OK, so I have to write a rant based only on one topic, something close to me - driving. Now I know, I know, I did fall off a bike, but that was like after 30seconds of trying, and I do redeem myself later in the trip. Plus, my rant is aimed at 'professionals'. So, here it is...

Our bus 'driver' from Can Tho to Rach Gia not so much went over speed bumps, more hit them with blatant disregard, only hoping in what little understanding of momentum he had and the good favour of Buddha to carry him over. I can only give this estimation as he has not learnt, after fivie or six similar instances on this trip alone, that slowing down and taking them steady not only gets you by faster, but also keeps your bus together.

Our last bus driver (Dalat to Mui Ne) found this out to his detriment when after taking a similar attitude/ignorance to potholes he Friar-tucked the gearbox, leaving first and second three kms up the road. I say ignorance not lightly or arrogantly - only an hour beforehand we had to ditch in a roadside garage to replace a wheel he made a complete c*** of.

Corners also seem to cause particular difficulty, especially travelling uphill. Like speedbumps, they dont think to break beforehand, rather, they hurtle right up to them, try to turn, realise they have neither the equipment nor talent to make it stick, then have to hit the breaks (just before veering to the opposite side of the road). Obviously again this leads to a total loss of momentum and an elongation of our journey (not to mention the car they recently overtook on a blind bend now tootles past, leaving the whole hopeless saga to start again).

But these are not unique occurrences. I would not mind if it was a one-off on each journey but they are the standard of all journeys and happen repeatedly with no learning or improvement. I can even reluctantly bite my tongue at their incompetence, but when they are professional 'drivers' with the reponsibility of ours and others' safety, my bite is rarely hard enough. I have voiced it during the trips, and now I have voiced it to you. But I don't anticipate it makes a blind bit of difference. But I now feel better!!!