Am posting in Ho Chi Minh now. It has taken me two days to become at least partially comfortable with crossing a road without fear of death-by-moped. Also have witnessed gigantic cockroach scrabbling near my feet and huge soaked dead rat by side of road. Despite EK warning me just before we got on the plane that when she last went there, people were sh*tting by the sides of the road (gleefully spoken after she realised i had just brought sandals), i don't think i've stepped on anything too disgusting (that i know of).
Some random comments:
> Tiger Beer is cheaper than fruit juice.
> Mopeds rule the land. That includes road and sidewalk, oneway or two way, red light or green light.
> Vietnamese are tolerant but they still stare at you when you're foreign (i can't help it if im as pasty as a plucked chicken - blame it on British weather)
> I would live like the Queen here, on even half my salary. A quote of 3.5opds on a DVD box set elicited a cry on my part of 'wow thats expensive!'. Im so proud im getting to be more Asian.
> Markets are the soul of the city. If you play them right, you will get the bargain of a lifetime. Bartering, looking unimpressed to lower the price, avoiding eye contact, shaking off the seller's desperate death-grip on your arm - these are essential survival tools.
> Have yet to try the roasted scorpion but got another 2 days here so here's hoping.
No pics to upload just now but will do once i get home as per usual holiday withdrawal symptoms protocol.
