I've never been this close to the equator before. One of the things I was looking forward to is seeing the night sky. In Saigon there's too much light pollution and I haven't found the open spaces. Plus it's been cloudy most nights. Tonight looking out my hotel window I can see a star in the sky. Don't know where to go to get some darkness and see more.
Went to Hue the last two nights. It is a much less populated city. The thought of seeing the night sky there was in my mind. Unfortunately it didn't happen. I was out in the evening both nights and the sky was overcast.
One more chance to see the night sky from about 10' north of the equator then I'm out of here. I hope I get a chance to see the night sky clearly once before I'm gone.
Friday, September 30, 2011
Hello :-)
Many Vietnamese say "hello" when they see me. In the majority of cases it seems to be a genuinely friendly greeting. In just a few cases it has seemed to be a bit mocking. The mocking presentation has been from maybe two different guys who seemed to me to be teenagers.
The others from the very young up through the ages to the very old have been quite friendly. This little fellow is one of the youngest to greet me with a "hello." The one even younger I failed to take a picture of. So this guy will have to do as my representation of friendly young Vietnamese who greet me with a "hello."
The others from the very young up through the ages to the very old have been quite friendly. This little fellow is one of the youngest to greet me with a "hello." The one even younger I failed to take a picture of. So this guy will have to do as my representation of friendly young Vietnamese who greet me with a "hello."
Monday, September 26, 2011
Dog
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| Nga, Long and me at dog meat restaurant |
Have thought of something not raised for slaughter that I think is very tasty, squid. That's the one exception though.
Also one son reminded me I was planning to try bugs if I found them and my dinner companions asked if I would eat crickets. Thanked my son for the reminder and said yes to my dinner companions. No crickets tonight though.
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| dog meat and dog meat sausage |
So what was the meal? Dog meat, believe it was boiled, and dog meat sausage made with the blood as well as the meat. The meat had the skin left on it. I didn't expect that or its orange color. Didn't like the skin much. The texture was soft and easy to bite through, I didn't notice a distinct flavor and the color kind of threw me. There was a thin layer of fat between the skin and meat. The meat was a bit chewy. There wasn't a strong flavor and no gamy taste. Can't say what it did taste like just what I didn't detect.
Have no idea what kind of dog it was. Didn't see dogs, alive or dead, in the restaurant. Also didn't hear any dogs while there. Suspect the meat was brought in each day and dogs not slaughtered there.
Anyway, as expected after my experience with turtle and lizard, dog is still not "blue food".
Saturday, September 24, 2011
The sex
Prostitution is illegal in Vietnam. So are many other things like more than two adults and a child older than 5 on a motorbike. These prohibitions are routinely ignored. With the motorbikes the violations are obvious and everywhere. With the prostitution it seems to be nearly as obvious.
Massage advertising is everywhere. Some of it is surely legitimate. Much of it is a front for prostitution or massage and prostitution. From what I've gathered some prostitutes are intent on delivering massage with sex.
For the ear picking I expected to be in a street level open front shop where the sidewalk was visible. That is what the ear picking videos I found on YouTube showed. The shop I went to had the barber chairs at ground level and a glass storefront. When it was determined I was there for ear picking we took an elevator to the 3rd floor and ended up in a small intimate room with two paintings of partially nude women on one wall and a large flat screen TV on the wall at my feet. The TV was off while I was in the room. If I hadn't had a woman friend with me recording the ear picking I believe there might have been some very erotic programming playing. Listen to the background music in the video segment. Somewhat seductive, no? With sharp instruments in your ear piping in death metal probably wouldn't be a good idea anyway but still! My videographer and I agreed that if she hadn't been there I probably would have been offered "additional services." We also agreed a lot of sex has likely happened in that room.
One of the things I like to do when I visit some place is walk around. It gives a perspective of the area that riding in cabs or driving cars just don't offer.
I've walked from my hotel quite often. Any walks after about 2:00 PM are inevitably interrupted by offers of massage. Offers are made by a woman who is usually attempting to hand over a card or advertising leaflet. As the day progresses into evening and then night the pitch often involves the woman following along for a bit repeating the offer.
About early evening, maybe 5:00 PM and later, usually the offer includes "special massage", "happy ending" or quite simply "I fuck you good". A few women have offered massage while following along beside me and even hanging onto my arm. After repeating several times that I really don't want a massage they've sighed somewhat resignedly and said "okay no massage just fuck you then". From that I get the perspective the massage part is important to them.
In addition to the women there are guys on motorbikes on the corners. During the day they offer to ferry you around town. In the evening they offer the same and, after being turned down, they go to their second line of business and offer women. Some have had cards with pictures of women on them, others have shown photos on their smartphones and still others have said "you come look, no charge unless you see girl you like, you don't like I bring another girl".
The women I've spoken with here seem quite resigned to this. They expect that all men will cheat and "it is just a part of life here." They all have girlfriends whose husbands have one or multiple lovers or who make use of the many sex services. Seems like a pretty rough place for a woman to find happiness and be secure in a relationship.
For the ear picking I expected to be in a street level open front shop where the sidewalk was visible. That is what the ear picking videos I found on YouTube showed. The shop I went to had the barber chairs at ground level and a glass storefront. When it was determined I was there for ear picking we took an elevator to the 3rd floor and ended up in a small intimate room with two paintings of partially nude women on one wall and a large flat screen TV on the wall at my feet. The TV was off while I was in the room. If I hadn't had a woman friend with me recording the ear picking I believe there might have been some very erotic programming playing. Listen to the background music in the video segment. Somewhat seductive, no? With sharp instruments in your ear piping in death metal probably wouldn't be a good idea anyway but still! My videographer and I agreed that if she hadn't been there I probably would have been offered "additional services." We also agreed a lot of sex has likely happened in that room.
One of the things I like to do when I visit some place is walk around. It gives a perspective of the area that riding in cabs or driving cars just don't offer.
I've walked from my hotel quite often. Any walks after about 2:00 PM are inevitably interrupted by offers of massage. Offers are made by a woman who is usually attempting to hand over a card or advertising leaflet. As the day progresses into evening and then night the pitch often involves the woman following along for a bit repeating the offer.
About early evening, maybe 5:00 PM and later, usually the offer includes "special massage", "happy ending" or quite simply "I fuck you good". A few women have offered massage while following along beside me and even hanging onto my arm. After repeating several times that I really don't want a massage they've sighed somewhat resignedly and said "okay no massage just fuck you then". From that I get the perspective the massage part is important to them.
In addition to the women there are guys on motorbikes on the corners. During the day they offer to ferry you around town. In the evening they offer the same and, after being turned down, they go to their second line of business and offer women. Some have had cards with pictures of women on them, others have shown photos on their smartphones and still others have said "you come look, no charge unless you see girl you like, you don't like I bring another girl".
The women I've spoken with here seem quite resigned to this. They expect that all men will cheat and "it is just a part of life here." They all have girlfriends whose husbands have one or multiple lovers or who make use of the many sex services. Seems like a pretty rough place for a woman to find happiness and be secure in a relationship.
The food, oh the food!!
I've signed up for a one morning cooking class that will be Tuesday morning. Any westerners reading this will be sleeping, or watching football, Monday night while I'm learning and cooking Tuesday morning.
First, WOW, I can't imagine there being any better variety or flavor and texture choices. I wrote about durian that I tasted fresh for the first time ever on my first night here. Beside the durian there are other fruits with familiar and unfamiliar names. For the unfamiliar names I will get them and put them in the photo captions.
There are fruits common to US supermarkets like watermelon, grapes, oranges, limes, pineapple, mango and grapefruit. I'm sure I'm forgetting some. For the most part the watermelon, grapes, oranges and limes haven't seemed different. The pineapple, mango and grapefruit are definitely more succulent.
Then there are the fruit that are not found or extremely uncommon in the US market. This includes a number of them that I've only heard and then forgotten the Vietnamese name. Tastes and textures run a gamut from soft to firm, no fiber to fibrous, moist to "turn off the faucet!" and small seeds to large pits.
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| dragon fruit |
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| red & white (đỏ & trắng) dragon fruit |
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| jack fruit |
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| jack fruit |
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| jack fruit |
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| durian |
Durian I've described before.
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| durian |
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| on left mangosteen, on right rambutan |
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| mãng cầu, the sweet kind |
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| mãng cầu, the sweet kind |
Friday, September 23, 2011
Củ Chi Tunnels
During the Vietnam war one of the methods VC (Viet Cong) and NVN (North Vietnamese Army) used to attack American and other forces in and around Saigon were tunnels in the Củ Chi area.
This is a very extensive tunnel system consisting of over 250KM of tunnels dug by hand in the earth around the province of Củ Chi. Because the earth is very firm no bracing was required to build them. A local name given to the ground in the area is "iron earth" because it is so firm. Holes and tunnels can be dug into it that will not collapse even without bracing.
The Cư Chi tunnels were built at several different depths. There were 3m, 6m and 9m deep tunnels. Most of the network was at 3m and was used to move fighters and weapons through out the province. At that depth there were also meeting rooms, first aid stations, operating rooms, communication and planning centers and munitions depots. The deeper 6m tunnels went to triangular shaped bomb shelters and the 9m tunnels went to escape routes such as exits below the surface of the Saigon river and traps for pursuers.
The tunnel guide gave the group the opportunity to pass through a number of tunnels. We started with tunnels enlarged for westerners and ended with smaller tunnels that were original size built for Vietnamese. I was able proceed through the "westerners" tunnel section in an easy crouch. In the original size tunnels I needed to be in a low crouch with my head down and back and shoulders touching the top arch of the tunnel or squatting on one leg the shin of the other leg flat on the tunnel floor and the leg bent sharply at the hip and folded at the knee.
We didn't venture into any of the even smaller tunnels described as one way routes that are small even for Vietnamese and "plug" tunnels that lead nowhere and are too small to reverse direction in once entered.
The one way tunnels were described as being a tunnel defense mechanism where a defender could be at the widened part of the tunnel and easily prevent advance of people through the tunnel. Anyone coming through a one way section would not be in a position to effectively fire weapons or defend themselves. The plug tunnels are meant as a method to trap someone without need for a defender ahead in the tunnel.
The Wikipedia article linked mentions infestations of many types of bugs in the tunnels. I didn't note any while there. A lack of bugs in general is something I've noted during my visit to Vietnam that is very surprising to me. With the exception of dragon flies and ants I have seen very few bugs anywhere I've been. I have seen some flies, their low numbers are notable because of the abundant trash, maybe three spiders, one LARGE cockroach and an inch worm.
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| red is the Cu Chi district |
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| the tunnel plan explained |
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| making my way through a tunnel |
We didn't venture into any of the even smaller tunnels described as one way routes that are small even for Vietnamese and "plug" tunnels that lead nowhere and are too small to reverse direction in once entered.
The one way tunnels were described as being a tunnel defense mechanism where a defender could be at the widened part of the tunnel and easily prevent advance of people through the tunnel. Anyone coming through a one way section would not be in a position to effectively fire weapons or defend themselves. The plug tunnels are meant as a method to trap someone without need for a defender ahead in the tunnel.
The Wikipedia article linked mentions infestations of many types of bugs in the tunnels. I didn't note any while there. A lack of bugs in general is something I've noted during my visit to Vietnam that is very surprising to me. With the exception of dragon flies and ants I have seen very few bugs anywhere I've been. I have seen some flies, their low numbers are notable because of the abundant trash, maybe three spiders, one LARGE cockroach and an inch worm.
The bills, the bills
Currency in Vietnam isn't too hard to do the conversions with. figure $20,000VN = $1US or $200,000VN = $10US or $2,000,000 = $100US. It's close enough and gets a slightly higher US $ cost estimate than the actual cost. I like estimating a little on the high side.
What gets me is actually paying. Having to distinguish between a 1,000 and 10,000 and 100,000 or 2,000 and 20,000 and 200,000 or 500 and 5,000 and 50,000 and 500,000 bill quickly is a bit of a pain. So many zeros! And so many denominations.
Bills I've had in my wallet are $500, $1,000, $2,000, $5,000, $10,000, $20,000, $50,000, $100,000, $200,000 and $500,000. I've only gotten coin change twice and the coins were $200, $2,000 and $5,000 denominations.
Basically all transactions are with bills. There's at least ten different denominations to handle, change given often isn't exact and the person "shortchanged" is as often the seller as it is the buyer.
Say you buy something for $63,000 and pay $70,000 with a $50,000 and a $20,000 bill. You might get back a $10,000 bill or you might get a $5,000 bill. Either way its clear the fee is paid and the vendor/cabbie/etc. is expecting to move on to the next customer. In a store with a cash register you are going to get a $5,000 bill and two $1,000 bills or a $2,000 bill.
Hard custom to get used to. On the other hand its nice to be a millionaire for once in my life!
What gets me is actually paying. Having to distinguish between a 1,000 and 10,000 and 100,000 or 2,000 and 20,000 and 200,000 or 500 and 5,000 and 50,000 and 500,000 bill quickly is a bit of a pain. So many zeros! And so many denominations.
Bills I've had in my wallet are $500, $1,000, $2,000, $5,000, $10,000, $20,000, $50,000, $100,000, $200,000 and $500,000. I've only gotten coin change twice and the coins were $200, $2,000 and $5,000 denominations.
Basically all transactions are with bills. There's at least ten different denominations to handle, change given often isn't exact and the person "shortchanged" is as often the seller as it is the buyer.
Say you buy something for $63,000 and pay $70,000 with a $50,000 and a $20,000 bill. You might get back a $10,000 bill or you might get a $5,000 bill. Either way its clear the fee is paid and the vendor/cabbie/etc. is expecting to move on to the next customer. In a store with a cash register you are going to get a $5,000 bill and two $1,000 bills or a $2,000 bill.
Hard custom to get used to. On the other hand its nice to be a millionaire for once in my life!
My dog's smarter than your dog!
In the US I've seen dead dogs by the side of the road. Not lots of them but often enough that it isn't a huge surprise to see one on the road.
In the city I haven't really seen many dogs. On the bus trips I've taken
I seen quite a few. For the most part they're all similarly built.
Compact body, perhaps 20 pounds, with short coats and tails that often
curl over their back. Very few have been chained. Even outside Saigon
the road is quite busy and the homes and business are located pretty
much on the road. The dogs are generally very close to the road as a
result.
It seems to me there is PLENTY of opportunity for these pooches get
nailed by a one of the many vehicles cruising by on the road. And yet I
haven't seen any dead dogs in the road or along side it. I have
seen the dogs moving to avoid traffic in ways I haven't seen dogs do in
USA.
For instance I've seen them move onto the shoulder or cross quickly when the bus driver beeps the horn. And he's not beeping when he's right on top of the dog. It might be 30 or so yards ahead of us on the road.
So I'm thinking these dogs are smarter than the average dog I've known or at least they've developed really keen "street smarts". In any case lots of dogs (outside the city center), lots of traffic and no dog road kill anywhere to be seen.
For instance I've seen them move onto the shoulder or cross quickly when the bus driver beeps the horn. And he's not beeping when he's right on top of the dog. It might be 30 or so yards ahead of us on the road.
So I'm thinking these dogs are smarter than the average dog I've known or at least they've developed really keen "street smarts". In any case lots of dogs (outside the city center), lots of traffic and no dog road kill anywhere to be seen.
Thursday, September 22, 2011
I wanna eat you
Went to the HCM city zoo the other day. I had to leave early for a lunch date and didn't get to see the whole zoo.
I did see a number of animals and birds. Two exhibits left a lasting impression though. There is a white tiger and a lion exhibit at the zoo. I've seen both animals before of course. What was different in this case is that I got the distinct impression the white tiger and one of the lions were eyeing me as prey!
I've seen many big cat exhibits and never gotten that feeling before. The white tiger's enclosure is plexiglass. Visitors and the tiger can walk right up to it. The lion enclosure is the more common visitor behind a fence that keeps you away from the fence that keeps the animals in. The particular lioness was laying down quite a way from her inner fence.
Both these two cats tracked me attentively with their eyes and followed me with their head as I moved across the front of their enclosure. The zoo was relatively deserted. It was midday on a Wednesday and it was raining. When I got to the enclosures I was the only person around.
If you ever want to feel threatened get yourself in a situation where it feels like a big cat is intent on eating you.
Both these two cats tracked me attentively with their eyes and followed me with their head as I moved across the front of their enclosure. The zoo was relatively deserted. It was midday on a Wednesday and it was raining. When I got to the enclosures I was the only person around.
If you ever want to feel threatened get yourself in a situation where it feels like a big cat is intent on eating you.
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
I killed it...
Was actually going out for rat tonight. The restaurant was selected by Tam because he knew it served rat. They didn't have any though :-(. Second time I've gone to a restaurant for rat and not been able to get it.
Anyway my friend Tam says next time we'll go to his friend's restaurant where horse is served. I'm sure it will look like an ordinary piece of meat on the plate not like a turtle or a lizard or a rat or a pigeon, yes I've eaten pigeon, or anything recognizeable.
A side note, I've seen very few pigeons in Ho Chi Minh.
I'm going to have the horse and will still try and get rat. Also going to see if I can find cat and dog.
I don't think they'll be any different than the turtle, lizard or pigeon. They won't taste special. I'm begining to think that would be true of anything beside domestic animals. Domestic animals have been raised for years to be eaten. So they have been being selected for taste for many years. I'm beginning to find it hard to believe an animal not raised for slaughter would taste better than one bred for it.
Suite Life of Zack & Cody anyone?
Well, no complaints about MAI Hotel.
Decent breakfast buffet, close to major Saigon points of interest (easy walking distance), close to a lot of shopping, good service and inexpensive too.
It got even better a few days ago. I extended my trip from middle of September to October 3rd. The room rate went down to $30/day retroactive, they forgave existing laundry charges and gave me free laundry service. I wonder if I told them "I want to live here" what they'd do!
Decent breakfast buffet, close to major Saigon points of interest (easy walking distance), close to a lot of shopping, good service and inexpensive too.
It got even better a few days ago. I extended my trip from middle of September to October 3rd. The room rate went down to $30/day retroactive, they forgave existing laundry charges and gave me free laundry service. I wonder if I told them "I want to live here" what they'd do!
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Nose cleaning and ear picking
This is the strangest thing I ever remember paying for. The ear picking part felt really good. Plus for only $5US for both, ear picking alone is even less, I would do it routinely.
Monday, September 19, 2011
Ho Chi Minh at night in the rain
Traffic keeps moving and the motorbikes keep riding even in the rain. A long exposure time was needed to get the pictures. The white and red streaks you see are the motorbikes.
Hanging with the locals
Right outside my hotel there's a local bar. They have one brew sold by the liter and others in bottles that are the same as bought from the store. The sold by the liter brew is served in plastic jugs that are filled when you order then capped with a screw cap. $9,000 VND or about 43¢ /liter! Even at 43¢/liter they still serve free bar snacks, grapes and boiled peanuts.
The place opens around 10:00AM and I'm not sure closing time. I've only seen it closed once at night. I was going into the hotel at 1:00AM and the bar was closed.
Heading out of the hotel for lunch one day I decided to go stop there for a beer instead. It's a real local hangout. All Vietnamese faces, no menus, a white board with hand written prices on it and low plastic furniture everywhere. I ordered a bottled beer. Before I finished a fellow approached me and began asking the a usual questions, e.g., where you from, how long you here, what's your name, etc.?
We had a few beers together (he bought his own and I didn't buy the bottled on the spot local brew), some of the boiled peanuts the house served and he had the house grapes too.
Turned out he is an unpublished author with hopes of selling a book around the world about maintaining good health and virility. He carries his manuscript around with him in his backpack. He is 79 and, based on his assertion that he drinks 10 - 12 beers a day at lunch, he does look much younger than I would expect.
Plus I met him after liquid lunch time and he was still talking clearly and able to walk a straight line. Drinking is not one of the methods he endorsed to maintain health and virility, Vietnamese yoga is. Being able to dring while maintaining one's health is just a side benefit.
He'd appreciate hearing from anyone. If you want to send him a note address a message to thaithanh999 at yahoo dut com.
The place opens around 10:00AM and I'm not sure closing time. I've only seen it closed once at night. I was going into the hotel at 1:00AM and the bar was closed.
Heading out of the hotel for lunch one day I decided to go stop there for a beer instead. It's a real local hangout. All Vietnamese faces, no menus, a white board with hand written prices on it and low plastic furniture everywhere. I ordered a bottled beer. Before I finished a fellow approached me and began asking the a usual questions, e.g., where you from, how long you here, what's your name, etc.?
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| after beer sitting in a real restaurant |
Turned out he is an unpublished author with hopes of selling a book around the world about maintaining good health and virility. He carries his manuscript around with him in his backpack. He is 79 and, based on his assertion that he drinks 10 - 12 beers a day at lunch, he does look much younger than I would expect.
Plus I met him after liquid lunch time and he was still talking clearly and able to walk a straight line. Drinking is not one of the methods he endorsed to maintain health and virility, Vietnamese yoga is. Being able to dring while maintaining one's health is just a side benefit.
He'd appreciate hearing from anyone. If you want to send him a note address a message to thaithanh999 at yahoo dut com.
How to make a killing at the bank!
How's 14% interest on a savings account sound?! Yeah, I thought so too. Then I saw it is only for accounts in Dong. Inflation is about 20% here in Vietnam I'm told. So I guess it isn't really a killing. More like a losing proposition.
But wait a minute! Perhaps it is still possible to make a killing? Bring in US$, exchange for Dong, put in 14% savings account, remove after some time, convert back to US$.
I'm exchanging $1US = $20,800VN and the rate to convert back is only slightly less, $20,850VN = $1US. 14% interest in the Dong savings account would certainly cover the reconversion loss. I'm sure there's something I'm not seeing otherwise this would be selling as a get rich quick scheme!
But wait a minute! Perhaps it is still possible to make a killing? Bring in US$, exchange for Dong, put in 14% savings account, remove after some time, convert back to US$.
I'm exchanging $1US = $20,800VN and the rate to convert back is only slightly less, $20,850VN = $1US. 14% interest in the Dong savings account would certainly cover the reconversion loss. I'm sure there's something I'm not seeing otherwise this would be selling as a get rich quick scheme!
Sunday, September 18, 2011
The accident
My cô giaò took me on a day trip to Vũng Tàu. The last king of Vietnam, Bảo Đại, had a summer vacation retreat there. We took a hydrofoil from Saigon to Vũng Tàu. A little over an hour trip. Any boat I've ever been on before has always felt a bit rough, even large ferrys, from the hull slapping the water. That's true on even smooth water. The hydrofoil was glass smooth all the way from Saigon to Vũng Tàu . Vũng Tàu is nearly on the sea and the water was much choppier there than in Saigon but still the smooth ride. Really impressed by the difference a hydrofoil makes.
Anyway, the accident. We took a taxi from the dock to the kings palace. The streets of Vũng Tàu are more open than in Saigon and much less crowded. Even so our taxi driver managed to bang into a motorbike at an intersection. The motorbike didn't go down and both motorbike and cab were stopped for a moment in the intersection with both drivers looking at one another. Finally the motorbike rider continued on past our taxi and pulled over to the curb.
As the motorbike was pulling away the cabbie began shouting and gesticulating toward the rider. I have no idea what he was saying of course. From my perspective the bang up was the cabbie's fault. It seemed the motorbike was clearly in front of us, crossing our path, but the cabbie kept driving forward until he bumped the motorbike.
We hit the motorbike in the middle of the intersection. In what seems typical Vietnamese fashion traffic from all four directions kept moving with the cab stopped in the intersection. We hadn't moved when the motorbike pulled over to the curb. As soon as that happened the cabbie got out, leaving us and the cab in the middle of the intersection with traffic flowing all around us, to go have a word with the motorbike rider.
Once he finished with the motorbike rider our cabbie came back to the car and prepared to continue the journey. At that moment a police van with four police inside pulled in front of the cab blocking our path. Now a police vehicle and the cab were both stopped in the middle of the intersection and traffic from all four directions continued to flow by. The cabbie got out and spoke loudly with many gestures to the cop in the front passenger seat. He then returned to the cab, the police van pulled away and we proceeded on our way.
After cô giaò spoke with the cabbie I learned the motorbike rider apparently apologized to the cabbie for blocking his way. Didn't learn what the cabbie and cop spoke about. Apparently that's all there is to a no damage traffic accident in Vietnam.
Anyway, the accident. We took a taxi from the dock to the kings palace. The streets of Vũng Tàu are more open than in Saigon and much less crowded. Even so our taxi driver managed to bang into a motorbike at an intersection. The motorbike didn't go down and both motorbike and cab were stopped for a moment in the intersection with both drivers looking at one another. Finally the motorbike rider continued on past our taxi and pulled over to the curb.
As the motorbike was pulling away the cabbie began shouting and gesticulating toward the rider. I have no idea what he was saying of course. From my perspective the bang up was the cabbie's fault. It seemed the motorbike was clearly in front of us, crossing our path, but the cabbie kept driving forward until he bumped the motorbike.
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| cabbie walking toward motorbike, picture from back seat of cab! |
Once he finished with the motorbike rider our cabbie came back to the car and prepared to continue the journey. At that moment a police van with four police inside pulled in front of the cab blocking our path. Now a police vehicle and the cab were both stopped in the middle of the intersection and traffic from all four directions continued to flow by. The cabbie got out and spoke loudly with many gestures to the cop in the front passenger seat. He then returned to the cab, the police van pulled away and we proceeded on our way.
After cô giaò spoke with the cabbie I learned the motorbike rider apparently apologized to the cabbie for blocking his way. Didn't learn what the cabbie and cop spoke about. Apparently that's all there is to a no damage traffic accident in Vietnam.
Saturday, September 17, 2011
What's wrong with this picture?
Friday, September 16, 2011
Playing in the street
I've written about the traffic in Saigon from perspectives of watching from the curb and participating as a motorbike passenger.
The last few evenings I've been at my hotel and needed to find dinner for myself. My hotel only serves breakfast buffet so I must venture out for other meals. As in other cities I visit I walked from my hotel to get a sense of the area and see what's in the immediate area. That means I experienced traffic as a pedestrian! Fortunately I had the opportunity to observe pedestrians before attempting my own trek across a street. If not for that I would never have attempted a crossing at dinner time much less crossed safely.
Based on what I observed I waited until nothing too big was coming my way (four wheeled vehicles seem less apt to make way for pedestrians), then I look in the direction opposite oncoming traffic because not all traffic goes the "right" direction, look in the direction of oncoming traffic and when there is space to step into the street without making anyone immediately swerve or get on their brakes I head out.
Once in the street proceed slowly and deliberately forward timing your progress so you'll walk forward into the spot behind the motorbike that just passed by. If it doesn't look like you have room to move forward stop until the motorbike preventing that progress passes then move into the spot behind as just described. Move deliberately and remember you, the motorbike riders and the cars are dynamically negotiating the progress each of you want to make.
If the motorbikes are adjusting their path but it doesn't seem to be a reaction to you stop and look opposite the direction of oncoming traffic. There's likely someone coming from that direction and you need to be sure not to step into its path.
On the streets that are wide enough the four wheel vehicles are near the center line and the motorbikes toward the curb. If you're crossing one of these streets when you get to the four wheel traffic area stop if there are four wheel vehicles approaching and they can't conveniently slow down to let you pass. Standing in the street is okay, really! Once you can step behind a passing four wheeler and not slow the following one down too much go ahead and cross the street to the center line. Remember to watch out for motorbikes from either direction.
Now that you've made it to the center of the road repeat the crossing process in reverse. That's all there is too it!!
The last few evenings I've been at my hotel and needed to find dinner for myself. My hotel only serves breakfast buffet so I must venture out for other meals. As in other cities I visit I walked from my hotel to get a sense of the area and see what's in the immediate area. That means I experienced traffic as a pedestrian! Fortunately I had the opportunity to observe pedestrians before attempting my own trek across a street. If not for that I would never have attempted a crossing at dinner time much less crossed safely.
Based on what I observed I waited until nothing too big was coming my way (four wheeled vehicles seem less apt to make way for pedestrians), then I look in the direction opposite oncoming traffic because not all traffic goes the "right" direction, look in the direction of oncoming traffic and when there is space to step into the street without making anyone immediately swerve or get on their brakes I head out.
Once in the street proceed slowly and deliberately forward timing your progress so you'll walk forward into the spot behind the motorbike that just passed by. If it doesn't look like you have room to move forward stop until the motorbike preventing that progress passes then move into the spot behind as just described. Move deliberately and remember you, the motorbike riders and the cars are dynamically negotiating the progress each of you want to make.
If the motorbikes are adjusting their path but it doesn't seem to be a reaction to you stop and look opposite the direction of oncoming traffic. There's likely someone coming from that direction and you need to be sure not to step into its path.
On the streets that are wide enough the four wheel vehicles are near the center line and the motorbikes toward the curb. If you're crossing one of these streets when you get to the four wheel traffic area stop if there are four wheel vehicles approaching and they can't conveniently slow down to let you pass. Standing in the street is okay, really! Once you can step behind a passing four wheeler and not slow the following one down too much go ahead and cross the street to the center line. Remember to watch out for motorbikes from either direction.
Now that you've made it to the center of the road repeat the crossing process in reverse. That's all there is too it!!
Cao Đài Temple
The temple campus is a really huge and open place. The temple itself is quite large and has a great deal of fine detail work. Rather than replicate everything said in the Wikipedia article I'll add my own impressions and some additional detail picked up from the tour guide.
Between our tour guide, Wikipedia and the CIA World fact book there is quite a discrepancy regarding percentage of various religions practiced here. According to the guide about 60% of the population is Buddhist, 15% Christian, 5% Muslim, 5% Cao Đài and the remainder other religions or not religious. From Wikipedia the figures are 80%, 8%, "a small minority" and 3% respectively. And finally the CIA World Factbook says the distribution is 9.3%, 7.2%, 0.1% and 1.1% respectively.
While approaching the temple our tour guide said that photos are allowed and can be taken throughout the campus, the temple and during the ceremony which would start at noon. One significant protocol he made us aware of is that once the ceremony begins it is not allowed to walk past the front of the temple. I snapped a number of photos outside and inside the temple then headed outside once tourists began to fill in the gallery and the Caodaists began assembling on the ground floor to begin the ceremony.
Outside, while putting my sandals back on (shod feet are not allowed in the temple), a Caodaist approached me and struck up a conversation asking where I am from, why here, how long am I staying and what religion do I practice. He was an older man I would estimate to be in his late sixties. Quite pleasant and easy to speak with. Once he found that I wasn't going to watch the ceremony he invited me back into the temple saying it is a very beautiful sight to see accompanied by pleasant music and singing. With an invitation like that how could I refuse? So back in I went. The video attached here shows the beginning of the ceremony. I should have started recording earlier. The missing piece is that women are on the left and men on the right. When the ceremony began they were lined up facing each other on opposite sides of the temple and then moved to the center, keeping their ranks separate, until there was a small gap between the two groups as seen in the video. At that point they all turned to face the far end of the temple and sat to pray. I exited shortly after the end of the video, before the end of the ceremony, to get on xe buýt before it left.
One of the significant contrasts I noted is how clean and well kept the campus and temple are vice the filth and dirt right outside the gate. Outside the gate there was trash piled in the street and laying against the campus fence. And it stank.
So there is a beautiful, large, well kept temple on a big campus ringed by a wall...
...and outside is a stinking mess. Despite the rotting mess, I didn't see any flying bugs of any kind. I expected a swarm of flies based on experience from home. There were NO bugs flying around the garbage or pestering me for standing too close to it.
Between our tour guide, Wikipedia and the CIA World fact book there is quite a discrepancy regarding percentage of various religions practiced here. According to the guide about 60% of the population is Buddhist, 15% Christian, 5% Muslim, 5% Cao Đài and the remainder other religions or not religious. From Wikipedia the figures are 80%, 8%, "a small minority" and 3% respectively. And finally the CIA World Factbook says the distribution is 9.3%, 7.2%, 0.1% and 1.1% respectively.
While approaching the temple our tour guide said that photos are allowed and can be taken throughout the campus, the temple and during the ceremony which would start at noon. One significant protocol he made us aware of is that once the ceremony begins it is not allowed to walk past the front of the temple. I snapped a number of photos outside and inside the temple then headed outside once tourists began to fill in the gallery and the Caodaists began assembling on the ground floor to begin the ceremony.
Outside, while putting my sandals back on (shod feet are not allowed in the temple), a Caodaist approached me and struck up a conversation asking where I am from, why here, how long am I staying and what religion do I practice. He was an older man I would estimate to be in his late sixties. Quite pleasant and easy to speak with. Once he found that I wasn't going to watch the ceremony he invited me back into the temple saying it is a very beautiful sight to see accompanied by pleasant music and singing. With an invitation like that how could I refuse? So back in I went. The video attached here shows the beginning of the ceremony. I should have started recording earlier. The missing piece is that women are on the left and men on the right. When the ceremony began they were lined up facing each other on opposite sides of the temple and then moved to the center, keeping their ranks separate, until there was a small gap between the two groups as seen in the video. At that point they all turned to face the far end of the temple and sat to pray. I exited shortly after the end of the video, before the end of the ceremony, to get on xe buýt before it left.
One of the significant contrasts I noted is how clean and well kept the campus and temple are vice the filth and dirt right outside the gate. Outside the gate there was trash piled in the street and laying against the campus fence. And it stank.
So there is a beautiful, large, well kept temple on a big campus ringed by a wall...
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
She understands me!!!
My Mekong delta excursion included an overnight stay in the city of Cần Thơ in hotel Huy Hoàng. There are pictures at the link. (Note: If there isn't a panoramic view of the street from the hotel's 3rd floor you can check again later if you want to see the hotel and street in front. It takes a while for the pictures to be posted to Google Maps.)
While riding the tour bus into Cần Thơ our guide told us that the locals refer to English speakers as "hellos" because, of course, that's how we greet people and respond when greeted. I've been trying to learn some Vietnamese for quite a while and have learned the Vietnamese "hello" is "chào" followed by an appropriate pronoun. There are many pronouns to choose and the correct one to use reflects the gender, relative age difference, familial relationship and familiarity with the person being addressed! Fortunately if you don't know how to decipher it all getting by with nothing at all or "em" both seem to work fairly well. Whew.
In the evening I went walking to the market along Hai Bà Trưng street.
I walked quite a bit and went from the hotel to Hai Bà Trưng then right to the intersection with Phan Đình Phùng street, turned around and went to the intersection with Vo Van Tanh street, turned around again and found restaurant for dinner then finally back to the hotel.
While out walking a group of four young Vietnamese, two couples I'd guess to be college students, walked by me. One of the women said "hello" to me and I replied "chào em". On hearing that she began asking me several questions in English and where I thought I knew the appropriate Vietnamese response I replied in Vietnamese. She and her friends seemed to really enjoy my Vietnamese quite a bit. After some conversation with her friends she asked if they could take a picture with me because "Caucasians never try and speak Vietnamese" and not only that, they could understand me. Of course I said YES.
Quite an ego boost. And it was going to get better.
After the conversation with the students I continued my walk until I saw an appealing restaurant. The place had an open air front with tables looking out to the sidewalk to sit and watch the passersby. I sat down and the waitress provided me with a menu. After looking it over I ordered by reading the Vietnamese from the menu. Once I finished the meal I asked for the bill and confirmed the amount still using Vietnamese. When the waitress came back with change she asked, in English, if I live or work in Vietnam! When I asked the reason for her question she said my Vietnamese was very good and she could understand me easily so she thought I must have spent a lot of time in Vietnam. That was great to hear.
While riding the tour bus into Cần Thơ our guide told us that the locals refer to English speakers as "hellos" because, of course, that's how we greet people and respond when greeted. I've been trying to learn some Vietnamese for quite a while and have learned the Vietnamese "hello" is "chào" followed by an appropriate pronoun. There are many pronouns to choose and the correct one to use reflects the gender, relative age difference, familial relationship and familiarity with the person being addressed! Fortunately if you don't know how to decipher it all getting by with nothing at all or "em" both seem to work fairly well. Whew.
In the evening I went walking to the market along Hai Bà Trưng street.
While out walking a group of four young Vietnamese, two couples I'd guess to be college students, walked by me. One of the women said "hello" to me and I replied "chào em". On hearing that she began asking me several questions in English and where I thought I knew the appropriate Vietnamese response I replied in Vietnamese. She and her friends seemed to really enjoy my Vietnamese quite a bit. After some conversation with her friends she asked if they could take a picture with me because "Caucasians never try and speak Vietnamese" and not only that, they could understand me. Of course I said YES.
Quite an ego boost. And it was going to get better.
After the conversation with the students I continued my walk until I saw an appealing restaurant. The place had an open air front with tables looking out to the sidewalk to sit and watch the passersby. I sat down and the waitress provided me with a menu. After looking it over I ordered by reading the Vietnamese from the menu. Once I finished the meal I asked for the bill and confirmed the amount still using Vietnamese. When the waitress came back with change she asked, in English, if I live or work in Vietnam! When I asked the reason for her question she said my Vietnamese was very good and she could understand me easily so she thought I must have spent a lot of time in Vietnam. That was great to hear.
Monday, September 12, 2011
Ho Chi Minh (Saigon) Traffic
Much has been said about traffic in HCM city and you may have some sense that the traffic is fierce and nearly unmanageable for a foreign visitor.
Having taken quite a few cab rides and two trips on the back of a motorbike I can say myself the traffic is truly incredible. Two videos are below so that you might get your own sense of what it is like.
Being in traffic a number of times now my impression has changed from a frightening vision of unimaginable chaos to appreciation for a level of harmony and courtesy that isn't immediately apparent. Look at the videos and you will likely share my first impressions. There ought to be accidents happening every few moments, but there aren't.
Once you've seen and been in the traffic a bit you'd appreciate what isn't apparent by watching from the curb, there are almost no aggressive drivers. With the terrible congestion from all the vehicles, if you think about it for a bit, it makes sense. Plus the vehicles aren't metal behemoths with the driver and passengers wrapped in a protective shell. In most cases flesh and blood would be hurt by a crash, not only metal. Drivers must be conscious of this and adjust their driving techniques accordingly.
In the videos watch for traffic in the "wrong" lanes, going the "wrong" way, crossing against oncoming traffic, doing U-turns, pulling into traffic from driveways and, perhaps most impressive, all of the traffic at some intersections proceeding through the intersection without stopping! Somehow traffic from all three, at T's, or four directions makes it through without disaster.
Having taken quite a few cab rides and two trips on the back of a motorbike I can say myself the traffic is truly incredible. Two videos are below so that you might get your own sense of what it is like.
Being in traffic a number of times now my impression has changed from a frightening vision of unimaginable chaos to appreciation for a level of harmony and courtesy that isn't immediately apparent. Look at the videos and you will likely share my first impressions. There ought to be accidents happening every few moments, but there aren't.
Once you've seen and been in the traffic a bit you'd appreciate what isn't apparent by watching from the curb, there are almost no aggressive drivers. With the terrible congestion from all the vehicles, if you think about it for a bit, it makes sense. Plus the vehicles aren't metal behemoths with the driver and passengers wrapped in a protective shell. In most cases flesh and blood would be hurt by a crash, not only metal. Drivers must be conscious of this and adjust their driving techniques accordingly.
In the videos watch for traffic in the "wrong" lanes, going the "wrong" way, crossing against oncoming traffic, doing U-turns, pulling into traffic from driveways and, perhaps most impressive, all of the traffic at some intersections proceeding through the intersection without stopping! Somehow traffic from all three, at T's, or four directions makes it through without disaster.
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Finally, a blogging solution!
One prior post is updates with pictures. I'll start loading new posts too. My cô giáo has taken care of me again and gotten me a loaner laptop!
Updated post
First night...
I am sure I was able to post pictures and videos from the tablet before. Will probably restore to factory image and try with it again once I'm back in the US.
Updated post
First night...
I am sure I was able to post pictures and videos from the tablet before. Will probably restore to factory image and try with it again once I'm back in the US.
Friday, September 9, 2011
Off to Mekong Delta & floating market
Taking an overnight excursion to the delta with stops to see stilt houses, a fruit plantation, a fishing village and Rung Tram forest. Pictures when I'm back Sunday evening (local time).
Pictures and Android tablet
Planned to post more but haven't been able to load pictures to the blog easily using Droid tablet. Trying to figure out one that let's me load directly from the camera SD card inserted into tablet but nothing's worked so far.
Anyway trip is going well. Once I get the picture loading figured out will back post the pictures to existing entries and new ones that are posted before method is figured out.
First night...
Exiting the HCM airport involved going through customs, getting my checked bag, finding my ride and getting to the hotel.
Customs was incredibly easy. No wait, all the booths had an agent in them even at 9:30 PM. I went to an open window and handed over my passport with visa inside. The agent opened it up, made an exclamation when he found the visa as if he wasn't expecting it, stamped the visa, handed everything back to me and waved me through. At that point I said "cảm ơn" the agent looked surprised, grined a bit and waved at me.
It took a while for my checked bag to come down the carousel. But it came through just fine. Collected the bag and exited the bagging area. Exiting was a new experience. In addition to comparing the bag claim check to the tag on the bag both the bag and carryon went through Xray to get out of the airport.
From there it was time to find my cô giáo for a ride to the hotel. I snapped a picture of her when we met.
Airport to hotel was a short taxi ride. Even at 10:00 or 10:30 at night the amount of two wheeled traffic was incredible. I'll be attempting to document it so I can post a picture or video that conveys the complexity and volume. For now I'll say I've never seen anything like it before, ever.
After checkin another short taxt ride to get a meal. Again cô giáo gets me there and we share some phở.
While eating one of the innumberable motorcycles pulls over with a huge bundle on the back. In the dark I can't see clearly and ask if the bundle is coconuts. Nope, turns out its durian! It's one of the fruits I've been looking forward to try fresh here in Vietnam. I bought one and the vendor opened it for me. Incredible the work needed to open this thing up. I'm amazed anyone ever found out there's anything edible inside given the work it takes to open it.
My first thought about the flavor is nothing special. The texture is quite unexpected though. Unlike any fruit I've ever had. Rather than some sort of fiber like in oranges, apples, etc. or soft but cohevsive flesh like a banana or some mellons the flesh is almost like pudding. After dinner it's back to the hotel with plenty of left over durian to put in the fridge.
Next morning I find that there's some of that pungent smell durian is famous for coming from the fridge. And I taste some for breakfast. Wow, much better than when it was first opened. There is now a sweetness to the flavor and a sweet aftertaste. Can't describe the flavor though except to say it is not citris and it is good.
Customs was incredibly easy. No wait, all the booths had an agent in them even at 9:30 PM. I went to an open window and handed over my passport with visa inside. The agent opened it up, made an exclamation when he found the visa as if he wasn't expecting it, stamped the visa, handed everything back to me and waved me through. At that point I said "cảm ơn" the agent looked surprised, grined a bit and waved at me.
It took a while for my checked bag to come down the carousel. But it came through just fine. Collected the bag and exited the bagging area. Exiting was a new experience. In addition to comparing the bag claim check to the tag on the bag both the bag and carryon went through Xray to get out of the airport.
From there it was time to find my cô giáo for a ride to the hotel. I snapped a picture of her when we met.
 |
| traditional clothes called áo dài |
After checkin another short taxt ride to get a meal. Again cô giáo gets me there and we share some phở.
While eating one of the innumberable motorcycles pulls over with a huge bundle on the back. In the dark I can't see clearly and ask if the bundle is coconuts. Nope, turns out its durian! It's one of the fruits I've been looking forward to try fresh here in Vietnam. I bought one and the vendor opened it for me. Incredible the work needed to open this thing up. I'm amazed anyone ever found out there's anything edible inside given the work it takes to open it.
My first thought about the flavor is nothing special. The texture is quite unexpected though. Unlike any fruit I've ever had. Rather than some sort of fiber like in oranges, apples, etc. or soft but cohevsive flesh like a banana or some mellons the flesh is almost like pudding. After dinner it's back to the hotel with plenty of left over durian to put in the fridge.
Next morning I find that there's some of that pungent smell durian is famous for coming from the fridge. And I taste some for breakfast. Wow, much better than when it was first opened. There is now a sweetness to the flavor and a sweet aftertaste. Can't describe the flavor though except to say it is not citris and it is good.
Thursday, September 8, 2011
The flights out
I'd have to say my concern about being stuck in a small seat for an interminable amount of time is only 1/3 true. The flight from JFK to Narita, Japan on a Boeing 777 was quite comfortable. The 777 seat is quite comfortable as economy airplane seats go. Or perhaps it is roomier because the aircraft is used for such long duration flights. Total flight time to Japan was about 14 hours. The seat reclines and there is a foot rest on the seat in front so I can change my foot positoin with ease. And I'm pretty sure the seat is wider than the standard economy seat on domestic flights. So it doesn't feel so cramped.
The 777 has all seats, even economy, outfitted with an entertaiment system that includes a video display in the back of the seat in front. Movies do cost but music and some videos are free. Also there is a live travel map with several different views showing progress of the flight. It is just the type of thing that really draws my attention (shows live realtime information about something relevant to me).
The 777 has all seats, even economy, outfitted with an entertaiment system that includes a video display in the back of the seat in front. Movies do cost but music and some videos are free. Also there is a live travel map with several different views showing progress of the flight. It is just the type of thing that really draws my attention (shows live realtime information about something relevant to me).
The 2nd leg was a 767. Perhaps because of the length of the first flight, perhaps because of the seat or maybe the combination, the seat was much more uncomfortable. Certainly there was much less leg room. So for the second leg I fidgeted uncomfortably quite a bit.
Both flights were operated by ANA though the booking was with United. The service on board is very good and the stewardesses have been readily available with assistance. Additional water, a pen when needed (mine's packed away in the checked bag) rapid meal service, etc. were all quickly and cheerilly provided.
The meal choices on the 777 were "J-Menu BENTO" and "Western Choice". No idea what would be served with J-Menu but that's what I asked for. After eating and later spending time exploring the various features on the in seat electroinics I figured out the J-Menu. It is deep-fried sablefish with thick seafood and soy sauce. And it was quite good. Compared to the sad sandwiches I've gotten on even the longest domestic flights in recent years this was gourmet quality.
So far it seems my jet lag avoidance plan may have a chance to succeed. I stayed up late and woke early two days before the flight and the day before. I planned to arrive at the airport tired and sleep for a while on the first leg of the trip out. Then stay away for the remainder of the trip to HCM. Hopefully I arrive there beginning to feel tired and will be able to sleep when I get to the hotel at about 10:30 PM local time which would be 11:30 AM my time.
I was very tired in the terminal and able to fall asleep once I boarded the plane. I got about 4 hours sleep. For someone who sleeps 5 to 7 hours most nights that's a pretty good chunk. It's now 11:35 PM my time, 10:35 AM HCM time and I don't know what local time is here over the Bearing Sea or North Pacific and west of the International Date Line. I don't feel any more tired than I normally would during mid day.
Earlier in the flight I read my dad's book "A Saigon Diary" and was able to get all the way through without nodding off. That tells me I'm pretty alert. Usually reading and travel knock me out. Dad's book is no page turner so it would put me out even after coffee. Just a few more hours to Tokyo Narita Airport, a few hours wait for my next flight and then about 6 more hours to Saigon. A pretty easy 6,000 mile jaunt.
Different behaviors
Reflecting on my flights I have to describe some noteworthy experiences at Narita and HCM airports.
When the plane landed in Narita there was the usual announcement over the pa about keeping seat belts buckled until the sign was off. We taxied for several minutes and finally pulled up to the terminal. The plane stoped and finally the fasten seat belt sign was turned off. Once the sign was off the sound of seat belts unbuckling was almost a chorous. It was then I realized I hadn't heard any unbuckling to that point!
Departing Narita included an equally unusual experience. Once the plane was pushed back from the gate and turned perpendicular to it to begin taxiing away the ground crew stood in a line and waved at the departing plane. One fellow was a bit late to the line and I saw him drop what he was doing and run over to join his colleagues and wave us off.
These experiences added weight to my preconception of Japanese orderliness.
The experience on landing in HCM was quite different! Once the plane touched down again there was the expected announcement about staying seated. Not long after that and before the plane had turned off the runway I heard seat belts being unbuckled.
Once we had turned onto the taxiway more belts were unbuckled and people got up, opened overhead compartments and started pulling carryon items down! At this point the stewardess came into the asile and asked everyone to sit down now and buckle up. Everyone complied although several people took their time about it and finished rummaging through the overhead before returning to their seats.
Once we had stopped at the gate and before the seat belt sign was turned off seat belts were again unbuckled and people were up and emptying the overheads. I'd have to say the Vietnamese are a bit unrully compared to the Japanese.
When the plane landed in Narita there was the usual announcement over the pa about keeping seat belts buckled until the sign was off. We taxied for several minutes and finally pulled up to the terminal. The plane stoped and finally the fasten seat belt sign was turned off. Once the sign was off the sound of seat belts unbuckling was almost a chorous. It was then I realized I hadn't heard any unbuckling to that point!
Departing Narita included an equally unusual experience. Once the plane was pushed back from the gate and turned perpendicular to it to begin taxiing away the ground crew stood in a line and waved at the departing plane. One fellow was a bit late to the line and I saw him drop what he was doing and run over to join his colleagues and wave us off.
These experiences added weight to my preconception of Japanese orderliness.
The experience on landing in HCM was quite different! Once the plane touched down again there was the expected announcement about staying seated. Not long after that and before the plane had turned off the runway I heard seat belts being unbuckled.
Once we had turned onto the taxiway more belts were unbuckled and people got up, opened overhead compartments and started pulling carryon items down! At this point the stewardess came into the asile and asked everyone to sit down now and buckle up. Everyone complied although several people took their time about it and finished rummaging through the overhead before returning to their seats.
Once we had stopped at the gate and before the seat belt sign was turned off seat belts were again unbuckled and people were up and emptying the overheads. I'd have to say the Vietnamese are a bit unrully compared to the Japanese.
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
The adventure begins
Waiting to leave JFK. Got here early so I didn't worry about rushing through the airport. Waiting 2 1/2 hours for my departure. Right off the bat the flight is delayed 15 minutes. Hope that doesn't change!
Saw somethig I never expected in an airport, power went out briefly at all the shops in the concourse that I could see. The lights bliked out, came back on and blinked again then finally went out for several second at some shops and is still out at others 15 minutes later.
The general lighting in the hallways and at the gates hasn't been affected though. And the food shops only flickered they didn't go dark like the news stand.
Shop lights came back on after about an hour. Just in time for me to board.
...and away I go.
Saw somethig I never expected in an airport, power went out briefly at all the shops in the concourse that I could see. The lights bliked out, came back on and blinked again then finally went out for several second at some shops and is still out at others 15 minutes later.
The general lighting in the hallways and at the gates hasn't been affected though. And the food shops only flickered they didn't go dark like the news stand.
Shop lights came back on after about an hour. Just in time for me to board.
...and away I go.
Time to go...
After collecting stuff in a bag for months, slowly accumulating the cache of Vietnam travel stuff, food (no, I'm kidding), medicine, clothes, toiletries, documents (can't get in without a visa) it finally came time to put it all in a suitcase.
My plan has been to pack light for the two week trip. Into the bags went a few gifts for people there, a camera to record the trip, a tablet to blog it, toiletries, way too much medicine and, of course, some clothes.
I would have been able to get everything into one carry-on but I have some gift items that are liquid/paste and over 3 oz. so a checked bag is necessary (no it's not alcohol!). If it weren't for the over 3 oz. items I'd be taking a two week trip to Vietnam with only a carry-on!
Not bad packing light for a two week trip, eh?
My plan has been to pack light for the two week trip. Into the bags went a few gifts for people there, a camera to record the trip, a tablet to blog it, toiletries, way too much medicine and, of course, some clothes.
I would have been able to get everything into one carry-on but I have some gift items that are liquid/paste and over 3 oz. so a checked bag is necessary (no it's not alcohol!). If it weren't for the over 3 oz. items I'd be taking a two week trip to Vietnam with only a carry-on!
Not bad packing light for a two week trip, eh?
Time to say goodbye
Held a small party Sunday to celebrate my pending trip. A bunch of friends came over for burgers, chips & dips, beans, corn, watermellon, beer and dessert. Seems like I was the only one who really liked the jalapeno stuffed olives. And I forgot to serve the potato salad!
Rain didn't come and we were able to be inside and outside for the party. Kids played on the lawn and seemed to have a great time.
Everyone wished me well. Mary said "don't bring anyone back", Jessa said "let him be himself and do whatever happens" (thanks Jessa) and Kevin wants to know what it would take to bring back a good nanny for Regina.
Mom said it was a good party, my friends are nice I should enjoy my trip. Thanks mom.
Nice way to get sent off.
Rain didn't come and we were able to be inside and outside for the party. Kids played on the lawn and seemed to have a great time.
Everyone wished me well. Mary said "don't bring anyone back", Jessa said "let him be himself and do whatever happens" (thanks Jessa) and Kevin wants to know what it would take to bring back a good nanny for Regina.
Mom said it was a good party, my friends are nice I should enjoy my trip. Thanks mom.
Nice way to get sent off.
Saturday, September 3, 2011
Will be posting from Vietnam
I will be posting while on my trip. After talking with my cô giáo in Vietnam about safety in the hotel I've decided to bring my Asus Eee Pad Transformer along so I'll be able to post while traveling.
Thanks Casey Family Services management team for a wonderful parting gift!
Thanks Casey Family Services management team for a wonderful parting gift!
Who's afraid of Vietnam?
A few more days and I'm on my way to Vietnam.
As I think about stepping off the plane in Ho Chi Minh, still have a hard time writing that instead of Sai Gon, I worry customs will look in my bag and decide to send me home on the next plane.
Why? Because I've gotten everything recommended on the medical travel guide that was given to me when I got my Hepatitis and Typhoid vaccinations for the trip. I feel like I'm carrying a pharmacy along with me. Plus while shopping for all this stuff I saw three other things that seemed to me like good additions. Temporary filling/cap replacement, Gold Bond powder (a life saver on recent New Mexico trip) and Anbesol (generic).
I imagine the Vietnamese border agent looking at the contents of my bag and thinking "this guy is afraid to be here, what an insult" or "this guy must be sick" and deciding the best thing to do is kick me out of the country.
That won't happen I'm sure but the mind can come up with some pretty strange thoughts.
Below is a picture of medical supplies I'm bringing. Am I forgetting anything?
I've got....
As I think about stepping off the plane in Ho Chi Minh, still have a hard time writing that instead of Sai Gon, I worry customs will look in my bag and decide to send me home on the next plane.
Why? Because I've gotten everything recommended on the medical travel guide that was given to me when I got my Hepatitis and Typhoid vaccinations for the trip. I feel like I'm carrying a pharmacy along with me. Plus while shopping for all this stuff I saw three other things that seemed to me like good additions. Temporary filling/cap replacement, Gold Bond powder (a life saver on recent New Mexico trip) and Anbesol (generic).
I imagine the Vietnamese border agent looking at the contents of my bag and thinking "this guy is afraid to be here, what an insult" or "this guy must be sick" and deciding the best thing to do is kick me out of the country.
That won't happen I'm sure but the mind can come up with some pretty strange thoughts.
Below is a picture of medical supplies I'm bringing. Am I forgetting anything?
I've got....- hand sanitizer
- Betadine solution
- gauze pads
- cloth tape
- bandaids
- water conditioning tablets
- insect repellent, 35% DEET recommended, looked forever and finally found 34.34%, it'll have to do
- OTC antacid
- OTC antifungal cream (jock itch cream was clearly labeled antifungal so picked that)
- OTC anti-itch cream
- OTC antibiotic ointment
- OTC laxative
- OTC anti-diarrheal (can almost imagine using this and the previous, one after the other, and having regularity swing out of control)
- Ciprofloxacin a prescription anti-diarrheal, doctor's description - "Only to be used for travelers diarrhea, it's like nothing you've ever had before so you'll know if you need it!" (great confidence builder that instruction)
- Tamiflu - prescription flu medication
- Ambesol gel generic
- lost filling and loose cap repair kit
- Gold Bond powder
Friday, September 2, 2011
My newest, biggest adventure is about to begin. GOOD MORNING VIETNAM!!
This should be a trip, in more ways then one.
Been quite a difficult year capping off the accident that got this blog started 4 years ago. Got divorced, lost my job...
There've been upsides too. My stress level has gone WAY down. Me and my boys went on a great vacation RVing around New Mexico. Carlsbad Caverns is absolutely worth visiting! Roswell is a goof, almost everything IS alien themed. The museum and art center in the downtown has an excellent exhibit about America's rocketry pioneer, Robert H. Goddard. A big exhibit room with lots of machinery from his shop, various pieces of the rockets he built and about half an hour worth of videos covering his career and life. It's nearly impossible to find anything about the Goddard exhibit on the museum/art center web site and what's there doesn't do the exhibit justice. Real shame. Another stop was Santa Rosa. The Blue Hole there is definitely worth stopping in for a dip.
Now my biggest adventure begins. About two weeks in Vietnam. Literally half way round the world. A bit nervous about getting there and coming back. Have to sit in a small seat for 20 hours each way. I expect that will be uncomfortable. Traveling to and from the airport just adds to the journey. I'll be on the ground a total of 11 days and have about a day and a quarter travel on each end.
Bringing two long books to try and keep my head occupied on the flights so I'm not feeling too stuck in the tiny seat. Also bring two Vietnamese phrase books and some language CDs on my MP3 player. Still up in the air about bringing any electronics beyond a digital camera and the MP3 player.
Got a SWEET hotel booked. A/C, private bath and JACUZZI, morning brunch included for $32/day!!! Went on TripAdvisor to find a hotel. Came up with three options and sent the list to my cô giáo (teacher) for comment. She suggested a fourth she believes is better. After looking at the details went for the one cô giáo recommended. Better room, jacuzzi and breakfast and still less per day than two of the hotels I found. It's always helpful to have someone local looking out for you.
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