Life in the 'hood

Living in a Bien Hoa "neighborhood" is such an improvement over a hotel or ex-pat housing (white monkey cage). Once the neighbors get over the initial shock of seeing a white monkey coming and going at odd hours (because of my odd schedule hours), they're really great. When I first moved in, I gave everyone living near me pastries from ABC, and they acted a little confused. No smiles, nothing. What does the white monkey want? Nothing, really. Then I broke my automatic door by being stupid, and everyone came out to watch me struggle to get back into my house. They tried to help, but when you do something stupid you don't really want people climbing over you to help. The door is fixed, but I'm still stupid. Anyway, time seems to make things better. The staring stopped, and it was replaced by smiles and nods. The neighbors across the street gave me bananas and traditional Vietnamese food -- meat and mashed beans wrapped in rice that was green, probably from the beans. The whole thing, about the size of a sub, was wrapped in paper that was tied with string. Sorry, no picture because I ate it right away. I returned the favor with more pastries and this time there were thank-you's and smiles all around. It really makes a difference being part of a community, and I realized (with help from my sage friend Tom E.) that this is certainly  a more communal society than the U.S., or even Peru. People live close to each other here, and they do what they have to do to make it work. I get it.
Of course, this doesn't change the wretched motorbike riding, where what seems to work is "I get ahead, I get mine, and screw you." Same philosophy seems to hold true in certain stores, especially in line. The other day at the electronics store I frequent, however, a gentleman realized I had been waiting and he REFUSED to cut in front of me and told me to go ahead. First time in a year that's happened.  I wept openly.
But when you think about it, which is difficult for me sometimes, I recall drivers in the U.S. and Peru  being chuckleheads, and butting their butts in line or whatever.
I still don't go out much for fear of hassle I don't need or want, but I've developed a circle of stores and coffee shops that I trust. And they treat me well enough. I think every white person should go somewhere where they're really the minority (and not just a wealthy tourist) and feel the vibe others have to feel. There I go, thinking again.
Sad news: Three really nice staffers are leaving VMG. I will especially miss the beautiful Le Chinh :) and not only because she's beautiful. She was always very cheerful and helpful, even when I irritated her, which was every day.  Dorothy and Van are also leaving, and they're both very good people.  Later, guys.
It's been really hot here. In the 90s every day and guess what? It's humid. It makes me think of Arequipa, Peru, weather .... the best weather in the world.