The last time I was in Vietnam was 10 years ago. I was living in Japan at the time and a childhood friend of mine from back home was heading over there to visit some relatives. I met up with her in Ho Chi Minh and honestly didn’t do a whole lot. I do remember drinking Heinekens at 10am, eating fruit with a side of salt at the club and eating some really good ban xiao, but that was just about it. It was a short trip and I always wanted to go back and give it another try.
I’m here now and after 4 days the trip was well worth it. I’m staying with an old friend of mine from when we were 12 or so who happens to also be my old college roommate. She’s out here pursuing the entertainment industry and killin it. She gave me four rules to follow that should keep me safe from harm or theft while I’m here. Rule #1: Do not answer or text on your cell phone facing the streets filled with motorbikes. Quickly they can snatch that baby away, so its suggested to tuck your self in a little corner when speaking. Rule #2: Keep your belongings in front of you and close, DUH. Rule #3: Only use a Mailinh or Viasun taxi cause the others will rip you off. Run #4: Always look back when exiting a taxi to ensure nothing was left behind.
At one point on my stroll I had to turn around with the fear that a swift motorbike would snag my little 5’ft body into the streets flying off the overpass. I’ve gotten many chances to explore with the thousands of motor bikes on the road and found a good refuge at the park when I need to take a break from the dodging those suckers. I have yet to ride one, but definitely looking forward to that.
I’ve been eating like a queen out here. Endless tropical fruits, which are definitely my jam and of course some of the tastiest Vietnamese food imaginable. Growing up most of my friends were Vietnamese, so going to one of their houses, like my friend who I am visiting here, was always always the best. Even outside of Vietnamese cuisine you can find anything your palette desires. And everyone delivers. Its amazing.
