So we tried to rent e-bikes. But we took them back 2 hours later because it was TERRIFYING. My description to a friend on the day “The scooters and trucks all just pass you with little clearance. There is no clear right of way so you can never start. It’s the wrong side of the road. There is no sidewalk so there are pedestrians, and dogs, and cats. Zarah’s is a monster fat bike thing that the assistance isn’t enough for the hills then she has to push and every time she stops more than 1 min she has to restart it with a pen because the button is broken. Mine turned off for no reason and won’t turn back on. It’s 86F and humid. We are done.”

I had really wanted to explore the island more and it was fun to get a little farther than the three main streets and the beach we have gotten to on foot. I didn’t take any pictures, I was too focused on staying alive. Most people get scooters and I can see going faster being a bit safer in some ways because everyone isn’t constantly passing you. But I just don’t feel comfortable enough to try with so many others on the roads. There is also something about travel insurance not covering injuries you if you don’t have a motorcycle endorsement. And I also keep seeing 3-5 people a day with bandages from scrapes or burns from them. And a coworker who went to Vietnam for a PT school trip said scooter accidents were the main thing they were treating. I believe it. Maybe someplace super chill with few others around, but not here.

Oh and it was Lunar New Year here starting yesterday. The internet said it would be today so I was entirely unprepared for firecrackers at 7:57am.

Happy New year to all! May it be prosperous and joyous for you.

I may not have much to post for a few days. Zarah and I both have a cold and are feeling like maybe snorkeling is not letting our sinuses heal.