Like any other day, I set off for work this morning. However, last night's downpour transformed my usual 40-minute drive into an arduous 3.5-hour ordeal. People often say, "Safe from the rain, safe from the sun," assuming that being in a car offers comfort and protection. But when roads turn into rivers and water levels rise above half the wheels, that sense of security quickly evaporates, replaced by stress, anxiety, and helplessness.

This wasn't just a commute; it was a test of human patience and endurance. Photo: Minh Kha

This wasn't just a commute; it was a test of human patience and endurance. Photo: Minh Kha

Along my route, countless vehicles inched forward, bumper to bumper. Horns blared incessantly, water splashed against the undercarriage, and the engine roared as my feet constantly switched between the gas and brake pedals. Outside, motorcyclists waded through the murky water, raincoats plastered to their bodies, some even succumbing to the forceful currents. The sight evoked both sympathy and despair.

Inside the car, the air conditioning hummed, and music played, yet comfort remained elusive. Every time I navigated a deep puddle, my heart pounded with fear: fear of water flooding the engine, fear of stalling in the middle of nowhere, fear of damage with no recourse amidst the sea of people and water. This anxiety haunted me throughout the lengthy journey, completely shattering the illusion of driving as a pleasurable experience.

Everyone wants a relaxed, clear-headed start to their workday. But after splashing through 15 km of flooded streets, I arrived at the office with soaked shoes, mud-caked trousers, and a thoroughly exhausted spirit. Time, energy, and patience had all been eroded by those inescapable pools of water.

On days like these, Hanoi's normally bustling streets transform into a flooded labyrinth. Drivers like myself, while seemingly shielded, bear the brunt of the suffering: traffic jams, inundation, the risk of vehicle damage, and inevitable tardiness. Only through experience does one realize that driving during a flood is no more "enjoyable" than any other mode of transportation, and in fact, significantly more draining.

This morning, during my 3-hour and 26-minute, 15 km journey, I truly grasped the saying, "Safe from the rain, safe from the sun, but not the water that reaches the wheels." As a marathon runner, I typically complete a 42 km race in under 4 hours, yet today's 15 km commute consumed almost the same amount of time.

I simply hope that even when it rains, the roads will remain clear, so that the morning commute doesn't turn into a prolonged struggle against water and fatigue.

Kha Vo