I ain't scurred of shit

This will be my fourth night in Vietnam. With each passing night I've gotten more used to the heat and how incredibly hot it is. As much as i want to, I still can't seem to sleep in past 8. The heat gets you so sticky that its practically unbearable. This, in turn allows me to sleep easily at night.

This morning i woke up at 7. By this time, the stores already open and all of the adults are already awake. I just caught the oldest of my cousins leave for work. I look down from the balcony and see my mom playing with the cat, appropriately named "Cat". I sit down and watch the busy street in the morning. Having no music doesn't bother me as much as I thought it would. Theres lots of other sounds that take place here - the sounds of the motorcycles, the dogs barking, the morning chatter and gossip. I just sit in front watching and listening tentatively. I never grow tired of this.

In the meantime, I read a little bit and write a letter.

Sometimes in the afternoon I nap. Never do I really nap, merely just resting my eyes, so it goes. No real plans for this evening. I like it that way. This month is suppose to be treated as an escape from everything - to get away from the monotony and repitition. I needed this.

Alot more happens in the the span of the afternoon. Not exciting enough to write. Same goes for the evening - Aside from going to the cafe with my cousins and sister. There, I order a beer and go on the wireless internet, check my email and send one out. Soon after, my cousin takes me across the river to another district. We pay 3000 dong (equivalent to 20 cents) for two motocycles and ride the ferry across. On one side is downtown, and on the other is the ghetto. Downtown is beautiful at night. I take two pictures with my digital and Mai rushes me back on the cycle. Shes afraid someone might run my shit (indeed, I did have my lappy and camera).

Barrrel Bridge to be constructed across Saigon River

I always hear shit like this happens here from my mom and from others. For instance, I heard they just pull shit out from under you and run off on the motorcycle. Another account is they'll fake diseases like AIDS and threaten to have it contracted. But I however, have much more trust in humanity. I believe the chances of that happening are slim to never, which is true. There are far more forces of good than evil and people always seem to highlight the bad, overlooking what is good on earth (*cough*...news *cough*). For now, I listen to her and we leave. But next time, I'll take my chances. I never want to live my life in fear. Then again, I don't want AIDS either.