The 1st Vietnamese words I learned were “dog meat”, to ensure I did not accidentally eat just that. Now I do not think I have eaten dog meat, but the amount of mystery meat I have eaten is ridiculous, and every time it has been delicious….so if I did unknowingly eat dog meat, it therefore must be delicious.
Free tea and bananas were great at 1st, a few chain tightenings or general maintenance type things done to the bike on the house….but then it was free beers and rice wine, and eventually free diners. The kids light up with excitement when they see me coming, running to the street and yelling “hellllllo” followed by a friendly wave. I have even had fans in the street stopping me for photos on a few occasions, clearly die hard followers of 2Guys1Truck. Finally living the life I deserve, these people get me.
2 years driving through Mexico, Central America, and Colombia and I paid 0 bribes, 1 Hour driving in Vietnam and I am already losing the battle. Oh well, 20 bucks let me keep my bike, I think it was worth it.
I flew into Southern Vietnam, specifically Ho Chi Minh City/Saigon, the city goes by both names depending on who you talk to. I had no real plans or itinerary, just figured I would get tips from other travelers as I worked my way North, the backpacker trail is well worn here. The city is full of people, noise, and great food, nothing boring about this place, in your face Singapore. Continue reading
The other day I was 5 minutes from the Mexican border, looking homeless with my long hair and a beard, wearing my backpacking setup, waiting for the bus under the scorching sun, and some truck driver walks across 3 busy lanes each direction to give me a rolled up 5 dollar bill. Told him I didn’t need it but he insisted, opened it expecting there to be some coke or something hidden inside, but no this guy simply wanted to pay for my bus ride since life has clearly beaten me down. Long story short, I went home and shaved the beard.