Traffic fairies:

Imagine a parade, 24 hours a day. motorbikes, cars, bicycles jam packed in the street. Crossing the street is really crazy. You just walk slow and kind of close your eyes as the traffic zooms around you. As i was taking my walk of faith across a big intersection I suddenly feel a hand on my arm jerk me back and a huge bus speed just past the tip of my nose. she seriously saved my life, and I can't even remember what she looked like. All i remember is the huge gust of smog that blasted into my face when that bus rushed by. 

An old man helped me cross the street.I guess I was just standing there too long waiting for a gap in the traffic and he couldn't take it any longer. Anyways, he rushed across the street to grab my hand and insist that I step out into the traffic.I wasn't ready to go, so i tried my best to smile and remain on the sidewalk, but he just dragged me into the traffic by my wrist half giggling in vietnamese. It was really funny having an old man help a young lady to cross the street. Shouldn't it be the other way around?

Boundaries

 Men here, hold hands and wrap their arms around eachother as they walk down the street. Its actually kind of cool. Because back at home, people are so homophobic that it can be wierd for guys to even hug eachother. Here, friends and brothers walk down the street arms around shoulders, linking arms deep in conversation and laughter. Its refreshing really. Even some of my students sit with their arms around eachothers shoulders.

Burns

Upon learning the art of moto-taxi-ing.. I have learned that exhaust pipes, are very hot. Yes they even have the power to take off a few layers of skin, and replace what was once your flesh with a salami colored circle screaming in pain every time you take a step. I found out today that this is called 'the saigon hickey' . But I like to pretend it looks like a really tough gang sign.. most likely I just look like i'm part of the 'westerner who doesn't know how the fuck to get off a bike right' gang, and I totally got jumped in.  

Baby in a what? 

who would have thought that ankle socks and high heels was acceptable? or toe socks and open toe shoes? or that putting a net over your baby (i call this baby in a bag) on the barstool (baby on a barstool) on the scooter is somehow practicing safety? wow! shows what a sheltered life I've been living. did i mention, that baby doesn't ever wear a helmet? I just can not will not be able to get over this. Its really fascinating.