2/27 Brief Observation #6

If you ride a bike, you are "poor".  This is not so much an observation but more of a statement made by the Saigonese. It's interesting that it is so looked down on.  Thus the million motorbikes I guess. 

2/26 Brief Observation #5

Ice Cream is a very important part of life here. My favorite are the little kem carts.  Ice cream cones and most importantly ice cream sandwiches ... in a lovely french baguette.

2/25 Brief Observation #4

The Vietnamese love their french pastry shops - especially Tous Les Jour which at first I avoided and now love.  Very inexpensive lovely pastries and lattes and a beautiful environment.  Synonym:  a cheap Starbucks.

2/24 Brief Observation #3

After over a year I am still not able to download ITunes songs.  Definitely not a brief observation;)

2/23 Brief Observation #2

Vietnamese women usually don't drink wine and only occasionally beer.  The wine being rice wine primarily.  I have to find out if red wine is ok?

2/22 A New View

Drove to a new district today. Quiet streets, trees everywhere, lovely little cafes, and massive supermarkets (aka malls;)). Fabulous to get a new perspective of the city.  Sometimes that's all it takes;).

2/21 Two Months Behind

As I'm two months behind, my posts will, of course, be brief observations.
Brief Observation # 1 Vietnamese men have very long fingernails.  After a year and a half, it's still strange when they point something out especially in close proximity.  However, I did take note today that there is a small minority that don't wear their nails long ... I wonder why?  Hopefully, an answer soon;).

2/20 Pirate Comfort

Of course, just sad today.  Comforted myself with some  VN TV - American Idol, Master Chef, Top Model, and pirated movies (sorry it's a horrible reality here).

2/19 Goat Hotpot

Early early wake up with a really really deep sadness.  I sat on my motorbike watching them leave just wishing they could stay or at least come back once a month.  I was full of tears all day. Arrived at my afternoon class to get an invitation to lunch in lieu of class which I very gratefully accepted.  We sat on the second floor of a nondescript, District One restaurant at long low to the ground stainless steel tables with tiny blue plastic chairs.  Course after course arrived while I tried to get information about exactly what it was that we were eating. I came to find out after about three hours, a few beers and some fabulous rice wine that we were eating goat and many interesting goat parts.  The translation is as follows: nipple, bone marrow, leg, head, and, most importantly brain.  I arrived home comforted in a strange way.  With very swollen eyes, a heavy heart and some wonderful texts from mom, I went to bed - at 7pm and didn't wake up for 12 hours.

2/18 Parks and Tailors

The ladies finally got their park experience and even though it wasn't in the morning it was still fabulous.  They got a good taste of one of my favorite things about Saigon.   After the final fitting at the tailor, or at least we thought, we grabbed Sacha for dinner at Ngon-another stand by. So great to have her join us.  Enjoyed a nice bottle of wine even though the dinner was a bit questionable - sorry ladies;).  Headed back to the tailor to only find they wanted a "final final" fitting - of course.  Had a drink while we waited and the dream started to fade.  I was just sad.  I could have had another three weeks with them.  There was so much more to do.  We finally came home and I feebly helped them pack. We all got to bed late for a way too early morning.

2/17 Rooftop Tears

After my morning class, I met the ladies for lunch at a Japanese steak house which was surprisingly delicious. I gave them a quick tour of the cool kitschy shops on the block and headed off to plan.  They met me an hour later for class in one of my Vietnamese public schools.  The 50+ students were, of course, fascinated by them and ended up grilling them the entire lesson.  I think everyone had a blast.  Let the ladies wander again while I finished my classes.  We headed to the 23rd floor of the Sheridan which I have wanted to go to since I arrived. While totally overpriced and over crowded, it was still lovely and very very special.  We talked, shared, cried, and, of course, laughed hysterically. 

2/16 Tailor and the Hokey Pokey

I woke early to go to park for some exercise and a pastry run. Wanted to share the lovely baked goods that Saigon has to offer.  After breakfast, we were off to the tailor which, as usual, took longer than expected.  The ladies met me at Be Ngoi Sau, the kindergarten I teach at, for an afternoon of songs and, of course, more laughing.  I headed off to my next class to let the ladies wander.  When I got home, we headed off for a dinner at a bbq garden.  A good choice - but there are definitely better.  Regardless, we had a great nite and got home exhausted as usual. 

2/15 Embroidered Beauty

We returned to the Soffitel to peruse and get Deb her amazing silk embroidered painting.  While they packed it for shipping, we went to the "village" where the silk embroidery artists work to meet the artist.  It was a bit touristy, but still beautiful.  Headed back to the hotel and said goodbye to the dream.  Flew back to Saigon for a quick dinner and early nite.  The next few days would prove to need the rest.

2/14 Easy Riders

Woke up to breakfast in the suite then we were off to meet our Easy Riders. I had read about it and was lucky enough to meet Hung when we arrived.  He brought along two other gentlemen and within in hour all three of us had our very own Vietnamese boyfriend.  They were accessible, kind, down to earth, and just plain fun.  We visited the Crazy House (think Gaudi in Spain), toured the country side, witnessed a video taping of a Russian Hip Hop band and got to see a very large and very happy Buddha. But the best moment of the day, was Deb, my aunt having her first beer.  She was definitely more impressed with the scenery. The ladies visited the spa while I took advantage of the mammoth bath tub in the master bedroom.  Another amazing day in DaLat. 

2/13 Best Birthday Ever

 Woke up to wonderful gifts and a wonderful sunrise over the lake thanks to my Mom and Aunt. Woke up to a fabulously decorated suite thanks to Sacha. Had a leisurely brunch and wondered over to the Dalat Palace to check out wine tastings.  Made a reservation and wondered back to the hotel.  Arrived to find a cake and wine.  More celebrations then back for the wine tasting.  Sat with my Mom and Aunt in a private room tasting the old and new world but most importantly laughing hysterically.  This was by far my favorite part of the trip - having those two all to myself.  Went for an after tasting drink;) and met a gorgeous Dutch man who ended getting my second birthday cake - thanks Mom.  Really just a very special day with my two favorite ladies.  So very grateful to have had them here on such a special day. 

2/12 Dalat Dreams

This is kind of where the dream starts. We woke up at the crack of dawn, haled a taxi, got on a prop plane, landed in a misty valley, took a quiet taxi and arrived in the sleepy city of Dalat.  A little like San Fransisco, a little like Paris.  We got in early so our room was not ready of course. However, upon closer inspection the presidential suite was.  So as we enjoyed a fabulous champagne brunch on the roof, we were informed that our suite awaited us. Wow. Definitely a dream and a fabulous hotel - Ngoc Lan.  Really luxurious, a little extravagant and a beautiful view (or views;) of the lake. The ladies had their first VN spa experience which turned out to be just plain hilarious ... think ABBA hair.  We wandered the market while taking pics and tasting street food (well I tasted the street food).  Had a decent dinner and fell asleep in the dream suite.