8 Observations about Vietnam...

Today we traveled to Hanoi. It has been a very long day. Liam is not feeling well. We were greeted in Hanoi by our Lawyer with bad news. We do not yet have an appointment at the US Embassy to get Liam's Visa. It is not looking good for our return on Wednesday. We think will be delayed until Thursday or Friday. It was hard to hear since we are missing our son terribly. Please pray that something miraculous happens and that we will be able to leave on Wednesday as scheduled.

Below are 8 quircky observations that we have made during our time in Vietnam...ENJOY!



1) Motor Scooter Mania– 110cc’s of moped madness
Everywhere you turn – mopeds, mopeds, mopeds. We have seen as many as 6 people riding on one moped. I know you are thinking, “Wow” but remember the Vietnamese people are smaller than us. (see #7) Crossing the street is a challenge here. But we have learned, just keep walking and don’t stop. The moped riders will dodge you. Sometimes it is better to close your eyes…it is much less frightening.

2) Elevator Music Hell
We have previously heard Vietnam described as “Where bad music goes to die.” However, I am convinced it is where bad music is stripped of its vocals, turned into elevator music and SPENDS ETERNITY. Where else can you hear instrumental music from Lionel Richie, Britney Spears and Meatloaf back to back.

3) Vietnamese Dong – we are Billionaires (many times over)
$1 USD = 16,000 Vietnamese Dong (VND)
It is so strange to purchase something and pay $100,000.00 VDN. It is so hard to get used to cost of things. They are so cheap but sound like so much. We will be bringing home a little Dong.

4) Sqauty Potty – I have never been so thankful to be a man.
Imagine a gas station restroom with a toilet bowl built into the ground. You just kind of hover over it… I haven’t personally used one, but I would think that there is a splash factor. We have all been through those physics classes that teach you that falling objects increase in speed. The speed of the object hitting water increases the splash. That alone is enough to cause me to try to hold it. But if you aren’t sure, read number 5.

5) BYOTP – Bring Your Own Toilet Paper
Believe it or not, but many public restrooms don’t have toilet paper available. Either the Vietnamese people bring their own or don’t use it at all. Some questions are better left unanswered.

6) Rice, Noodles, or Rice Noodles. What’ll it be?
I have learned that no mater what you order, even if it doesn’t say it in the menu item description contains at least one if not all of the following: White Rice, Noodles (of various sorts) or Rice Noodles. Whether your order pork, beef, octopus or sand lizard, it will have one of those items. While a Kentucky Fried Chicken the other day, I found that they serve white rice with brown gravy (like mashed potatoes). I for one have had my fill of those items.

7) “You very large…”
Everything is negotiable here. Anything you want to purchase, you must haggle for. The Vietnamese people are very good at this. If you are a tough negotiator you can get more than half off. I usually settle for about 30% since they need the money more than I do. But the other day I was buying some shirts and trying to negotiate the price down. I couldn’t get her past 20% off. She kept saying, “You know you big size, right??? That take lot of fabric. Cost more to make…” At first it is a little insulting, but you must understand, I am easily 8 – 12 inches taller than the average Vietnamese man, and weigh probably about 75 pounds more (at least). We heard a story from an American lady that got a massage here. When she turned over to have her back massaged, the masseuse said, “You bottom very big and white, like two big marshmallows.” So I guess what they told me was mild.

8) Communism – The government either owns or controls most things.
From hotels to water bottling companies, the Vietnamese government has it’s hand in most business in Vietnam. It is hard to imagine having the government compete with local businesses using their tax dollars. But they do here.

Overall, we are enjoying our stay in Vietnam. There are a few quirky things to get used to, but being here is such an amazing experience. We are so thankful for the opportunity.