Or E-Bike if we’re being technical
I consider myself to be a bad ass woman. I’m sure in who I am. I walk and talk with confidence, I live my truth in all of my 30+ greatness. I’m basically like Rhianna, If we’re being honest (HAHA I couldn’t even keep a straight face on THAT one). BUT I am shamefully scared, no, petrified, of riding a motorbike in Hanoi. So…Les Go Ride a Motor Bike!
K, so, I’ve talked about the driving atmosphere here in Hanoi. This shit is bananas. It’s unlike any level of stress I’ve ever had to deal with. There are no laws on the streets of Hanoi. People go down “one ways”, speed through red lights, drive on sidewalks, swerve around pedestrians, and carry the most unimaginable things on their bikes. But, as I’ve said before, it’s like being in a school of fish; Law breakin ass fish.
After a year of living here I thought, les grow up. So I bought an E-bike!
The first day I got it I made it 2 block. Two whole terrifying freakin blocks. The xe om (pickup motorbike drivers) actually had to assist me across my street. He probably sensed the fear pouring from my eyes. It’s so frustrating because all the of Tays (Westerners) can do it. I swear, they’re the ones out there swerving and ridin all the way to China ‘n I can’t ride a bike that tops out at 25MPH…
Night driving is way calmer so I decided to wait until I could breathe and not get driven off the road. And… I made it at least a few miles!! I was white knuckle the whole time but it was manageable!
There’s nothing like the rush of facing your own fears! Admittedly, this wasn’t a fear of mine till Hanoi but, still! I mean, literal bicycles were passing me but I was out there ridin still! The only ones you see on the streets riding E-bikes are 16 year old Vietnamese children or older people. I guess I’m that slow ass ole lady huggin the sidewalk the whole time!
Celebrate!
To celebrate my girlfriend and I went to this newly opened cafe and homestay in Tay Ho called, Alley Garden. I had a cream cheese black tea. Sups good and fatty!
I guess I’m officially livin like a Hanoian. Imma be extra safe out in these streets, though!
Les Go... 