2023-04-24

2022/08/21 Motorbike in Ho Chi Minh City

Riding a motorbike in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, is an experience like no other. The bustling city is full of motorbikes, cars, and pedestrians all vying for space on the crowded streets. It can be a chaotic and overwhelming experience for someone who is not used to the traffic, but it can also be an exhilarating way to see the city.

My first time riding a motorbike in Ho Chi Minh City was a mixture of excitement and fear. I had ridden a motorbike only on two or three occasions in my life before, and the thought of navigating through the busy streets was daunting. But I was determined to experience the city like a local and decided to try it anyway.

After receiving an older motorbike, I set out onto the streets, trying to keep up with the flow of traffic. The noise, the smells, and the sights were overwhelming, but I quickly learned to embrace the chaos. I weaved in and out of traffic, honking my horn to let other drivers know where I was.

One of the most challenging parts of riding a motorbike in Ho Chi Minh City is the constant need to be aware of your surroundings. Motorbikes, cars, and pedestrians can appear out of nowhere, and it’s important to stay alert and focused at all times. I also had to get used to the traffic rules, or lack thereof, which can be very different from what I was used to.

Despite these challenges, riding a motorbike in Ho Chi Minh City is an unforgettable experience. It allowed me to see the city in a way that I wouldn’t have been able to on foot or in a car. I saw people going about their daily lives, from street vendors selling food to families riding together on their motorbikes. It is a vibrant and dynamic experience.

In conclusion, riding a motorbike in Ho Chi Minh City is not for the faint of heart, but it is an experience that is worth trying, if you are brave enough. It allows you to immerse yourself in the local culture and see the city from a unique perspective. If you’re up for the challenge, renting a motorbike and hitting the streets of Ho Chi Minh City can be a thrilling adventure.

2023-04-17

2022/07/24 Covid-19

Traveling during the pandemic requires taking all the necessary precautions to protect oneself and others from Covid-19. Before I left my old home, I made sure to get a negative PCR test, wear a mask on the flight, and avoid large crowds as much as possible. However, despite my best efforts, I still contracted the virus.

Once I felt sick, I knew right away that it was Covid-19. The symptoms felt different and hit me hard. I experienced a fever, body aches, and a dry cough that lasted for the first week. It was not a mild experience, but fortunately, I did not require medical attention.

To manage the symptoms, I took medication and made sure to rest as much as possible. Sleeping was my priority, and I drank plenty of water to stay hydrated. The second week was a bit easier, but I still felt tired easily. After testing negative for Covid-19, I continued to wear a mask and practice social distancing when going out.

Despite the challenging start, I slowly settled into my new home and started to explore the surroundings. Sampling street food and visiting a local market were some of the highlights of my recovery. While it was not the ideal start to my new start, I embraced the unique experience.

2023-03-20

2023/07/17 Rainstorm

Ho Chi Minh City, located in southern Vietnam, is known for its intense rainy season, which can bring heavy downpours that lead to flooding in many parts of the city.

One of such torrential downpours welcomes me in the city. The streets quickly became flooded. Motorbikes and cars struggled to make their way through the waterlogged streets, creating chaotic traffic jams. The rain was cleansing, washing away the pollution in the air that can build up.

Unfortunately, the storm also highlighted the challenges that Ho Chi Minh City faces in managing its drainage systems and preventing flooding. The city’s rapid development has led to a lack of green space, which could help absorb excess rainwater. Additionally, the city’s drainage systems are often overwhelmed during heavy rainstorms, leading to dangerous flooding in some areas.

As the storm passed and the water began to recede, the city slowly returned to its normal rhythm. The streets dried up and life went on. Yet, the experience of witnessing the heavy rainstorm in Ho Chi Minh City will stay with me.

2023-02-27

2022/07/08 Arrival in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

After a long flight, arriving in Vietnam can be overwhelming, with new sights, sounds, and smells to take in, especially when lugging boxes around. Despite the exhaustion, the next task on the list was to reach the new apartment. Fortunately, the agent was already waiting upon arrival, and the rental agreement was signed after a brief discussion.

Once we arrived at the apartment, it was time to start unboxing. Although I hadn’t labelled the boxes, it didn’t matter much. We just opened them all and unpacked them randomly. After distributing the gifts among our welcome party, we went out to dinner with friends. Moving can be stressful, but it doesn’t have to be overpowering. I understand that it may take some time to unpack everything, but I don’t worry.

Moving to a new country can be an exciting and daunting experience, but with a little preparation and a positive attitude, it can also be a rewarding one. Take a deep breath and get ready to turn your new apartment in Vietnam into a home.

2023-01-28

2022/07/07 Departure from Germany

The day of departure from Germany has arrived. All the preparations are complete and packing all bags successful. There is no turning back now! Although there may be a sense of exhaustion, excitement is the prevailing emotion. The journey is about to begin - an adventure of a lifetime!