© irene waters 2014
© irene waters 2014
My husband grabbed my hand. “Come on” he yelled across the sound of honking horns, engines revving and people chattering.
“No. I can’t.” He let my hand go, leaving me to fend for myself as he blindly walked straight out into the traffic, his footstep never faltering until he reached the other side unscathed. I, still fearful continued on the other side of the road until some traffic lights and a pedestrian crossing allowed me to cross with a minute more safety than I had felt where Roger had stepped out.
© irene waters 2014
The night was worse. Families on bikes were seemingly out just enjoying the evening but pedestrian crossings in this quarter were scarce. Roger believed that he had worked out the crossing technique. “They see you, judge what speed you are walking, adjust theirs accordingly so that they miss you and no-one stops. If you do what they are expecting, you are quite safe. If you do something they aren’t expecting like slow down or stop it’ll be goodnight Irene.” He stepped off, grinning.
© irene waters 2014
It wasn’t until I saw a three-year old boy, riding a plastic foot powered car, launch himself into the traffic that I saw Roger was probably correct. I watched the child, my silent scream hovering at the top of my throat as I watched the boy, barely visible to the cars as he was so low to the ground, safely reached the other side. If he could do it so could I. My level of nonchalance could not match the childs but I strode out into the onslaught of cars and bikes that were coming at me, first from one direction and then the other. My self talk worked overtime as I persuaded myself don’t slow, don’t stop, keep going. Finally on the other side I expelled the air I hadn’t been aware I’d been holding. Despite the excitement of Hanoii and the charm of the old town the street life was just a little too busy for a country girl unused even to her own cities traffic. Life at the side of the street – fascinating.
http://dailypost.wordpress.com/2014/03/28/street-life/
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Reflections and Nightmares- Irene A Waters (writer and memoirist) 
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reminds me of peru .. i don’t know how they do it without killin each other huh.amazing……
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I agree. Just amazing
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looks really busy I would be a bit stresed out walking around there, but looks very intersting
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Yes it was incredibly busy but so much life and and things happening everywhere you look.
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Yes thats certainly clear hehe
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Where were these photos taken? I know that my husband had to change the way he walked on the streets in Korea.
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This was Hanoi Vietnam. Korea I imagine would be very similar.
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Definitely it is in Hanoi 🙂 the traffic is such a nightmare 🙂
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I’d never seen anything like it I have to admit. Definitely Hanoi. 🙂
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This sounds crazy, but it’s true, you should have a look if you want to travel to Hanoi
http://www.wikihow.com/Cross-the-Road-in-Hanoi
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I have never seen A how to cross the road before on Wiki How. That is so funny. My husband obviously took the no look method. Luckily it worked as we are both still here to read your link. Thanks for posting it.
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I probably do not need to read it to survive in Hanoi but can’t stop laughing when reading the method, so true. I am also scared of crossing streets in Hanoi and rarely do it alone. However, it was lucky that your husband’s no look method worked, it is dangerous, I think.
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I’m sure it must be. Wonder what the statistics are.
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Wow, life on the other side of the street indeed Irene! Great post, you had me holding my breath and so glad you made it to the other side safely 🙂
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Thanks Sherri. It certainly was a place you put your life in the balance. I too am glad I made it to the other side. Apologies if I am a bit slow at the moment keeping up. My internet connection has gone down at home. Can’t believe the technician won’t be with us until the 8th April. I am already going through withdrawals. At least I will have no choice but to concentrate on my book.
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Oh no! So sorry to hear that Irene – I’ve been missing you! So frustrating too when it takes so long for the technician to get to you. I do feel your pain, but as you say, at least you can get on with your book with less distraction and hopefully keep your mind off the withdrawals 😦
Of course, we can always take a walk together in the meantime… 🙂
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Walking sounds like fun. I have just walked to our baker who opens at 6am and has great coffee, bread cooked as it was 100 years ago and free wifi. I can’t do a lot but its better than nothing. Cheers Irene
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Sounds heavenly to me! Hope you are up and running properly soon 🙂
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My appreciation for my internet connection when it is returned will be huge. You’ll know when it is up as I’ll suddenly do a long visit. Have the coffee ready. Cheers Irene 🙂
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🙂
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