During this trip we expect to have language barriers, cultural differences, unexpected delays and a host of other challenges. It would be crazy to think otherwise. Travelling through a dozen countries requires a 'go with the flow' approach and we're good with that. I commend Leigh for frequently stepping way out of her comfort zone without even flinching, or so it appears. Many social, linguistic, and logistic bridges have been crossed with each day presenting at least one "Didn't see that coming!" event. Most situations are managed with a smile and a willingness to be corrected which makes for a virtual worry-free adventure.
The only time our stress levels go DefCon 5 is when we fly. Almost everything is out of our control. Our flight is pre-booked and pre-paid, one way. Full commitment. Managing transport of the bikes is very challenging when you can't actually ride them, even more so when language barriers exist. Some airlines are vague on costs and restrictions for handling bicycles and you pay what they say or the bike doesn't go! Then, once airborne, there is the ever-nagging question: are we flying with or away from our bikes (recall day 1 Iceland - no bike for Jeff!)? In Marseilles we managed to get both bikes packed, to the airport (on public transit) and checked in per Turkish Airlines requirements but it was far from easy. Once through security all we could do was wait. I must say, the service on Turkish Airlines is top-notch. We had great food and lots of it served with metal cutlery, complimentary socks, slippers, earplugs, lip balm, toothbrush and paste, personal movies, documentaries, video games, plus a live shot of the view directly below as we took off and landed. Need I say more? Our bikes did not, however, receive the same luxurious treatment. Upon arrival in Ho Chi Minh City - three flights from 3:00 pm Friday to 5:00 pm Saturday (local times) Leighs' bike box was scarred but intact. Mine was blown apart on both ends, barely held together with 'I guess we shouldn't have thrown them in like that' tape. But we built them up and they were fine. Tough little ponies.
So it's a quick 7 km spin from the airport to the hotel... in Vietnam... where red lights seem to be a suggestion more than a rule and direction of flow is entirely up to you - seriously. I white-knuckled my way through the first massive roundabout, Leigh hot on my wheel. We got the hang of it quickly enough though. Rule number 1: be predictable. Not that a scooter coming right at you on what seems to be the wrong side of the street is at first predictable but one is quickly made aware of this probability. Pedestrians cross the busiest roads anywhere. See rule number one. It works. We survived two days in Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City pre-Vietnam war).
Wikitravel describes in detail some of the more popular scams designed for tourists in Saigon. They were bang on. We didn't get caught, having read aforementioned article but the scammers were on us like flies on s**t right from go, two or three at a time (Frank - remember Beijing? worse). At one point a woman was literally pulling me by the arm into her t-shirt stall. Fake everything in abundance. We picked up some gift cards and a couple of pieces of clothing to be better equipped for touring near the equator, but that was it. On the flip side we ran into a few students looking to practise their English (again per Wikitravel), an opportunity which we in turn embraced as it provided insight into the local perspective. A lot has been mentioned about the water quality and hygiene here, particularly concerning the food stands that are absolutely everywhere. We drink bottled water (or beer!) when available but when when served a complimentary glass of iced tea while having a haircut one accepts and indulges for fear of offending - and one doesn't want to offend a scissor-baring stylist. It's important to proceed cautiously when decisions about eating and drinking are to be made - we do a quick evaluation of the surroundings beforehand looking for signs of modern equipment and the like. We did pack some prescription medication for any adverse effects if you know what I mean. After a couple of days spent getting grounded we are now rolling through the Mekong Delta. I can tell you that we are currently immersed in authentic Vietnam. Stay tuned!