Some of my observations after 2.5 months of living in Vietnam, enjoy!
1. It's not important whether or not there's insects in your house (there always is), it's only important whether they will bite you or not!
2. In traffic, size is the most important factor determining in right of way. Therefore: bus, truck and car passes motorbike, motorbike passes bicycle, bicycle passes... people walking, people pushing/pulling large carts, cows...
3. If you have unusual body modifications (such as facial piercings and tattoos) you will be pointed at and possibly touched on a daily basis.
4. Most events start late but if someone's coming to meet you, they will start calling you repeatedly the minute they arrive.
5. The description "same, same" means the two things being discussed are not even remotely the same.
6. People in Vietnam are significantly smaller than your average North American and size of everything (chairs, clothes, ceilings etc) reflect this fact.
7. Restaurant service that would be considered non-existent in North America is the norm, shouting at the waiter is expected and no one leaves tips.
8. The sun is an evil enemy to be feared. Therefore one should cover all exposed bits of skin, typically with face masks, jeans and sweaters in 30 degree heat. If you wear a t-shirt it will be concluded that you are strangely fearless of this evil enemy.
9. Vietnamese people can sleep anywhere, at anytime. It is not considered lazy to nap on the job. Some people, such as guards, have beds at their posts for this exact purpose.
...more to come as I think of them!
1. It's not important whether or not there's insects in your house (there always is), it's only important whether they will bite you or not!
2. In traffic, size is the most important factor determining in right of way. Therefore: bus, truck and car passes motorbike, motorbike passes bicycle, bicycle passes... people walking, people pushing/pulling large carts, cows...
3. If you have unusual body modifications (such as facial piercings and tattoos) you will be pointed at and possibly touched on a daily basis.
4. Most events start late but if someone's coming to meet you, they will start calling you repeatedly the minute they arrive.
5. The description "same, same" means the two things being discussed are not even remotely the same.
6. People in Vietnam are significantly smaller than your average North American and size of everything (chairs, clothes, ceilings etc) reflect this fact.
7. Restaurant service that would be considered non-existent in North America is the norm, shouting at the waiter is expected and no one leaves tips.
8. The sun is an evil enemy to be feared. Therefore one should cover all exposed bits of skin, typically with face masks, jeans and sweaters in 30 degree heat. If you wear a t-shirt it will be concluded that you are strangely fearless of this evil enemy.
9. Vietnamese people can sleep anywhere, at anytime. It is not considered lazy to nap on the job. Some people, such as guards, have beds at their posts for this exact purpose.
...more to come as I think of them!
No comments:
Post a Comment