Two Months

It's been over two months since I've posted.  I have a long list of drafts to update.  Only one of which was a fabulous trip to Hanoi, Ha Long Bay and Hoi An.  More than ever I feel grateful to be abroad, but, to the same extent, miss my family and friends deeply.  Rarely have I missed the states, only the people and certain small details (organic food, uncensored internet, hair products and reliable hot water and power;)). The plan is to see 30 countries in the next 10 years.  That should make it 50 by the time I'm 50.  More to come....

More Yay

At least that what it sounds like ... yay or de is goat.  Had a goodbye goat dinner with at least six different dipping sauces.  Chili, lime, pepper, miso, more chili, and basil.  Steamed goat, bbq goat, fried goat. The miso chili sauce is by far my favorite ... very sour and earthy.  Fantastic with a few beers, but so sad to say goodbye to a group of engineers I've been with for almost a year.  They gave me a beautiful gift of fabric for an ao da (a traditional Vietnamese long dress with silk pants)  the color of the sun.  Thanks Tafico. I will so miss you.

Thunder Palace

Three months ago, I moved into a highrise that I  said I'd never do.  I moved into another district that I adamantly refused as well.  But it's luxury on the 13th floor.  Stunning views and amenities.  And thunder storms like I've never experienced.  I honestly felt like I was in a war zone.  The booms and cracks were terrifying.  I usually love a good storm ... this one not so much.  May have to build a bunker.

Summer Roasted Chestnuts

On my walk home from the park, I found vendors trolling outside my house in front of the late night snail restaurants.  Little push carts with a bowl of hot sand and baskets of chestnuts. Warm fragrant  and amazing with some salt ... in summer no less;).

Silly Signage

This is posted in my grocery store restroom. I've been wanting to post it for ages. 

One leg and two wheels

A one legged one armed man rode a bicycle gracefully in and out of the cars, buses, inching pedestrians and crazy taxis during rush hour traffic.  I nearly had an accident watching him.  It was almost hypnotic.

Has it really been over two months?

Has it really been almost three months since my last post? I guess it's time to go to weekly posts;).  I still have so much to say every day, but will sum it up in weekly posts for the next year ... until I move to the next country.  Hope to get caught up soon.  Have had some lovely experiences especially with the food and language .. just hope I can remember them all:).

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.