July 14

Riding on a motorcycle in the streets of Nha Trang is a perilous experience. With little traffic light operating, motorcyclists have to be watchful of larger cars and layabout pedestrians who like to walk in the middle of the street. One second of absentmindedness can cost a life. Sitting on the back of my uncle's motorcycle, I was bombarded with sounds of passing drivers, the roar of engines straining and the occasional voice booming from megaphones that advertises virtue and various products. The general rule for motorcycles is for each to have a maximum of three riders, and any more and the driver could be fined. Everyone must wear a helmet, save younger kids, which I find particularly confusing. It's not uncommon to see a baby riding at the bottom of his parent's feet, seated in the section usually preserved for groceries or small items. His parent would have a hand on the baby's head, as if that could do anything; one sharp turn and that could be the end of his life. It's easy to see, if riding on a motorcycle, the inside of a typical family's home where the living room acts as the dining area, garage (for motorcycles), and kitchen. The upstairs operates as a restaurant or bedroom. Neon signs of 'brand name' stores flashes at you as you sit at that one traffic light.

For a person who is accustomed to riding a vehicle that has a hood and secured doors, riding on the motorcycle was fun. I felt strangely at ease as we cruised by various street names and shambled houses. There's a striking contrast between the shambles and the sections where supermarkets and high-end stores are in business.

Everything seemed more exhilarating in the rain. I think my uncle thought I was crazy because I refused to wear a rain coat! Haha.

Cruising through Nha Trang was a great way to end the day. Earlier in the morning, we had gone mud-bathing at Thap Ba Hot Spring Mudbath, and I was so pleasantly surprised. I never had the urge to go mud-bathing and thought the effect of it would be close to nothing, but absolutely loved it! My skin feels so smooth now. And the hot springs were to die for! Then I got my first massage. One hour of pure bliss for a price of 6 dollars! You gotta love Vietnam prices.

The day before, An, Elizabeth, a neighborhood girl, and I went out clubbing! It just loved dancing and I had so much fun--I didn't drink anything either. I forgot how much I missed dancing with abandon and just having fun. There was this one guy who liked to dance and would try to pair us girls with other boys, but if we said no, he just let us be. When we left it was funny because he and I exchanged one of those one-armed hugs/fist bumped each other. I made a new friend!

We're gonna go again for sure because we have a cousin that just arrived and she just loves dancing! We told her that she'd have to leave her kids and husband at home--and she said of course! AHHH can't wait. Everyone's home, save for one cousin, but frankly, I'm quite thankful for that :) (Hint hint at the family drama!)

For now, here are some pics :)

We found some Vietnamese 'guidos!' The one on the right is definitely Snookie.

Mud-bathing!!!