Good Morning Vietnam

Having travelled a lot growing up, I have never been too worried about being able to adapt to the culture of a new country. That being said, I can easily say that Vietnam is the most “different” country that I have ever visited. This is my first taste of this side of the world and it is clear to see that they have a completely different way of living. Their fundamental human rights would make most people in the western hemisphere cringe. The moment that struck me the most thus far occurred on our walk back from the Hanoi Stock Exchange at 4pm about 2 blocks from our hotel. Since being here, it is clear to see that the side of the street is a place for many vendors to set up shop and make a living. It is the norm and many of us have either bought some street food or maybe even a souvenir from a street vendor. It was therefore very shocking to see every vendor scatter as police made their way through the streets of Hanoi. The authorities over loudspeaker demanded that all vendors disperse and stop partaking in illegal activity. It was absurd to see that people’s daily lives and jobs were actually not allowed but that they continued to do it despite that. After observing the street more closely it was evident that the vendors had a clear plan to avoid the law enforcement. It was also clear to see that while the law enforcement were telling them to move that it was not a strictly enforced law (as most laws seem to be in Vietnam). The government could easily clean up the streets by sending the police around twice a day but choose to send them way less often. My questions is why? Luckily our Program Coordinator explained it perfectly by saying that Vietnam is behind the western hemisphere by about 20 years and that it is very hard for the older generations to adapt to the new way of living. Therefore the authorities realize that it is their way of living and are taking remedial action to get this “problem” fixed. They want people to realize that it is not right that others are paying rent and you are invading their space but that it is impossible for them to expect everyone to go jobless in a day. It was really a shocking experience and something unlike anything I had seen before. It was an experience that really showed the character of a lot of the Vietnamese people I had encountered and the struggle of people to find jobs in the current economy. I appreciate that while the government wants to do everything in its power to better Vietnam economically and socially, they realize that it is a process and will take some time to get everyone on board. It was definitely an eye opener and I cannot wait to see what else this study abroad program has in store for me.

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