A restaurant, horns, and a bank

The shark was thrashing around, breaching the surface and splashing water everywhere. The diners in the restaurant did not seem to notice this display of pique. Other creatures in the tank moved around to make way for the shark, who finally rolled over and was playing dead, or so it seemed. All around the shark tank were tanks of sea creatures - moray eels, snails, conchs, lobsters, crabs, skates, rays, and many varieties of fish. They were there to serve as dinner for the hungry customers. 

Last time I was here (in Vietnam) I ate slugs. I can tell you that I am not a fan. This time I tried a snail. Everyone else was piling in with gusto, using little forks to drag the snails out of the shells and munch. So what the heck. It was about what I expected, chewy and slimy at the same time. There. I ate mine. My attitude is that if the others at the table enjoy them, I should give them maximum opportunity. 

Thanks to having moved to Seattle 16 years ago, I no longer am squeamish at the idea of busting into a crab shell and cleaning it out. The first time I did it, it took a lot of beer to get started. Now it is easy. Clams, mussels, etc are no issue for me. Just the snails. 

The way people use horns here would be considered rude in the U.S. I awaken to horns every morning. Scooters and cars, blowing every few seconds. Watching my drivers use the horn, I have come to realize that it can be a courtesy. "I am in your blind spot". "I am taking the right of way". "Passing on your left". Those are what I have come to think of as courtesy horns. When trapped behind a vehicle, the drivers tend to flash their lights, which means essentially "outta my way, Peck". That signal is ignored more often than not. 

I had an interesting experience trying to open a bank account here. In response to my inquiry about a savings account, the bank said:

"I am so apologise to inform ANZ is not offering service to US person because of reporting requirements and withholding obligations imposed on banks by US regulation and the IRS, which is not in line with bank’s policy on protection of customer privacy information. Hence, we are not in a position to bank with US persons. Funny, I used to think communist governments were oppressive. Apparently the IRS has imposed reporting requirements that have banks simply deciding not to have U.S. citizens as customers.  

When I was here seven years ago, there were beggars. This time I planned ahead and brought money to share with them. However, one obvious new thing was an absence of beggars. In seeking an explanation I found that people are no longer allowed to beg. The economy is good, there is plenty to do, so beggars are required to find work. Interesting. It would seem that the Vietnamese attitude has shifted from "each according to his need" to "he who does not work does not eat". 

This country seems to be singing the praises of privatization, and is moving toward prosperity very quickly. I have seen exactly one picture of Marx and Lenin, and that was in a government office.