Foot Race in ‘Nam
Wednesday, October 10th, 2007
After a few days in Hanoi and an overnight train journey, we’re now in Hoi An, an UNESCO World Heritage city in southern Vietnam. The town was spared from the American war, and is a charming old Portuguese port city where every building is painted pink or yellow.
Yesterday we went to the beach, and were immediately attacked by the vendors. A group of about 8 middle-aged women patrolled the beach in their straw hats (see Exhibit A), hawking cold drinks, snacks, and soccer balls to tourists busy working on their sunburns. Their sales pitch is strong- build rapport (“oh where you from?”) and then make tourist commit to only buy from them all day long. In an effort to appease their buoyant sales tactics, we professed our loyalty to all of them.
When we actually got thirsty and wanted a nice cold beverage, the women had assembled in circle on the beach. Like a group of hens.
JR: “Who are we supposed to buy from? They’re all sitting over there together.”
Me: “Oh shit. Well, there’s only one way to determine. Foot race.”
And that’s exactly what happened. JR drew two lines in the sand and moments later the women were clamoring at the start line. We had to start over after “Linda”, age 58, cheated and tried to get a head start on the flock.
It was hilarious. Afterwards the winner challenged JR, and smoked him. Photos (from a crappy disposable camera) will be available shortly.
Much to my mother’s chagrin (which she will discover while reading this), I’m now trying to convince JR to take a 3-day motorbike trip with a man named Tran. Tran Tran Tran! Wish me luck.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/95156302@N00/?saved=1
brooke.pearson8