Right now, it kind of sucks to be in Vietnam because the government has taken an extremely hardline approach to handling Covid.  We have had restrictions for quite some time but at the moment we are restricted to our homes or condo buildings and not allowed outside for any reason.  Violating this can result in a hefty fine and even jail time.

The people are Vietnam are a compliant bunch anyway because of lifelong indoctrination so as far as anyone breaking the rules are concerned, I haven't seen or even heard of anyone leaving their homes.  It's quiet for once, I suppose that is good news.

Everyone is getting down about being here but I try to put things in perspective and think about how great it was before all this happened and recall all the really cool stuff we could do before all this began.

<center> 
![WhatsApp Image 2021-08-24 at 18.57.11.jpeg](https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQmUyZquM1q2eKmkQwrRh41f1CspohQTBfVUXdPBocHwUp3/WhatsApp%20Image%202021-08-24%20at%2018.57.11.jpeg) </center>

As you are probably aware, Vietnam is a long, skinny country where you are never far from the shore.  There are so many wonderful bodies of water to visit here and the natural beauty can sometimes just be amazing.  

<center> 
![WhatsApp Image 2021-08-24 at 18.57.03.jpeg](https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQmU8j2NNjAFCpqrrEpHubR1RkkS35TEU5qeZwZoEXFjz67/WhatsApp%20Image%202021-08-24%20at%2018.57.03.jpeg) </center>

While it is one of the most densely populated countries in the world, there is still some countryside to be explored, although you are going to have to ride or drive quite a ways to get to it if you live in any city.  When you do get out there though, you quickly realize that this place has a lot of tranquility to offer if you are willing to go get it.

<center> 
![WhatsApp Image 2021-08-24 at 18.57.01.jpeg](https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQmQriDzuyincB79SMRs9xQA66D11Nf1PYJyT4TVkcETGrC/WhatsApp%20Image%202021-08-24%20at%2018.57.01.jpeg) </center>

Just the normal regular streets can be quite charming here if you are able to find one of the ones that cars either can't fit down or for whatever other reason choose to stay away from.  There are some walking streets where only bicycles and delivery motorbikes are allowed and these places are just awesome.   I never tire of the lanterns either, no matter how often i see them.   

If i am still here at the other side of all this Covid stuff, I look forward to visiting these places again but if I don't, I'm happy I ever got to go there in the first place.