Wealth = mobility and Hanoians luurve their motorbikes! For the last two days, I was one of them. For the sum of US$10, I hired a Honda 125cc bike (helmet and gas not included) and puttered around much of the city.
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It's small but sturdy, 125ccs of vroom vroom
I decided to take the splurge after a day of walking around the old quarter and wanting to see more. Also I was not a big fan of walking that much. First reaction of most of my frens was "are you insane?" Here's a short clip of a typical pack of Hanoi riders.
You see, it's not really that bad! Just replace 7/8 of the bikes in the video with urban assault vehicles and reduce the driver skill level by 9/10ths and you're in San Francisco! Goods get transported on them. Families go out on them. People eat on them. Mobility, yeay! (take THAT Muni!)
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You can carry stuff like a 55 gallon oil drum
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Or even the day's bia hoi (beer) delivery!
And as for crossing the street, what worry? Just pick an opening, make eye contact and walk at a constant speed. We will see you and ride around you. Don't make any sudden changes in your path, OTW you may be hit...

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