Mr Chalk and I have recently returned from a wonderful holiday in Vietnam. It was the first time we had been there and it was truly an amazing experience to see such a vibrant country and people.

We were lucky enough to see 3 world heritage sites during our trip, and this was awe-inspiring in itself. However, I have to say that the bits of the holiday I found most enjoyable is just watching people get on with their lives, either from a taxi, bicycle or just on foot. The last few days of our holiday were spent in hot, bustling Hanoi – a fascinating city which, until the 1990s had seen mostly bicycles in the streets and very little in the way of motorised vehicles.

The city has certainly made up for it since that time, as there are millions of scooters and motorbikes now. We could hardly believe our eyes, and such was the madness of the traffic that we found it almost impossible to cross the road. You really did take your life in your hands. Traffic lights and road signs were also a rarity.

We could not understand how there were not more accidents, with whole families riding on one scooter, people on their mobiles while driving with huge loads on the back, as well as the sheer number of vehicles.

What we soon learned was that each person in the street was actually always very alert, and took responsibility for their own safety. There seemed to be a ‘flow’ to the traffic and no road rage occurred, which is what you would expect. The drivers were assertive, yet steady and respectful of others. The honk of horns was not to chide, but just saying ‘I’m here’.

We could really learn from this in the West. We are so quick to apportion blame, for all sorts of things including our health and welfare, our living standards, the state of our roads, schools, hospitals, never taking responsibility ourselves.

Returning from a country which really does have a reason to feel bitter and angry but actually demonstrates a wonderful sense of confidence and resilience has been a real eye-opener.

Warmest wishes,

Wendy x