Foot Race in ‘Nam
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
Tags: Hoi An, Travel, Vietnam
brooke.pearson8
Chagrin 1: First of all…..as a middle-aged woman (well not really, 46 is the new 36 right?), who is fortunate enough to have gainful employment….this entry makes me feel awful. Really world…my daughter is a REALLY nice person and in case your mother makes her living as a beach vendor, I assure you my daughter would not encourage a foot race for business unless all participants really just wanted to have some fun. Chagrin 2: Second….you are right, I think it is an awful idea for JR to leave your side and go off on a motorbike…are you just nuts? Are you ever going to come home?
I was worried about this-but assumed the fact that the foot race winner demanded another race would convey the joviality of the situation. It was all in good fun.
What would you do? When faced with a group of women who all want to sell you a bottle of water and you only want one bottle? Pick the oldest? The prettiest? The fattest? See the quandary?
The foot race. It’s revolutionizing the world of decision making.
(and I’m not in Australia right now…despite what it says below. Still in ‘Nam)
It was nice to meet you two while enjoying wine in Marlbrough, then again at the airport. Sounds like you had an interesting year. Travel will always bring unexpected experiences, both fun and frustrating. Maybe we can hook up again some time. I wish the two of you the best in your search and ventures….nrAlan