Our semi-lockdown continues in Vietnam where we've had a very slight increase in the number of coronavirus cases. We're getting about 10 new cases a day and we have about 135 total. I say "about" because the situation is obviously fluid and changing by the minute. The government appears to be doing a good job dealing with outbreak here. I call this a semi-lockdown because restaurants are open but they can not have more than 30 patrons inside at the same time. I believe the same restrictions apply to coffee shops. People seem to adhere to these policies. You're supposed to wear a mask in public, but a lot of folks ignore this mandate. A lot of people don't wear helmets when riding their motorbikes, either. I wear the mask, but I don't like it because it's hot and steams up my glasses. My daughter Joanna wears it but complains a little. My wife Phuong has always worn one. Our family wears helmets as well. My wife and I were discussing how sad it is that the pace of life here is
slower, calmer, and somewhat more pleasant because of the coronavirus.
Actually, these were my observations and my wife was nice enough to
listen. Anyway, the restrictions and shutdowns of massage parlors and little shops have created a seemingly
more caring and careful approach to life. Even among strangers.
Traffic is reduced and fewer people are driving recklessly and
selfishly. There appears to be a sense of concern for others that wasn't as
obvious before the virus. The human toll is tragic and overwhelming,
especially in China, Europe, and now the U.S. Maybe we'll learn from the adversity we are facing as we move
forward. Hopefully, we
can move forward at the appropriate time, and we always appreciate what we
have. These are remarkably
challenging times, but people find a way to meet these challenges.
• • •
I'm not a real political person. For example, I'm not interested in trolling for or against President Trump. But I have to say I was perplexed by Trump's tirade at reporter Peter Alexander. The two engaged in a back-and-forth over the merits of a malaria drug for the treatment of coronavirus. The exchange was a little testy, but I thought Trump did pretty well explaining his stance on the drug until Alexander asked the president what he would say to nervous and frightened Americans to reassure them in light of the number of infections and deaths. Trump snapped at Alexander and responded in a way that was terrible ... I thought it was a nasty response, very nasty, given that he was being relatively reasonable up to that point during the questioning.Whatever.
• • •
I've gone four years without a
cigarette (March 23) and nearly four months without a drink. I haven't cursed in
four hours, but at least that slippage wasn't in front of my daughter,
and raw language is a rarity in our house. I'm trying to play a solid end game.
• • •
Maybe a lockdown, even a partial one, isn't such a trauma here because it's 97-98 degrees F every day with serious humidity. People go out early morning and early evening for a spell -- the same as in Peru -- for walks and such. Before coronavirus, motorbike traffic was relentless throughout the day. Now it's turned into a rush hour thing as folks hunker down during the heat of the day.
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