Saturday, October 11, 2008 - I've finally made it to the beach in Vietnam (Mui Ne)after an amazing whirlwind of days through Bangkok and Saigon. The term "Mindbending" comes to mind. There are just so many things to wrap my head around, it's overwhelming sometimes. I flew through a thunderstorm when landing in Vietnam, it's a good thing I'm not superstitious.
>> Check out photos from the trip
CARS & SCOOTERS...BUT NO ROAD RAGE
I mentioned in my last blog entry about the traffic in Bangkok, it's nothing compared to what goes on in Saigon. There are thousands of scooters that go breakneck speed right alongside the cars that are also whirling right along. Horns beeping constantly and nobody gets upset or acts aggressively. Not one traffic gesture seen. It's all an insane traffic dance that seems to work.
The people are again, as they are in Thailand, beautiful. Not just physically (although some definately are), but rather their energy. There is a calmness that I've not experienced before. I'm sure they have their moments, like all of us, but I'm not feeling unwelcome in the least.
NO SUPER-SIZING HERE
And the food! I'm eating some of the best food I've ever had the pleasure to stuff my face with. Actually, the portions are incredibly small compared to Western dishes. I'm sure I'm losing weight, but I don't feel the least bit hungry. Some of the things are a little adventurous, some I just can't bring myself to try, but all interesting.
PEACEFUL BEACH
Here for a few more days, this part is the relaxation part: seven days at the beach. The place is almost empty, except for a German couple and their what must be adopted Vietnamese daughter who is about 5 or 6. Another mindbender: she speaks rapid fire German.
~ Brad Dolbeer
