At first, I was very nervous about riding a motorbike in Vietnam. My program director told me about the danger of riding motorbikes, and how important it is to wear a good helmet. But I knew that it was necessary to have a motorbike here, because it is how everyone gets around in Vietnam. I learned the rules of the road by riding on the back of my friend's motorbike for a few days. It was very helpful to observe the traffic rules and driving styles in Vietnam. At first, I thought motorbike drivers were very unpredictable. But after a few days of watching the traffic, I realized that driving motorbikes in Vietnam has many unwritten rules that are easy to follow once you get the hang of it. Riding motorbikes in Vietnam is what I would call "organized chaos." Now, after almost two months of riding my motorbike, I feel very comfortable on the roads in Vietnam.
Much of life in Vietnam happens on the streets. There are many open-air restaurants, shops and markets on the side of the street. The culture in the Mekong Delta is very communal and extroverted. People enjoy spending quality time with each other. Drinking iced coffee and sharing meals together is a favorite pastime. Most people here don't seem to be in a hurry. The presence of motorbikes is consistent with the communal culture in Vietnam. While cars and restaurants can be a bit exclusive at times, motorbikes and markets are inclusive and social. There's nothing quite like feeling the breeze hit your face as you zoom down the street.
