Women play a game of “da cau” or foot badminton in front of garment shops in Hanoi on February 26, 2024. Photo by Nhac NGUYEN / AFP
Janan GaneshThe trick, when crossing the road in Hanoi, is to avoid sudden movements or pauses. At the same time, total obliviousness to the traffic isn’t advisable either. So, who takes precedence? The pedestrian, of course, who must be worked around. But also the motorist, at least those on two wheels, whose imperial status doesn’t stop at the kerb. It is an “and” thing, not an “or” thing.
But then what isn’t here? This is the Socialist Republic of Vietnam and a prolific signer of free-trade deals. (A serene Ho Chi Minh gazes at me from the banknotes with which I settle a bar bill. Up the street is a Bang & Olufsen.) This knack of living in two mental worlds at the same time goes all the way to the top.
News Related-
Recall Just Announced For Popular Cookies Featured In Holiday Gift Baskets
-
Eagles rally past Bills in overtime as Chiefs win
-
Reality bites the green energy agenda
-
Sandigan orders Marcos Sr. pal to pay workers
-
DSWD: Shear line, LPA affect 1.2 million people; over 18,000 families evacuated
-
The mayor of Paris is making a loud exit from X, calling the platform a 'gigantic global sewer'
-
Rain showers, thunderstorms over Luzon, including Metro Manila — Pagasa
-
'Naruto' live-action film adaptation is in the works
-
NASA Highlights Stingray Nebula
-
Manila's Lagusnilad underpass opens
-
China probes debt-ridden financial giant
-
China's VUCA situation
-
Unraveling the mystery that is diabetes
-
Bangladesh's nuke plant is not going to steal PH investments