As we head into the middle of Vietnam later
tonight on our second overnight train to Hoi An, I would like to share some
interesting facts on Vietnam, it’s nothing major, however, they are worth being
noted down in my notebook.
Culture and Lifestyle
Having had experienced Ho Chi Minh and Nha
Trang, I can honestly say that we both expected less of this amazing country
which houses the best in terms of flavours and the most vast in history. One of the most apparent realisations I have
encountered is the fact that in both places that I have visited so far, both
have luxurious places and then at the turn of the corner you will see absolute
poverty lived by some locals. I guess
this happens everywhere, but in my experience of travelling this has to be a
first in terms of proximity.
There are probably more motorcycles in Vietnam than there are people. The traffic is absolutely manic and has its own way about it, people will hoot at each other and everyone would know what each type of hoot would mean, no one with road rage or getting angry, yet its the most chaotic thing I have ever seen! There are no rules!
They also seem to carry anything and everything on their motorbikes, from 4 person families to ironing board to crates of food... I think its an art!
There are probably more motorcycles in Vietnam than there are people. The traffic is absolutely manic and has its own way about it, people will hoot at each other and everyone would know what each type of hoot would mean, no one with road rage or getting angry, yet its the most chaotic thing I have ever seen! There are no rules!
They also seem to carry anything and everything on their motorbikes, from 4 person families to ironing board to crates of food... I think its an art!
Demography
I have learned some new facts which surprise
me each in its own way. For instance, Vietnam’s population in 1945 was only 18
million but in 2013 this has grown to a staggering 90 million! Who turned off
the lights?
Another funny fact I have come across is
that ethnic minorities in Vietnam follow the matriarch system where the woman
is the family leader, Vietnamese in turn follow the patriarch where the father
is the leader figure.
Language
Did you know that the language comes from Latin,
well at least 75% of it, the other percentage derives from Spanish and Italian. Once you know the 24 letters in the alphabet
along with which hyphen goes where, it become easier to understand the writing
aspect of the Vietnamese language, however verbal is another story completely
because of the dialects!
Religion
Religion? In 1945 the new religion of
coconut religion was born, people who follow will relate to coconut and will
eat loads in their lifetime! There are around 10,000 followers in Vietnam! I
find this quite ironic.
There is also a large following on the
belief of Karma, where if you carry out a good deed you will be granted one in
return... it also applies for the negative!
Buddhists pray four times in a day,
starting at 06:00, 12:00, 18:00 and straight through to 00:00.
Cemeteries here are the most beautiful ones I have ever seen, at home our cemetery is plain grey, here they are a burst of colour with incredible and intricate designs of traditions and religious beliefs.
Cemeteries here are the most beautiful ones I have ever seen, at home our cemetery is plain grey, here they are a burst of colour with incredible and intricate designs of traditions and religious beliefs.
History
The Cu Chi tunnels were opened in 1988 for foreigners;
it wasn’t until then that they decided to relish foreigners having a look at
what was so vital in the Vietnamese war.
I hope you have enjoyed some facts that
have come across us in the past week.
Last night was quite interesting as we partied on the beach in Nha Trang
after an incredible BBQ dinner, it was a completely local place to go and you
had rows and rows of tables in the big open spaced restaurant, the waiters
would bring you fresh meats for you to cook, it was incredible, however, feeling
the effects of alcohol accompanied with being sun burnt is not fun the day
after!
Stay safe and happy travelling.
Dylan
Dylan
We could not have survived our trip without having this to guide us through. It is a fantastic collection of trip itineraries, attractions to see, restaurants to visit and places to sleep! Well worth the money and not as heavy as I thought it would be carrying it. Enjoy your South East Adventure!
te comprate un baniador?
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