3/8 40 ... really

I've always said I can't wait to be 40 ... I'm 40 and it just doesn't feel any different.  Where's all that wisdom, grace and charm I was expecting ... maybe it's 50 they were all talking about;).

3/7 Lodge Hill

Lodge Hill is definitely the best wine I've had since I've been away.  We tasted it in Da Lat and it was an oaky heaven.  I've tasted it in Saigon and it continues to be truly amazing.  If you like the oak, please please oh please try it.  One great thing about being in Vietnam, as opposed to India, is the good wine;).

3/6 Tear Down

Our house is being torn down in two months, typical in HCMC, so we move in a few days.  Never thought I'd move into a highrise ... but am truly excited about the 13th floor.  Beautiful views, no cockroaches or other creepy crawlies and an oh so lovely new neighborhood.  District 4 here we come;).

3/5 Not an Alien

I sat quietly at a table full of Vietnamese women at a company outing.  Trying not to be too American, too Western,.  After eating a meal of hot pot fish and squid, one of the women finally said to me in English, "because of your acting I don't see you as an alien just a foreigner". It's nice not  being an alien;).

3/4 In Sight

Aspects of the VN culture are slowly starting to reveal themselves.  I guess this is why I choose two years in each country.  I think I finally understand the 24/24 ads.  Tram for tram or 100 out of 100 (translated as 100%) is a common saying.  So while I was confused about this earlier, I now understand.  24 hours out of 24 hours.  Little in sights every day;).

3/3 Big Brooms

The streets are cleaned by hand for the most part.  By men and women with big Wizard of Oz brooms. However, for the first time in over a year, I  saw a street sweeping machine today - it was very tiny and efficient by American standards.  We have a lot to learn I think;).

3/2 The Massage Bikers

Since I arrived over a year ago, I've been fascinated by the masseuses on bikes.  They ride around on bicycles shaking bottle caps on a wire, stopping to give mostly men massages.  In the last year I have seen maybe 2 percent actually giving a massage.  It's very curious. 

3/1 Basket of Dogs

Driving home from Phu Nhuan, I was stuck in traffic behind a small motorbike with a very large basket full of medium sized and, what seemed to be, sedated dogs.  They were layered on top of each other so tightly wound that at first glance I thought it was just old dirty laundry.  But after sitting for a moment, I noticed some open eyes and panting tongues - it was very disturbing and continues to haunt me as I write this almost two months later.

2/28 Inspiration?

For some reason, I haven't had the inspiration to log on the blog.  Still have so much to share everyday.  I'm still dedicated to a daily post as it's a really good process to deal with being abroad just need to sit and dedicate some time.  Inspiration coming soon;).