Rach Gia

I've been in Rach Gia now for a little over 24 hours and I must say I feel overwhelmed by the newness of it all. This is a busy place, everyone seems to either be doing something or on their way to do something. I understand why some of our visitors from KGCC describe Utica as "quiet". It truly is when compared to Rach Gia.

The drive to Rach Gia from Ho Chi Minh City was a memorable one. I'm not sure how to best describe the traffic here, "organized chaos" doesn't seem quite right. Signals and lines seem to be merely suggestions. Everything weaves in and out, sometimes going in the opposite direction. I am uncertain as to which car part is replaced most often, the brakes or the horn. Horns are used to indicate "hey I'm here" in addition to "get the heck out of my way". It all seems to work though, everyone gets to where they're going without incident.

 With all due respect to racing legend Dale Earnhardt, I truly believe that the title of "The Intimidator" goes to Mr. Trun, KGCC's driver. Riding shotgun with him is something everyone should do in this life. You have not experienced exhilaration until you've passed up a truck that is passing a bus on a two lane road while dozens of motorbikes (scooters) weave in and out and there's another car coming at you from the opposite direction (this happened on more than one occasion BTW). 

Speaking of motorbikes, yes I've gotten to ride one already (well on the back of one) and yes Sandy I wore the helmet. Ms. Thanh was piloting, aware of my trepidation she took things slowly and barring one MINOR incident with an umbrella we arrived at our destination in one piece. I think for future visits, MVCC should invest in a motorbike that visitors could use. Most importantly, I want to recommend that Mr. Trun should be our next visitor to MV. I can envision the AWESOMENESS that our CCED truck-driving program would be with him as the instructor.

Tạm biệt for now. 

Passing up a couple in the KGCC van