After landing on time this morning at around 6:45 a.m., I have now been in this new country for almost exactly 12 hours, but it feels like several days.
But let me start with the fireworks, which I couldn’t see from the air, and the Vietnamese flight attendants, who let us sleep but sprang into action after landing: ABBA’s “Happy New Year” blared through the crackling speakers of the somewhat worn-out plane, accompanied by an exciting light show, a photo of which I have included below. Everything went smoothly at the airport, despite the tacky New Year’s performance in garish colors.
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The (pre-booked) trip from Saigon to Can Tho was really exciting. It felt like all my preconceptions were confirmed, and I think the photos below express this well.
I know from America that in some cities there are fast lanes for drivers who are not alone in their cars. Here, there were separate lanes separating motorcycles from cars. Surprisingly, people stuck to them, but what for? You can guess which lane is faster, right?
My driver described how to deal with the police in a special situation, because he kindly asked me if I would like a coffee. Yes, please! He stopped and rolled down the window, the waitress behind the counter came over to us and took our order (cafe miu, iced! First mistake), and the driver said casually that the police didn’t like this very much. The second mistake came shortly afterwards when I indulged in the fantastic juice that is sold here on numerous corners, also with ice cubes, of course. I noticed when the cup was almost empty… Let’s hope everything goes well.
In general, communication went smoothly via Google Translate. With this language, I can’t begin to understand what is being said. Unfortunately, very little English is spoken, but everyone knows and has the opportunity to use this app thanks to cell phones.
When I arrived in Can Tho, my room wasn’t ready yet (10:00 a.m.) and the hostess, who is also a tour guide (which is exactly why I’m there), was out with guests. Since I was pretty tired after only two hours of sleep on the plane, she offered to let me lie down in her bed. :-)))). I did!
It seems to me that the first day is particularly eventful. There are shops everywhere… except on the Mekong, where I haven’t really seen any yet. Hopefully tomorrow, when I cycle along the riverbank and can’t get enough of the views. I’ll let you know.
All this at 30 degrees at midday, by the way, but even tonight I’m still sweating, and coconut water doesn’t really help. My dinner was fantastic, as my restaurant neighbor said: in the best Chinese restaurant in town, well, and actually it was supposed to be Vietnamese….
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