What the What is Going on in Vietnam?
Get ready.
Turns out eating ice and crossing the road are about the same thing here in Da Nang, Vietnam. All travel blogs say Don’t Drink the Water. Just like that: bold, italicized and underlined to let you know they Really Mean It. And no ice, they remind you. After all ice is water. But the thing is, it’s hot here. Like crazy mo’fo’ f-ing hot. And I’m here for two years. How can I possibly survive without ice? So when faced with my first Vietnamese coffee – iced coffee – I took a deep breath, closed my eyes and slurped like a maniac, hoping to make it to the bottom of the cup before too much ice had seeped its way into my body to twist and mutate my intestines.
It’s the same strategy I’m using to cross the road. In America we call them traffic lights. In South Africa we call them robots. Here we call them…nothing. Why bother naming something you don’t believe in? I say “believe”because driving here is a religion. You believe you have the right of way. Always. You believe those annoying red and green lights above the road are for decoration. And, in order to cross the road, you must blindly, stupidly believe that somehow you will make it to the other side.
Why did the Vietnamese chicken cross the road?
It didn’t, Stupid.
I made the mistake my first time of waiting for a gap in traffic to cross. There is never a gap in traffic. So I waited for a fellow pedestrian. When he went, I went; eyes closed, hyperventilating and even praying a little. I told you, this is all about religion. I would add that I started to sweat, but I have been sweating since the moment I arrived. I am officially disgusting (sorry, JD).
You go first.
Anyway, the problem with waiting for other pedestrians is that they’re not always around. Being as I am American and want everything done NOW (that’s now now to you South Africans), this won’t work. So I have begun stepping out into oncoming traffic (and certain death) all on my own. Not bad for my second day here. Again it’s all about faith. I believe I can make it across. Will make it. I’ll italicize the whole thing to show you my passion: I will make it across. So far I have. As for tomorrow, we’ll just have to see if the scooters get me.
It’s Biker Night every night!
Fortunately, while you should worry about me crossing streets, you need not worry about me being jumped or mugged. That’s because I am the biggest human in this city. I am like Godzilla, or Paul Bunyan or that bad guy from the Smurfs. Sidewalks shake and buildings tremble as my enormous hulk rumbles past. Bruhahahaha (evil monster laugh). At five foot four (almost) I am a giant among the tiny. Just to prove that I am huge I ordered two noodle delicousnesses last night. And just now the waiter at the coffee shop looked astonished when I ordered another coffee! That’s how Her Hugeness rolls, Vietnam.
Vietnamese chair and Tourist chair. Not joking.
At this point in time everything here is new. Everything is confusing. It’s hard to separate the Unknown from the Truly Crazy. But what I have learned is that people are very friendly. Despite not speaking the same language I have already met friends who helped me find a cell phone, ID photos and an apartment. They have struggled to interpret my floundering gestures and pointed the way the first time I got lost. And second. And third.
Helmet, anyone?
The city itself seems chaotic, but I believe it has its own strategy that I’ll learn with time. Even the back alleys which are covered in dogs, altars to ancestors and old men with no teeth, are clutterly clean.
Well what do you know! The manager of the coffee bar I’m sitting at just noticed Whitey Pie here in the corner and has rewarded my foreignness by playing Hotel California. Thumbs up all around.
In conclusion there is no conclusion. After all this is only the beginning, and right now I have no idea what the what is going on in Vietnam.
We’re gonna get along just fine, Vietnam.
beyonddisneytraveltips 
Hey kath. seems like an awsome start to ur new adventure. Dont man handle any little people. hehehe
Her Hugeness will try her best.
So exciting to read your blog! You’re doing so well, precious girl! Don’t worry about the sweating, shows how fast you moving there! x x
That’s a great way to look at it!
Fantastic! PLEASE KEEP WRITING. I feel like I’m on this adventure with you!!
Thanks, Mandy! I wish you were!
Hello!
I was sent a link to your blog from my sister who saw it posted on Facebook.
I spent two weeks in VN in June (though Nha Trang is the furthest north we went). Here’s the tip I received on the ice (from a fellow traveler who was in Hanoi for three years): If it’s round and/or has a hole in it, you’re good to go-then it was ‘made’ for drinking. If it’s in cubes it’s ok, but be cautious. And if it’s oddly shaped-as in carved off a larger block of ice not met for drinking, then avoid it. I had ice in my tea/coffee all.the.time, and, with this rule, had no problem! But, I did avoid the water by buying liters at the grocery. Your post makes me nostalgic-street crossing is an Olympic sport, I was half expecting someone standing on the other side with a gold medal waiting for me. And, at 5’10”, I felt like an ogre, constantly. Have a great time!
Thanks so much for the comment and advice! I love knowing others have also experienced this craziness. Glad to hear you had a good trip – hope you can make it back sometime!
That was just fabulous for me! What a great post to start off Vietnam.
Thank you! You should see all the design going on around the city!
What the what is going on there? It seems so Craz-szy.!! Very glad that they are friendly and willing to help you.
JD! The countdown begins until you are here to witness the madness, too! Can’t wait!
We all just got a chuckle from this blog. Nice job! Mike says the Smurf guy is Gargamel. Keep writing!
I should’ve known Uncle Mike would know his name! Thanks for the comment!
First blog of yours that I’ve read, upon recommendation, and it won’t be the last. Good luck with your Gullivers Travels
Thank you, Carrie! So glad for your comment!
Awesome Kath!!!
I’m sure you’re going to love it there…
… seems like the kind of place that will make you GROW 🙂
As usual, I love your outlook!
This post is still my best!!!!!!
Haha! Glad to hear! Thanks for the comment!