Wednesday, January 4, 2012

HCMC Day One

Ho Chi Minh City is big--population 9 million--and busy. The preferred method of transportation is motor bike. The streets are filled with them. It is a masterful game of cat and mouse or 'chicken' between pedestrian and motor bike at intersections. No traffic lights or signage. All vehicles converging and crossing and turning with people walking across the street. The key is to step into the crosswalk with confidence and stride purposefully across. The vehicles will avoid you so long as you are predictable in your movement. The experienced ones are able to pace themselves for maximum efficiency. Others hang on with their eyes closed and ask, "Are we across, Yet?"

In addition to the traffic, the other thing we all noticed, was the wiring. The attached photo has an example of the complex--almost tortuous--maze of wires attached to utility poles.

We went to the Ben Thanh market for a quick look around. It's a massive market with many many small stalls selling clothing, spices, jewelry, food and almost anything else you migh want or need.

The day was a blur. It is hot. That combined with jet lag and we were a tired bunch of tourists.

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