VIET NAM - HO CHI MINH CITY
From starting my day with a hot bowl of beef-noodle soup to wearing jeans and a hoodie despite the boiling heat, I embraced various aspects of Vietnamese culture during my stay that I could write about. But when talking about what unfamiliar experience became familiar? For me it is the vibrant and seemingly chaotic traffic of Vietnamese cities. What began as a daunting and unfamiliar experience transformed into a familiar aspect of my daily life, shaping my intercultural learning and self-perception along the way.
As an Austrian student coming from the tranquil region of Vorarlberg, where orderly traffic and exact adherence to traffic rules are the norm, the bustling streets of Ho Chi Minh City overwhelmed me during my initial weeks. The constant flow of motorbikes, honking horns, and seemingly unpredictable maneuvers just seemed like a big orchestra of chaos. I said to myself that I will never drive on my own in this crazy traffic. Little did I know that this will change over the next months …
For the first two months, I relied on public transportation – which consists of only the use of buses - and on Grab, GoJek or Be (comparable to Uber). I sticked to observing with fascination and fear as motorbikes continued weaving boldly their way through cars, buses, and trucks. Nonetheless, I soon realized that to truly immerse myself in Vietnamese culture and, also regain a sense of autonomy, I needed to do something I was swearing to myself I wouldn´t do – riding a Motorbike in Ho Chi Minh City. Summoning courage, I decided to purchase a motorbike—which is rather easy considering the sheer amount of motorbikes in the city. I would say that the process of learning to navigate the streets became a big part of my intercultural learning journey.
Equipped with a helmet and a determined mindset, I cautiously rode onto the roads. At first, every ride was an exercise and resulted in a lot of sweating and fearing. But I quickly learned that the key to navigating Vietnamese traffic was not to fight against it but to flow with it, much like a small boat maneuvering through a river's currents. A factor which made driving in the city doable was the speed. The speed in the city is not high because there is so much traffic. On average the speed in the city is about 30 km/h. But of course, nonetheless, you always must be careful when driving through the traffic.
As I familiarized myself with the roads, the unknown slowly became known. The honking horns turned into a way to communicate with caution and courtesy. I discovered that making eye contact and using subtle gestures were crucial in navigating intersections and conveying my intentions to fellow road users. Additionally, my Vietnamese friends offered valuable advice, reminding me to always keep an eye on what lies ahead, knowing that those behind me would do the same. And so far, I can confirm that.
It's fascinating to witness how people utilize their motorbikes to transport a wide array of items. I have observed people carrying an astonishing variety of things, showcasing the versatility of this two wheeled vehicle. From stacks of baskets teeming with fresh produce to towering bundles of bamboo, the motorbike becomes a mobile carrier capable of accommodating various goods.
The experience of embracing Vietnamese traffic facilitated a deeper understanding of the Vietnamese people and their way of life. Traffic in Vietnam provides a glimpse into the country's culture, serving as a microcosm that is lively, interconnected, and constantly in motion. Moreover, it helped me recognize the power of stepping outside of my comfort zone, confronting my fears, and embracing the unknown. It broadened my perspective on intercultural learning, reminding me that true growth and understanding come from actively engaging with and immersing oneself in unfamiliar environments.
In conclusion, my experience as an Austrian student adapting to the unfamiliar traffic and transportation in Vietnam has been a transformative journey. What began as fear and hesitation evolved into confidence and adaptability. Navigating the bustling streets became a symbol of personal growth, intercultural learning, and the power of embracing the unfamiliar. The lessons learned from conquering the chaotic streets of Ho Chi Minh City and all the other things I did, will undoubtedly stay with me as I continue my journey of personal and intercultural growth.