As expected from the last post, I'm beginning to see a pattern. I went on my first business trip to Hanoi since arriving here. During my taxi ride home in HCMC tonight, I got the typical questions: do you have a family?; are you married?; what do you do?; and how old are you? as well as advice on where to stay to save on rent (at least he didn't add 'so that I can save money to find a husband').
This time the driver was probably in his late 20's/early 30's, and instead of the lecture on getting married and starting a family. I got flowery compliments such as American Viet Kieu's must look younger and more beautiful than the local women. I even got an offer to get free scooter driving lessons, including the gift of his scooter (ummmm, I wonder what he expected in return).
And yes, I got a phone number...he made sure to slip me another piece of paper along with the cab receipt. This will surely make my mother's stress level go up to think that she may have to support him and his family (not sure where she got this crazy idea since she stopped supporting me at the age of 18, including not paying for most of my college). 😌
What a coincidence! I got my hair done last night, and my stylist is a Vietnamese 40 year old single guy (never been married). He is going for a visit to Vietnam in a month or so, and was telling me how he was already bracing for the "questions." He specifically said that the taxi cab drivers would meet him with questions about his marital status, and as soon as he told them, they would shout, "are you GAY???"
ReplyDeleteWhat is with the taxi cab drivers???????????? haha!
Have a good week!