A Long Journey Ends, but the Adventure Continues
After 27 hours of travel from Japan to Ho Chi Minh City, I finally arrived—or so I thought. The real challenge was just beginning: assembling my bicycle.
All my luggage was with me, a mountain of gear that might rival what Japanese athletes carry when returning from international competitions. Despite the weight, the total cost including flights was less than 50,000 yen, which felt like a bargain.
Work began at 2 a.m.
Unpacking and Assembling the Bicycle Trailer
I started by unloading all the luggage, beginning with the trailer I had purchased on Amazon for less than 20,000 yen. I had worried it might break immediately, but it turned out to be surprisingly stable.
Attaching the trailer wheels was almost effortless—even for a beginner like me, it took less than five minutes.
Tackling the Bicycle Assembly
Next came the bicycle itself—the most formidable challenge. The mere fact that all the parts had arrived in Ho Chi Minh City in good condition was cause for genuine gratitude. I had heard stories of travelers whose bicycles arrived damaged, so I felt thankful.
I began with the front wheel, which went on smoothly. While working, a kind passerby noticed my large load and offered me some grapes. After almost 29 hours without rest, small gestures like this felt incredibly moving.
Then came the rear wheel, often intimidating for beginners. There were minor complications with the chain, but within about ten minutes, the assembly was complete.
Finally, the bicycle was ready. The entire assembly, including short breaks, took about an hour.
In the bustling streets of Ho Chi Minh City, I stood out with my bicycle and trailer. About one in ten passersby took a photo. Bicyclists are rare here, and those with trailers even rarer.
First Ride Through Ho Chi Minh City
Exhausted and sleepless, I paused briefly at a café to drink water and lemon water. The staff kindly advised me to buy from the neighboring store to avoid inflated prices, though the drink itself wasn't to my taste.
With hydration complete, I began cycling the approximately 10 kilometers to Usagiya Guesthouse, a Japanese guesthouse.
The first ride overseas was thrilling and slightly intimidating. The streets were filled mostly with motorbikes, yet seeing a few other cyclists brought a sense of camaraderie.
Exploring and Learning from the Streets
Traffic was overwhelming, and for about thirty minutes I struggled to turn left through the congestion. A friendly local man who had formerly lived in the U.S. or Canada noticed my struggle. He guided me and helped me navigate through the sea of motorbikes—a gesture I deeply appreciated.
Gradually, I grew accustomed to the flow of traffic and eventually arrived at the guesthouse.
