The Traffic

What's the first thing people remark on when they come to Vietnam? What's the one thing that causes eternal fear, admiration, entertainment, confusion? If you've ever been to Vietnam you know what I'm aiming at. Yes, the traffic.

The unique chaos of motorbikes, bicycles, mobile foodcarts, buses, taxis, some private cars, trucks and people crossing the streets. Name anything and it's likely been seen on the roads of Vietnam. Fair enough, haven't seen a complete building being transported on a motorbike but the interior for sure I have. Wardrobes, mattresses, a fridge, hundreds of balloons, grocery shops, 5 meters long pipes and car tyres for several cars, live animals and small and big families. Anything and beyond, the Vietnamese can transport on a motorbike.

A visiting stand-up comedian from earlier this week started his show by acknowledging the traffic chaos, describing he also almost got hit several times already during his first day in Saigon. In his hotel - and he lives in the 11th floor! There is no end for jokes about the Vietnamese traffic but it ain't a joke to be part of it. But it can be a lot of fun.

The rule number 1 when driving in Vietnam is that you can't control what's happening behind you, therefore, mind what's in front of you and try not to hit anything or anyone. I don't think there are any other rules. at least no relevant ones.

I've been driving a motorbike here for a year now and avoided any accidents. A few minor pumps can't be avoided but nothing to be alarmed about. The trick is to understand the logic of the Vietnamese driving and go along with it and hope for the best. Yes, there is logic in the driving. You keep going, you mind what you are doing, you don't make sudden unexpected movements. Majority of the drivers follow these and are not being purposefully complete idiots - which leaves enough room for the still numerous completely selfish idiots. Those who block the lanes for those turning right or for the approaching drivers. Those who are turning left but keep on the right side of the road, hence needing to get on way for everyone else when forcing their turn. And they there is never just one. The speeding ones, and the extremely slow ones. The ones transporting 5 meter long pipes and not understanding it kinda affects people nearby when they turn. Etc.

The traffic is a constant source of frustration as well as of entertainment. There is never a boring moment on the Vietnamese roads. I would like to have my camera ready and going but have to restrain due to the many thieves spotting anything that can be snapped. Instead I enjoy the driving itself and the sights around me. I smile at the passers by and honk my horn at the idiots blocking my way. Driving without rules lets the beast out as you have to fight for your space. Take your space or don't attempt to drive. Accept the logic and have fun within. Because the driving part can be lots of fun - and even more so on a pink bike like mine!

New Beginnings

Life is full of new beginnings. At leas mine is. It's been a year since I last wrote a blog text and after reviewing it again I relate to it completely. It was the time after some of the biggest changes ever in my life on many frontiers at once but now I find it inspiring to be reminded how I felt then. 

Somehow a year has gone by and I'm still in Vietnam and not planning to move. At least for now. Still with the same job too, basically. Still with the same employer is more accurate to say, since I did change my position after 6 months. That was planned in advance though. The current position actually requires some long-term planning and when I accepted this job, I did promise to stay at least for 2 1/2 years.That would be quite an achievement for me, honestly, as I haven't stayed in any job, not even in the same country, for that long since...in a same job continuously never and also never in a foreign country. Vietnam is country number 6 and the longest continuous period was in Berlin where I nearly hit the 2 year benchmark.

New beginnings could work as a definition for my life. I can't say if I'm just a genuinely restless person, afraid of a common everyday life or just doing what really feels right for me. Exploring what's in the world. I hope it's the latter. Maybe it's a combinition of all three. But when I can choose I will keep choosing to explore the world, its people and cultures and languages and places and traditions and smells and sights and tastes and...the world. I want to know what it's all about. What the world has on offer. What it is, who we are, what's our place and role in it.

Every new beginning means leaving something old behind. And the leaving is always difficult. It means a change in routines. It's a push out of the comfort zone, into something unknown. It brings along something unexpected. Unknown and unexpected can't be controlled, which causes anxiety and stress. It can be terrifying if one is unprepared but also extremely rewarding, when the mind is open and willing for the change.

I feel an urge to learn for myself. See feel, touch, smell. I don't want to be told, taught, explained to. I want to experience. Of course I enjoy hearing about the experiences and thoughts of others. But every good story, each interesting experience or tale just add to my curiosity to try it myself. Try it my way.

I wouldn't know if I miss on something important by never staying still but somehow I doubt that. I imagine that kind of life offering peace and quietness especially on terms of knowing what's happening around you and to you. But I don't feel the need for any of that. I can easily imagine why some people do, nothing wrong with that. But for me life is all about new excitements, new adventures. I take my peace and quiet in between for some relaxations and digestion of all the "new". But the thirst for "new" I don't seem to be able to drench. Nor do I want to. I do get tired, exhausted even, sad and sentimental at times. But when I look back in life, I wouldn't change the experiences and adventures to a more mentally relaxing life.

And since I do explore the world I should think it's my responsibility to report it as well. In words and in pictures. A mental note to self - keep writing and photographing. Keep remembering.  Keep exploring and looking forward to the new beginnings - come what may.