observations in Vietnam

Vietnam’s tropical fruits are amazing. My relatives took me to buy mangos, durian, and oranges (which are in season) from the market. I have never had such richly flavorful fruit before – it really makes a difference when it’s grown in an actual tropical climate vs. a hothouse.

Traffic in Saigon: everyone rides motorcycles or mopeds, and people don’t pay much attention to traffic regulations. Interspersed between the motorcycles are cyclos (like a bicycle with an attached carriage for a passenger; human powered taxi), some taxis and cars, and the odd truck or two. No one stops for anything – everyone deftly weaves around obstacles and cross traffic. The scariest thing to do is make a left turn – you just plunge into a wall of oncoming traffic. As a pedestrian crossing the street, you’ll be waiting a long time if you’re looking for a break in traffic. You just have to step off the sidewalk and walk at a constant pace, making eye contact with moped drivers. They’ll dodge around you, so long as you don’t change your pace or direction (so don’t stop or break into a run).

In China & Hong Kong I was usually addressed in Cantonese or Mandarin when I was only with other Asian students, but when I was with white friends we were all addressed in English, even if the local person only spoke a couple words of it. I don’t know whether it’s because I look partially Vietnamese, or whether it’s because the people are not as accustomed to Asian tourists, but everyone expected me to be able to speak Vietnamese, from the official changing money on the ship to every shopkeeper and passerby.