Ready, Set, Bike!

I know, another post already. You might be wondering what I even do here that I keep updating you. But this is worth it, trust me.

Drumroll please......

I rode my bike yesterday!!!! Twice!!! And...it wasn't even that bad. The traffic, while it looks chaotic from the outside, really does have a logical flow from the inside. There are just two rules you must know:

1. You only look forward. Unlike the states where you check your rearview mirror and side mirrors and check what the other cars are doing, here you just pay attention to what is happening in front of you. Because the traffic will move for you (the Moto's particularly, you have to be a little more cautious of the cars). People don't even look while they are merging!


2. Everything, and I mean EVERYTHING, has the right to be on the road. People walking, carts that are crazy full of things, giant cars, etc. This has two important implications. First, I need to not be annoyed by the others on the road. They are just trying to get somewhere like I am. And second, that I have the right to be there. Even on my little bike. Even though I can not go the same speed as traffic. Even when I block lots of people because I need to get to the other side of the road to turn left. Always.

Now I can use all forms of transportation here (well, that is until I learn to drive the Moto's myself!). You might say I'm a Hanoi expert. Well, maybe not quite...