I’ve learned a lot while in Vietnam. I’ve learned how to successfully eat with chopsticks (sorta), still working on the finger muscles. I’ve learned that voice fluctuation while trying to speak Vietnamese is so vital, because you think you are saying one thing when really you are saying something inappropriate… and it’s all because I didn’t make my voice high enough. But the greatest lesson I’ve learned so far is that I did not waste my youth playing Frogger. That little green frog has saved my life a few times while crossing traffic here in Vietnam.
You see, traffic lights and stop signs are not the law, they are just mere suggestions. So what I have learned is that there is a traffic pecking order.
Let me explain….
If one is wanting to cross the street, you do not simply wait for the green walk-man symbol to come up on the traffic post… nope, all you do is take a deep breath, start walking, and never look back.
While crossing six lanes of traffic, you think about said pecking order. Here is the traffic pecking order made up by a peasant American girl.
The order will be from the competitor who is the greatest threat to the least…
18-wheeler
Semi truck
Bus
SUV
Car
Moto/Motorcycle
Bicycle
Baby Stroller
Toy Car
Then a Person
As you can see, you’ll need to be on your best a-game to successfully cross the street. I have survived 14 days with out being hit. Thank you Frogger.
Okay, it might not be THAT difficult to cross the street, but it is eventful.
Here is a short video of us crossing traffic… mind you we are on bikes so we didn’t have to fight the competitors as much.
Please Note: the older gentleman with a little kid on the front of his bicycle so calmly crossing the miniature highway.
Confidence is key. Let’s just say someone suggested us to close our eyes and just walk. Don’t worry mom and dad, I haven’t done that. All I can say is…
We came, we crossed, we conquered.
