[nivrip]

Well, I finally got back to Blighty.

But, where have I been?

Here's a picture that gives a clue in the language.



So, where was it?

[floppybootstomp]

Vietnam?

[Urmas]

[nivrip]

Originally Posted by floppybootstomp

Vietnam?

Got it in one.

Strange language. It sounds like Chinese but the written language was imposed on the country when it was under French rule and has stuck ever since. Lots of the vowels have strange little accents over them, and some even have dots under them. These tell you how to pronounce them. Each vowel has five different inflections which give words completely different meanings. For instance, if you get the inflections wrong in a certain way, then trying to say "Hello" comes out as "Give me your shoe"

Wonderful friendly people. All keen to talk to imrove their English. After the pastings they've had from the French and then the US of A it beats me how they can remain friendly with ANYONE from the West. But they just keep smiling.

Also odd is the fact that the communist North fought for years against the capitalist South and when the North finally overran the South, two years after the US left the country, they made the whole of VietNam communist only to gradually turn virtually capitalist in the next ten years. It is still a one party socialist state but the people own their own land now and make money for themselves and not for the state. They have to pay for medical services and do not get a pension from the state.

It's the motor bike capital of the world with 49 million of the things in the country. There seem to be no rules on the road, it's every man, and woman, for themselves. They just go and make a dash for it, pulling out of side roads, cutting across at junctions and roundabouts are a nightmare. About 5% of the traffic is on the wrong side of the road but no-one seems to get uptight - they just accept that that's how it is. Never saw one accident but the guide told us that the death rate on the road is frightening. You often see whole families on one bike, the most we saw was five, Dad, Mum and three kids. They often place the youngest child in front of the driver. I get the feeling that they don't believe in 'Elf and Safety. There are traffic lights in the big cities but they often carry on after the lights turn red and frequently go well before the lights become green. Crossing the road on foot is very difficult.

Loved every minute of it, particularly the food.

[muckshifter]

oooh the food


and he had a great time to

[Taffycat]

Welcome back Niv, it sounds like you enjoyed a wonderful holiday

[Ian]

Welcome back Got any more pics of the place, I love reading these trip threads

5 people on one bike?

[nivrip]

A few more pics. These were taken in Saigon.


Uncle Ho. Saw his embalmed body later in Hanoi but no pics allowed.



Saigon Cathedral. Yes there is a significant Christian population in VietNam. Cathedral built by the French.



Tigers. It was Chinese New Year just as we arrived, and do they celebrate. The new year is, of course, the year of the Tiger. Women born in Tiger years are not liked by men - they are deemed, by tradition, to be too aggressive and therefore not good wives. Women in the Far East are expected to be very submissive.



Typical street scene. You see wiring like this everywhere.

[Taffycat]

Lovely photos Niv, and very interesting captions too hope there will be more, pleeease?

[Abarbarian]

Interesting pics , looks like you had a great time.