip in the shirt but the man had already recognised me from the previous day and disappeared into the back leaving me helpless and puzzled. He quickly returned with a couple of shirts and trousers that I had ordered the night before in larger size. There was nothing to do but for me to strip off and try them on for size. They were certainly larger but he could have done with an extra step up. The shop keeper nodded as I explained in sign language what I wanted. I attempted to pay but my money was refused.
“Wendy, help me out please. He won’t take any money for the shirt and trousers.”
“Nathan, if you listened carefully, he was trying to tell you all that in American, that you can pay when you collect the larger size this evening.”
“Oh, OK, thank you,” I said smiling at the shop keeper as I realised that he had spoken to me in my own language.
“Please Nathan. Come we must go,” said Wendy with some urgency, turning her bike around. I climbed on behind her and looked around for something to hold onto. It was a big bike for a small lady and my seat was raised high over the back wheel, which meant I looked well over her head, directly into the melee of horrendous traffic. In that position I had a grandstand view ahead and felt that I was at the reins. I carefully observed as Wendy weaved her way along, hoping to make some semblance of order in the traffic. I realised I should have attached a shoulder strap to my satchel and found a grab handle behind me which I clung onto with one hand. It took at least twenty minutes to get to our destination and I had my first live lesson on how to negotiate the horrific Hanoi traffic.
We spent the morning with Wendy showing me her elements of study and research, particularly the source material which I would find useful for my work. After a quick lunch of more noodles, I had my second lesson on the streets of Hanoi as she took me to a back street workshop where she left me with the manager to show me how he and another workman were making and assembling a large cabinet. Before going off I asked Wendy if she would call the Customs at Cargo for me to ascertain the progress of my crate of tools. I then spent a happy afternoon observing skilled craftsmen at work.
It wasn’t long before I had my hands on some tools and was preparing joints for a set of draws under the watchful eye of both men. I immediately impressed them with my skills, or so I was told by Vana later, that I initially sharpened the tools given to me, before touching the wood. I was a little out of practise but the skill was just there, if a little slow. As I worked, I looked around at the raw materials they had stored and at the tools they had in the racks. Mine were more sophisticated in their manufacture and I would have used more power tools to speed up the process but basically, they had the same array.
“You look as if you are enjoying yourself Nathan,”
“Oh! Hi Vana, I am. I didn’t expect you here. Where is Wendy?”
“I told Wendy I would pick you up. She’s been phoning the man here to see how you’ve been getting on. They are all impressed with your workmanship and the word is spreading that the big American has skill with both hands and mouth. You obviously said the right things last night.”
“That’s good to know. I didn’t realise that this meant so much to you that I performed on queue and sang off the hymn sheet.”
“Well, it’s just that I sponsored you and if you didn’t come up to the mark then that would rub off onto me. Wendy tells me you asked the right questions and the man here verifies your skills.”
“So, I pass the first test then? OK, I’ll just tidy up and you can take me home via the clothes shop. I suppose you heard about my problems this morning?”
“Oh, definitely Nathan. You’re well known on the street now. They are calling you The Incredible Hulk, the way you split your clothes. Come on big boy, let’s get you home.”
“Any news on my crate?”
“Both Wendy and I called and got different stories but your container is still in the cargo sheds.”
Throughout my first week in Hanoi, I spent the mornings studying drawings and photographs of elegant furniture and in the afternoons, I visited various workshops and timber yards to become acquainted with the skills of the craftsmen and raw materials available. The timber yard was of particular importance since I was able to observe at first hand the variety of hard woods available and the way they were being cut, seasoned and stored. I was told that most of the timber was from Cambodiaand Laos since lumbering of such hardwoods was now illegal in Vietnam. I didn’t ask about the legality in Laos and Cambodia but suspected that much of it was now illegally felled there.
I also was forced to purchase a scooter against my will. I insisted on getting one with bright lights so that I could be seen and even a louder horn. Vana and Wendy admitted that being so big I would be easily spotted anyway. I asked about the masks most of the girls wear against pollution as I thought. Vana explained that they had a dual purpose of keeping out pollution and also keeping the sun off the girl’s faces since being pale made you more attractive. I was warned off such a mask since only women wore them. I was to use a neckerchief in true bandit style. Having my own set of wheels certainly made life easier for both Wendy and Vana and I was able to wend my own way around the back streets of Hanoi, exploring, searching for woodworking shops and checking out the quality of their wares.
All the workshops were able to accept any commissions be it a cheap cupboard for a lady around the corner or a set of fine dining chairs for some wealthy businessman. Most of them also worked as subcontractors for larger firms or businessmen who had furniture made to order and then sold it on, even for export. Much of this furniture was made to look good externally to the eye. The unseen side were left rather shoddy and quickly I gathered valuable information on what to insist on when I started ordering pieces for the palaces. The hidden surfaces had to be as good as the ones on view. That was the key feature of craftsmanship and high-quality pieces fit for the nobility. The workmanship on the finishing side was also amiss. The stains and glosses applied were all uniform and dull. Also, the lacquering was not to the standard that I would expect.
I quickly drew up some plans and proposals for considerations. With supervision and exact specification of timber and manufacture we could subcontract the work but the final finishes we would have to do in house, with dust free chambers and drying rooms to achieve the same if not better products than they did in the olden days. The only areas I had to follow the ancient methods was in the use of stains, varnishes and lacquers and these I would have to manufacture myself or in our workshop to get the quality and consistency right. The synthetic ones were better and easier to use. For the first time in many years, I was enjoying myself immensely, totally immersed in my craftsmanship.
My crate of tools was still impounded by Customs but that wasn’t a problem because I had the use of local tools whenever I need. My proposals were accepted and premises were found for me and I specified the equipment to be sourced locally. Soon my work dried up and I was at a loose end until someone in authority actually ordered me to manufacture some actual pieces. The chain of command was complicated but I was assured by my section leader that all was in order, they were happy with my input and I was to be patient. I took this opportunity to explore on my own further and also, with Vana, to visit the citadel at Hueand physically observe the setting for my future output. All this idleness got me thinking.
“Vana, if I was to order some furniture for myself to ship to the States, how would that go down with the authorities here?”
“But didn’t you say that was your undoing in the first place Nathan?”
“True but this time I would be in place to do the quality control. That’s the real issue. Would they mind if I did that?”
“I don’t know. You would have to ask the section leader in the first place. What I do know is that the Vietnamese respect self enterprise. I don’t think you having a set of furniture made would be such a problem.”
“It’s not just a set, a truck load, a container load.”
“But that would require a load of cash Nathan. You know that credit is difficult in Vietnam. It’s a cash economy, Worlds away from the States.”
“I still have a nest egg. When we were flush, I used to put away some every month. I have some ten thousand dollars in a secret account that even my wife didn’t know about or the IRS.”
“I thought you were broke?”
“That was to purchase a sailing boat eventually, so I do have seed money for my private project if it’s doable.”
“Who would buy all your stuff? I presume you would want a quick sale?”
“I’ve thought of that and I would offer it to my former Hotel Wholesalers as a job lot.”
“But wouldn’t you have the same problem as before. They would expect shoddy stuff and refuse you?”
“Not if I sent them a sample and assured them, I was here in Vietnam to ensure quality.”
“Since this is a big project isn’t it going to interfere with your work for us? You will have to come up with a good reason to get it passed me thinks.”
“I’m kicking my heels at the moment and knowing more about the decision-making process around here, it will take the powers to be, ages to give me some tangible work. What if I was to propose, that at my cost, I was to test the system I have set up, for manufacturing a large quantity of quality pieces ahead of their own requirement? If I can assure them, I have set up an operation that they can control locally without me, wouldn’t that be of interest?”
“Now you are giving them good reasons why they recruited you in the first place. I think in business they call it succession planning. How much do you think you can make on the deal Nathan? Is it worth it?”
“Normally the profits would twice the costs but since I’m cutting out at least one layer of profit takers and middlemen, I don’t see any reason why I shouldn’t treble my profits in the worst case and probably quadruple them.”
“What, so if you ploughed in the ten thousand you could get forty back, is that what your saying? I don’t believe it!”
“That’s the kind of margins I’m used to working in Vana. I used to make a fortune until things got sour with my partner. I probably shan’t invest all of that nest egg but if I clear thirty grand, plus what I have left I can probably have enough to start over again in the States.”
“So, you are going to make a bundle and leave me in the lurch then?”
“Well not in a hurry, only when my contract here runs out and they won’t renew it. I might even ask you to join me.”
“One question, as this stuff is being produced, where are you going to store it? You can’t leave it around collecting dust in little workshops all over Hanoi, can you?”
“True, it is a problem but having explored the outskirts of Hanoi, there are lots of houses to rent and some of them have garages, outbuildings and shops on the ground floor. How about us plus some of the others getting together and renting one of these houses? We have all talked about doing it. I would charge very favourable rent and we could all have more palatial surroundings. What do you think Vana? Would some of the others be in favour of that idea?”
“As long as the rent is reasonable, I don’t see why not. Why don’t we do that anyway? Give me a list of the houses you have seen and I’ll go and have a look myself.”
“Roland its Nathan, how are you?”
“Nathan, I’m well but what are you up to? The last I heard was that you upped sticks and went abroad. Is that true?”
“That’s right Roland. I’m calling you from Hanoi, Vietnamat this very moment. I know you are a busy man Roland so I won’t keep you. I sent you a gift, a lacquered cabinet via FedEx. Have you got it yet?”
“It’s right in front of me now; a very elegant piece. What is this in aid of Nathan?”
“It’s a sample of the quality of goods I’m currently manufacturing. Have you inspected the inside finish? True craftsmanship Roland, better than the goods I used to make for you. Fit for royalty.”
“I’m impressed but how come you have come by such a piece?”
“I’m working for the Vietnamese Archaeological Society and they have contracted me to churn out restoration items for their palaces. I have spare capacity and wondered if you would take a job lot off my hands. I’m here on hand to ensure quality control. The piece you have there is from my old Elegance Plus range. You can have it in natural or lacquered finish and I can supply a single container full for you at a keen price.”
“OK, what about repeat orders?”
“Roland, these are exhibition pieces, found in reception areas not the volume bedroom stuff. You don’t want to flood the market, do you? I have this opportunity and if they sell well for you then I will see what I can do but I may be too busy turning out quality repro stuff for the palaces here.”
“OK, send me a price and model list. I presume you will stuff the container to the gunnels?”
“That’s the idea Roland. No wasted space. The details are on the way to you on Email and the attachment shows you the range that I have on offer. I won’t let you down and I’ll give you three months credit and sale or return terms. That’s how confident I am of my product. I’m here producing a range fit for a King and your order will be treated in the same way. That’s my promise and my partner of old is long gone.”
“OK Nathan, I’ll let my colleagues inspect this piece with a microscope and you will have your order if it passes the test.”
“Don’t be too long on the deliberation because the window of opportunity is quickly passing. Bye Roland.”
“Nathan, can you hear me? That’s better. I have a choice of two houses that I’ve picked out from your list. Which one will you choose?” asked Vana down her cell phone.
“The one with the largest storage facility, I’ve just got the confirmation of the order.”
“Hey that’s great news! We’ll celebrate tonight. The one with the lean-to garage is the largest but the elderly owner and his wife wants to live in the garden shed.”
“Is that a problem? At least there will be somebody on site all the time.”
“OK, I’ll see if they can help with cleaning, cooking and some chores. They will appreciate a bit more income their way.”
“While you are at it, ask them if I could extend the lean-to at my cost if I need to. What is the inside like?”
“You will like it. It’s quite modern and much better than our current pad.”
“What about the others who want to join us?”
“Oh, it’s far better than they have got or are used to. If we charge them a low rent and all of us share in paying the couple for their services, then I think we have a workable plan. The old couple grow fresh vegetables at the back so we will benefit from that.”
“Go for it. The other one looked nicer but I suspect there would be less storage. See you tonight Vana and oh, ask the others to join us for a celebratory meal. I’ll fund it.”
“You don’t have to Nathan but that will be nice. I’m still not getting anywhere with your crate.”
“No worries Vana, I shall be too busy now for a while, to use my own tools. Choose a nice restaurant for tonight. I want to make an impression.”
The house was more comfortable that any of us had expected and since the owners were getting more income than they had initially planned we were being looked after royally. My housemates were extra pleased in that they could park their scooters, out of the rain, in the garage while it was still empty. A noodle seller wanted to set up shop on our forecourt since our scooters were parked inside. We made a deal with him that he would provide us with breakfast each morning at discount rates.
There was still no sign of the work coming through from my section leader, so I ploughed on with my private order. Detailed work sheets were distributed to my chosen workshops and I contracted a large timber merchant to supply all the wood. I went there personally, chose each plank, drew a cutting plan and each plank was stamped with my own engraved tool and numbered. The planks were to be delivered to each workshop and I would be there to explain the cutting, assembly instructions and I would apply the final finish at the University workshops that I had set up in readiness for the Royal fakes. I had Wendy with me as translator to ensure that the cabinet makers understood clearly that I needed to inspect the work at every stage of the process. Wendy was quite eager to learn and understand more about the construction so became a useful ally in my quest for enrichment.
The work went to plan and the craftsmen were eager to show off their skills, particularly with the possibility of large follow-on orders on the horizon. As pieces were assembled to my satisfaction, they were transferred to my special workshops for the final finish. Some were stained and polished others got the lengthy lacquer process. The finished articles were lovingly bound in bubble wrap, labelled and trucked for storage at our house. With the work being distributed amongst a number of workshops, all beavering away all hours god sent, the production was completed in less than three weeks. I had a few extra pieces made just in case I had a problem and these I presented to our section leader as an example of the quality that I could produce and manufacture locally. I had also trained up, at my expense, four workmen on the finishing process, who we could use in the future. My storage at the house was at capacity, even the extra lean-to that I had built.
On the day the container arrived I had my four workmen plus all my colleagues to help to stuff the items carefully into the container, according to a detailed plan and ensure that they were wedged tightly with old cardboard so they wouldn’t move in transit and be damaged. This task was speedily completed, the trailer doors sealed, the paperwork signed off by the Customs Official who was there to supervise the loading but was more content in stuffing his face with noodles from our resident vendor. I also took this opportunity to get my shipper to find my crate and send it back Stateside. Now all I had to do was wait my three months for the money to roll in.
It was more than halfway through my contract that I finally got permission to construct a number of cabinets for the palaces. The quantities were way below what I had expected and hoped for but I distributed the jobs as fairly as I could amongst my chosen cabinet makers. I got each one to design and make a plaque that would be affixed in a drawer as a signature of their workmanship. It was the least I could do in recognition of their skills.
Roland contacted me a few times hoping to get me to provide him with a repeat order but the opportunity had passed by and I was content living the life of Riley in Vietnamwith Vana spoiling me. At the end of my six months contract, I don’t know if I was disappointed or pleased to have it renewed. I was happy with Vana, happy in Vietnamand happy with my new life so why spoil it! Setting up business again with substantial seed money that I had made was put on a back burner.
