-^-for posterity-^-

i finally ran this morning.

there is space here and it scares me. the space is everywhere, anywhere you go, and it smothers you. there is too much space, too many places to stand and move. there are no people. i don't know where everyone went but there just isn't anyone around. this country is like a ghost town.

the beach was empty. well, there were a few people milling about and a few teenagers who were responsible to make sure no one drowned. i ran down the boardwalk into the wind.

running is not possible in vietnam. in the mornings, at about four thirty, many people go out to the main lake and go walking or do tai chi. i've only been out to the lake a couple of times in the morning and every time it is a huge crowd of people ambling around the small circle. the crowd is comforting, but you can't run.

i ran for the first time in a long time. my legs were stiff but i quickly found my old form. i ran into the wind as the ocean, to my right, beat the sand on the shore. i ran and the wind pushed my hair up and to the left. i ran and sweat poured down my face and i shivered.

i reached the end of the boardwalk and turned around. i paused for a moment and took in a couple sitting on a bench looking at the sea. they sat there at peace as my heart raced.

i ran home and my fatigue blocked out any thoughts of space and crowds. i was alone in my head as my body busied itself. i was alone and it didn't matter where i was.

too much space too few people no one staring.