Mini travelogue - Vietnam highlights

Interesting cultural history and museum visits.

Incredible traffic flow and joining in on the rickshaws.

Watching life on the streets, amazing scenery all around.
Staying in country areas, relaxed traditional homestay, green and lush.

People are friendly and have a beautiful calm energy, whether in the city or country, wealthy or poor are all mixed together with only some newer developments seeming more separate.
The hoards of bikes on the streets are like giant school of fish that gracefully part and swarm in different directions as needed. I saw no agression,impatience or anger on the roads. It appears crazy and all over the place, though there is obviously calm method to the madness.

Crossing the street is an art to be developed and even when doing as the locals do, should not be attempted lightly or without full attention.
With high levels of humidity, the days begin early with a midday lunch break followed by a siesta. Hammocks are popular or you can just recline on your bike in the street! I loved all the hammock cafes along the highway.

Total sensory immersion; sights, sounds, smells, tastes, textures - like a surround sound experience!

Riding bicycles in laneways around the Mekong Delta, visiting local produce workshops - the diversity of lifestyles and livelihoods.

Boat and canoe rides on the Mekong River and the floating markets.

Saigon’s night markets were more enjoyable than the day markets. Outside, more space, less overwhelming and still plenty to see.

Reflexology and ginger essence massage. A little indulgence in a spa near the hotel with tea, sorbet and ginger treats included!

Philosophy. So much thought, healthy energy and symbolism behind daily life. Simple living, high thinking and much less stress. The Vietnamese do not seem stressed at all. I imagine that 70-80% of the population being Buddhist contributes largely to the flow of life and general well-being of the people.

History demonstrates plenty of political unrest, upheaval, war, invasions and human atrocities, yet also incredible human spirit and a quiet steadfastness.
There is philosophy behind everything from family life, building and architecture, ancestor worship, food, protest, tradition, names of people and places, health...
No one looks or seems sad, unhappy or unsatisfied.