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.

Rocking out in Vietnam.

Can't believe it's only been one day. So far, Angela and I have walked around District 5 (the city's Chinatown), rode the bus, sat in a taxi that hit a motorcyclist, ate meat after a three year hiatus from my carnivorous lifestyle, and rocked out to a Vietnamese rock band.

Soy Bap for breakfast.

Sua Dau Nanh (soymilk) from a baggie for dessert.

A few helpings of Chai Man (waterapple pictured in front) and Chai Na (sweet sop in the back). Already, I know I will miss the Chai Na the most. It is full of seeds like a pomengranate, but worth the trouble of eating. It is so sweet and juicy!

In District 5 in front of the ever so fancy Hotel Nikko Saigon.

My uncle and myself, do I look like a tourist or what?

Angela and my uncle.

The streets stay busy until the wee hours in the morning.

Live head-banging music from Acoustic, Saigon's leading live-music venue. 

Korean Air Swag

Angela and I are thoroughly impressed with Korean Air's service and hospitality...and swag. 

However, what we thought were the eye masks really turned out to be slippers! Quite superb. 

Waiting for take-off.

Korean Sprite and Coke!

Bibimbop for lunch? With directions! Yum!

Incheon Airport is stunning, interactive, and quite fancy. Gucci? LV?

That looks fun.

Navigating the airport with our packs.

 The airport also had "royalty" walking around. 

Angela and I took tons of pictures, and it was completely socially acceptable!

I LOVE being a tourist!

Peace Out America

 So, I'm off an adventure -

an adventure
through Vietnam, 

through my mom's homeland,
through a country I have never stepped foot in.

An adventure of a lifetime, yes?

For two months, I will be traveling through Vietnam with my niece to learn about a country my mom used to call home. How can two months in Vietnam change me? What will I learn? How will I grow? Will I find a little bit of myself there? Will I come back better? Wiser?

Will I even want to come back?

What will I miss? Who will I miss?

Just one more week before I start to answer those questions. In seven days, I fly out of San Francisco and land in Saigon. I shall be greeted by family I hardly know - but already love unconditionally - and welcomed into their lives and homes.

I am both excited and terrified;

but, that's normal right?

Here's how I celebrated the last few days in America. Thanks to everyone who was so kind to wish me farewell. I love you, all!