We’ve spent a few days in Uncle Ho’s crowded and chaotic city. It ain’t pretty by any stretch of the imagination but somehow, through the traffic, pollution and the tangled mess of electrical wires, it does have some charm. It’s the kind of charm that comes from lively markets, street food stalls, endless streams of motorbikes and the novelty of occasionally having to dodge a live chicken scurrying across the sidewalk. It’s organized…well, maybe not so organized, chaos. It hasn’t won me over the way seedy, filthy, decrepit Cairo did (sigh…Cairo), but it’s not a bad spot to spend a few days.
One of the most unforgettable experiences for you, the tourist in Ho Chi Minh City, is the simple act of crossing the street. It’s crazy; it’s adrenalin filled and it will no doubt be the subject of many a tale when you get back home. Imagine gazillion motorbikes, bicycles, tuk-tuks and cars weaving in and out on the street, criss-crossing each other in a way that baffles western sensibilities. At first, you patiently wait for the light to change or for some kind of break in the traffic. You soon realize by watching locals that that is not really how it works here; they just cross. So, you take a deep breath and step onto the street, despite your instincts not to, despite the fact that your head is saying: “Uhh…what are you doing? Are you trying to get yourself killed! Stop you idiot!”. Next, you slowly and steadily walk across as cyclists and motorbikes make their way around you. You’re careful to avoid sudden unexpected movements (that would be bad) and keep in mind that cars and buses will not slow down or stop for you (staying in one piece is your problem). You reach the curb, thrilled and shocked that you made it. “Is it Dangerous? Are you taking your life into your own hands?” Well, yes but you do eventually get used to it. In an odd way, it’s kinda like a dance; we’re calling it the “Ho Chi Minh City Shuffle”.
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