Crossing over-the street, that is.

Crossing the street in the three nations we have visited so far seems to be an analogue of national character.  Thailand is a chaotic mess-sidewalks in poor repair, roads not well maintained, and fast drivers.  One crosses the street dodging all kinds of traffic from large trucks, entire families on one small motor scooter, to bicycles.  Horns blaring, one makes his way across.  No road rage, however, everyone smiles at you.

Singapore is another measure.  Perhaps it is the rigid controls on the number of cars allowed (a license to buy a car runs about $65,000 US.  Then you get to pay the dealer for the car.  After 10 years one does it again) or the national rule following personality, but crosswalks are honored, people stop for red lights, and speed limits are obeyed.  

Viet Nam is different still.  Fast driving, horn blowing mix of trucks, cars, motor bikes, pushcarts and pedestrians all seem to occupy the same space.  Need to turn left in a block and traffic is congested?  Just drive on the wrong side of the road.  Occasionally a traffic cop, standing on the sidewalk, will rant through a bullhorn, but no one pays any attention.  Crossing the street is actually quite easy.  One walks deliberately across at a steady pace.  So long as you keep going the traffic diverges around you like a large school of fish.  Flinching or changing speed as you cross could be fatal.

On to Cambodia.