Back of a Xe Om Series I

Sunday morning, my cousin and her fiance escorted Angela and I around Saigon's District 1 and 2 on the back of their motorbikes. But after just one day of witnessing hoards of motorbikes seemingly weaving in and out without regard for life, I felt more than slightly apprehensive.  Motorbikes honk their way through not only other motorbikes, but, other cars, buses, trucks, bicyclists, and pedestrians, too.

On the plus side, I figure, everyone seems to share the road without any road rage. I mean, c'mon, my taxicab driver hit a motorcyclist the other night, and nothing. Nothing! The motorcyclist used the van for leverage and pushed himself off. The taxicab driver didn't so much as flinch.

              Our jaws dropped.

I tried to play it cool, though. Sure, large taxicab vans hit little motorbikes all the time. Sure, no one really seems to care. Sure, it's quite normal.

                   We are soooo local.

Our first ride was probably my first life-changing moment of the trip - wind blowing in my hair, locals staring me down, and breathtaking views of Districts 1 and 2. I think it was the first time I really got to see how the Vietnamese people live.  Riding on the back of a xe om really is the best way to experience it.  It's a city that never sleeps - except during nap time between 11am-3pm. And, oh how I've become to enjoy those naps. Learning how to slow down and breathe will be the hardest lesson for me. Napping is step one, but, I am positive I've got that down.

Here are some photos from our first Xe Om ride through Saigon.