tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-864367469032742132024-03-13T17:57:44.407+07:00..::Half the World Away::..Corihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17137288736654497040noreply@blogger.comBlogger111125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86436746903274213.post-51791247208545872512011-04-26T22:58:00.000+07:002011-04-26T22:58:29.830+07:00Moving.Dear Blogger.<br />
<br />
I'm sorry to say that I've had too much frustration with your services.<br />
<br />
I will be moving my blog to a new location...<br />
<br />
Loyal readers (whoever you might be, and hopefully there's one or two of you out there...) Please enjoy my new blog.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://h-t-w-a.tumblr.com/">http://h-t-w-a.tumblr.com/</a><br />
<br />
Yours Truely,<br />
<br />
Unsatisfied customer.<br />
<br />
P.S. I won't be getting rid of this blog... just yet at least- so you can view previous posts at your leisure : )Corihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17137288736654497040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86436746903274213.post-6615107922788618552011-04-17T23:11:00.000+07:002011-04-17T23:11:01.005+07:00Reading Now....<div style="text-align: center;">So- I've read a few books since my last post, and luckily my dad and Nancy got me this AWESOME gift for christmas: </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.mojolondon.co.uk/a/i/products/originals/passions_book_cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.mojolondon.co.uk/a/i/products/originals/passions_book_cover.jpg" width="208" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So- please stay tuned for reviews...notes.... quotes.... from these recent reads: </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>The Fountainhead </b><i>- Ayn Rand</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br />
</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Villa Incognito </b><i>- Tom Robbins</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Mrs. Kennedy</b> - <i>Barbara Leaming</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br />
</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>The BFG</b><i> - Roald Dahl</i></div>Corihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17137288736654497040noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86436746903274213.post-4855261158946927152011-04-17T11:42:00.000+07:002011-04-17T11:42:26.666+07:00Bob Dylan<div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Like a Rolling Stone. </span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>* In honor of seeing him in concert last week and because sometimes I feel like a rolling stone...</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br />
</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><object height="40" width="250"> <param name="movie" value="http://listen.grooveshark.com/songWidget.swf" /><param name="wmode" value="window" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><param name="flashvars" value="hostname=cowbell.grooveshark.com&widgetID=25058555&style=metal&p=0" /><embed src="http://listen.grooveshark.com/songWidget.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="250" height="40" flashvars="hostname=cowbell.grooveshark.com&widgetID=25058555&style=metal&p=0" allowScriptAccess="always" wmode="window" /></object></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Here are some shots from the show: </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>Corihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17137288736654497040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86436746903274213.post-69051411388304931892011-03-20T18:13:00.000+07:002011-03-20T18:13:58.907+07:00Go Vap<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-2wg5OCZDuqE/TYXPnq_a_jI/AAAAAAAABMs/LvHK2g1B27E/s1600/IMG_1468.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-2wg5OCZDuqE/TYXPnq_a_jI/AAAAAAAABMs/LvHK2g1B27E/s320/IMG_1468.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Zg9L4fqLAGQ/TYXfCcxrMVI/AAAAAAAABPA/OiuckJ703WQ/s1600/IMG_1523.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Zg9L4fqLAGQ/TYXfCcxrMVI/AAAAAAAABPA/OiuckJ703WQ/s320/IMG_1523.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GHzFYjs2NWA/TYXfh0v6g3I/AAAAAAAABPE/QxfG_-ff70o/s1600/IMG_1524.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GHzFYjs2NWA/TYXfh0v6g3I/AAAAAAAABPE/QxfG_-ff70o/s320/IMG_1524.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Corihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17137288736654497040noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86436746903274213.post-15646894369605666382011-03-19T23:19:00.000+07:002011-03-19T23:19:10.414+07:00Tet Holiday 2011- pt.2 and pt.3<div style="text-align: center;">This second part of the trip was a journey of dual purposes. For one, the most obvious, is to experience new places. The other, is a personal journey- pushing boundaries and pushing myself to move past my comfort zone and try new things, on my own. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Most of my travels up to this point have been with a friend or friends. I've always had someone 'holding my hand' showing me what to do and guiding me along the way. It's time that I grow up- become the strong individual I know I am deep down inside and start doing things completely on my own... Of course, this was a baby step because I hired a tour group to take me through the Mekong Delta and Cambodia- BUT I did this on my own and was forced out of my comfort zone, into new challenges without the help of friends or family. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">It was life changing and I proved to myself that I can not only do these things on my own, but I LOVED every minute of it and cannot wait to continue these solo journeys in the future. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Anyway- here it goes- again, pieced by quick little journal entries : ) </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Day 7: </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">(February 7th, 2011)</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;">I took the 11:30pm bus from Phan Thiet back to Sai Gon with Tam's sister, brother in law and niece. It was so incredibly packed on the bus I was nervous that I would have to sit in a super awkward position for the entire 4 and a half hour trip- however, being the enormous foreigner, I was offered the front seat by the driver... my own little private cubby to enjoy the trip. It was VIP for sure : ) </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">The bus was running late, and there was a point where we needed to turn around and go back to a stop to pick someone up. I kept thinking for sure that I would get back to town too late and miss my bus to the Mekong. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I woke up and didn't recognize any of my surroundings, I looked at my watch and it was already 5:30am and I felt for sure that we still had an hour or two left in the ride back to Sai Gon- arg, frustration set in. When suddenly, we took a right turn and were right in front of my alley way! Phwef.... made it home in time to shower, pack and take a breather between trips. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Took the bus to the Mekong Delta- took about 3 hours and I slept solid the entire trip. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Once there we road on three different kinds of boats and a motorcar! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Saw how coconut candy was made and held bees : )</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<b>Day 8</b><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><i>(February 8th, 2011)</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><i><br />
</i></span><br />
- floating markets- such a cool idea, the people live and work on the boats. They drive their boats up to other boats and sell their goods. Simple, simple, simple- perfect. There are even coffee shops and food/restaurants on these boats!<br />
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Also- went to a food orchard- so cool, I haven't seen such healthy looking fruit in VN. Ever. Switched groups for the second night- road three and a half hours to the last town before crossing over into Cambodia by boat.<br />
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<b>Day 9</b><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">(February 9th, 2011)</span></i><br />
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Early morning visit to a floating village/Cham minority village.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-5iNOFz5CYfs/TYSun3sSYTI/AAAAAAAABII/iruRfLxYWEw/s1600/IMG_0797.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-5iNOFz5CYfs/TYSun3sSYTI/AAAAAAAABII/iruRfLxYWEw/s200/IMG_0797.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">After this visit we were finally on our way to Phnom Penh. Listening to Band of Horses- made me feel so much all at once it hurt. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">To visit a place you've never been before is one of the most beautiful experiences in life. Whether you love the place or hate it- the first sights, sounds and smells are extraordinary. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Solo traveling is fantastic. This is the beginning of a new and independent way of life for me. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Heading out into Phnom Penh alone is a huge adventure for me. Sure I do things alone all of the time in VN, but I know that country so well- I know how to communicate and I know what to expect. I have never headed out completely solo before- I've always been with Jake, friends, tour groups or fellow volunteers. Those of you who know me best know I have a bit of a social handicap. I love people, I'm usually great around them but taking initiative with them and with things that I'm intimidated by has always been a challenge. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">That's what makes this trip through the Mekong and Cambodia so beautiful for me. Yes, for the most part a tour guide is practically holding my hand BUT this is still a huge step for me :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And I'm afraid it's starting something that will never be finished... SOLO travel. Sure I can't wait to travel with friends and loved ones but I think at the very least, one time a year a trip of some sort should be made by myself. I love being able to do what I want, when I want. TO be lame if I want be, or go out and meet people if I feel social. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I'm so stoked that I already have another solo trip booked for the end of march. It's my birthday on the 1st of a march and a gift to myself is a 3 day weekend relaxin in Hoi An. Sure I've been there before but it's one of the most beautiful towns in Vietnam. It's the perfect place to rent a bicycle and spend the day riding through rice patties and taking in the beautiful architecture. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And now my head is swimming with future trips! I'm thankful that I've been fortunate enough to have seen what I've seen already- I'm not even 30 and I've visited eight countries so far, and transited through countless others... does a 9 hour layover in Doha, Qatar count? 4 hours in Amsterdam? 4 hours in Hong Kong? 9 hours in <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 15px;">Guangzhou</span> China? Sure these are all layovers, but I've been there : ) </div><br />
Well, my tuk tuk driver is falling asleep waiting for me to finish my beer so, away I go...<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Day 10</b></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">(February 10th, 2011)</span></i></div><br />
- Solo tour by tuk tuk to the killing fields and shooting range... I shot a M16!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-a_UkwomNl8E/TYS9emQe86I/AAAAAAAABIo/xot2hMrkiVg/s1600/IMG_0910.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-a_UkwomNl8E/TYS9emQe86I/AAAAAAAABIo/xot2hMrkiVg/s200/IMG_0910.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-m2A_Hpfji_c/TYS9xLDLd-I/AAAAAAAABIs/9mi3oE-70k8/s1600/IMG_0914.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-m2A_Hpfji_c/TYS9xLDLd-I/AAAAAAAABIs/9mi3oE-70k8/s200/IMG_0914.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Also held a bazooka...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Heading to meet up with a new group to begin the Angkor/Siem Riep portion of the trip. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">4 star hotel tonight!!! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-6cbaCWkCv6k/TYS_qtCVaSI/AAAAAAAABI0/_-5Jped-6E8/s1600/IMG_0918.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-6cbaCWkCv6k/TYS_qtCVaSI/AAAAAAAABI0/_-5Jped-6E8/s200/IMG_0918.JPG" width="150" /></a><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-CwNG6w7rjNc/TYTAGxbIobI/AAAAAAAABI4/Ny_mrJ9b1j4/s1600/IMG_0919.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-CwNG6w7rjNc/TYTAGxbIobI/AAAAAAAABI4/Ny_mrJ9b1j4/s200/IMG_0919.JPG" width="150" /></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XdGC3vc0XOA/TYTAZazlMFI/AAAAAAAABI8/jyvIGojWlbI/s1600/IMG_0920.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XdGC3vc0XOA/TYTAZazlMFI/AAAAAAAABI8/jyvIGojWlbI/s200/IMG_0920.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Went to the silver pagoda and royal palace- amazing - the entire floor is made of silver. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-WjbLq1YJao8/TYTCZq5ZteI/AAAAAAAABJA/zDwK9QFHp9U/s1600/IMG_0955.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-WjbLq1YJao8/TYTCZq5ZteI/AAAAAAAABJA/zDwK9QFHp9U/s200/IMG_0955.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-NB0X5vm_RA4/TYTCu-4wLiI/AAAAAAAABJE/wVWENMVbX70/s1600/IMG_0962.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-NB0X5vm_RA4/TYTCu-4wLiI/AAAAAAAABJE/wVWENMVbX70/s200/IMG_0962.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-LBK_vtdJBl8/TYTDAsLjmBI/AAAAAAAABJI/l1mDy9fMVdY/s1600/IMG_0964.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-LBK_vtdJBl8/TYTDAsLjmBI/AAAAAAAABJI/l1mDy9fMVdY/s200/IMG_0964.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-8Tv01NsN_YA/TYTDw2YO27I/AAAAAAAABJM/zy8jiIGPeU8/s1600/IMG_0966.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-8Tv01NsN_YA/TYTDw2YO27I/AAAAAAAABJM/zy8jiIGPeU8/s200/IMG_0966.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Went to a casino? Really? Ha... lost 5 bucks. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Day 11</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><i>(February 11th, 2011)</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><i><br />
</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">- great brekky (of course... it is a 4 star hotel)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">- six hours from Phnom Penh to Siem Riep... stopped half way through the trip and ate a tarantula</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-gBFEho9ifaw/TYTMWjun2zI/AAAAAAAABKA/P6YrgD1YnDA/s1600/IMG_1011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-gBFEho9ifaw/TYTMWjun2zI/AAAAAAAABKA/P6YrgD1YnDA/s200/IMG_1011.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-B5cviNLH67I/TYTMq9F37gI/AAAAAAAABKE/dBVbZ_4Pw7M/s1600/IMG_1021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-B5cviNLH67I/TYTMq9F37gI/AAAAAAAABKE/dBVbZ_4Pw7M/s200/IMG_1021.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Went to traditional Aspara dance over dinner... truly amazing and beautiful. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Xbbxs7tta2g/TYTPxhUTI5I/AAAAAAAABKg/f2TAx8DWiCU/s1600/IMG_1107.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Xbbxs7tta2g/TYTPxhUTI5I/AAAAAAAABKg/f2TAx8DWiCU/s200/IMG_1107.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-AFCoZ_cWRDA/TYTP5_vepWI/AAAAAAAABKk/GUvmGwNjx40/s1600/IMG_1123.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-AFCoZ_cWRDA/TYTP5_vepWI/AAAAAAAABKk/GUvmGwNjx40/s200/IMG_1123.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Day 12</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">(February 12th, 2011) </span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Temples. All Day. Pictures explain everything. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div> There are more pics... but I'm having issues getting them uploaded to Flickr, will hopefully do it soon!<br />
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</div>Corihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17137288736654497040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86436746903274213.post-38966905629931541222011-03-09T23:04:00.001+07:002011-03-19T09:01:49.483+07:00Tet Holiday 2011- pt.1<div style="text-align: center;">So, At first I was too tired and wanted to relax and get back on track after a two week holiday... then I was too busy to sit down and type up this blog... Now, I have no excuses! I felt like starting up again and writing but it wouldn't be fair to you out there- if I just pushed forward and failed to recap a pretty stellar trip. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I'm going to have to just piece together journal entries so bear with me... I still think it'll be entertaining : ) </div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br />
</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Day 1: </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><i>(February 1st, 2011) </i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I'm writing from the back of a motorbike. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">-early rise (7:30) met up to take picture on Nguyen Hue street until 11am (this street has a huge floral display for the holidays) </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-M8eMkAtk_JE/TXeFSBGTrGI/AAAAAAAABEE/zxCHyXeIfsA/s1600/IMG_0318.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-M8eMkAtk_JE/TXeFSBGTrGI/AAAAAAAABEE/zxCHyXeIfsA/s200/IMG_0318.JPG" width="200" /></a> <a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-g-Rx12AKHMU/TXeEdwg-RRI/AAAAAAAABD8/oQ4RN0JfPvQ/s1600/IMG_0305.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-g-Rx12AKHMU/TXeEdwg-RRI/AAAAAAAABD8/oQ4RN0JfPvQ/s200/IMG_0305.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Sz2LHvhUtyc/TXeGENYZsnI/AAAAAAAABEM/gg0n4GkgoSU/s1600/IMG_0321.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Sz2LHvhUtyc/TXeGENYZsnI/AAAAAAAABEM/gg0n4GkgoSU/s200/IMG_0321.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IQ1feyqMbME/TXeFjFonE9I/AAAAAAAABEI/kKRy2RgcC5w/s1600/IMG_0320.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IQ1feyqMbME/TXeFjFonE9I/AAAAAAAABEI/kKRy2RgcC5w/s200/IMG_0320.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-5STpGlKosJ0/TXeGxtwsjsI/AAAAAAAABEU/9-x0Yz6X4jE/s1600/IMG_0339.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-5STpGlKosJ0/TXeGxtwsjsI/AAAAAAAABEU/9-x0Yz6X4jE/s200/IMG_0339.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Changed and met up with Tam's brother and friend. Got in a small motorbike accident ( I was not driving :) ) and decided the boys should drive the rest of the way. I'm on the back of Tam's brother's bike and his friend is driving Tam's bike. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Turning Vietnamese- wearing a hoodie in the hot hot heat to avoid sunburn. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Saw three nasty accidents, which luckily we passed AFTER the victims were removed. We however made it safe and sound in one piece.. sore bums but alive! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Tam's house is awesome, can not wait to take tons of pictures- never realized how big Tam's family was- she has two sisters and two brother. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-qaulEG6pQ2A/TXeJxjuEUQI/AAAAAAAABEc/cqtaxSfuElo/s1600/IMG_0356.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-qaulEG6pQ2A/TXeJxjuEUQI/AAAAAAAABEc/cqtaxSfuElo/s200/IMG_0356.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-4liDiKM4QCA/TXeJdtkGBtI/AAAAAAAABEY/8DtKpi37LsI/s1600/IMG_0351.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-4liDiKM4QCA/TXeJdtkGBtI/AAAAAAAABEY/8DtKpi37LsI/s200/IMG_0351.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Lc95Q7RNtrw/TXeKBqiUk-I/AAAAAAAABEg/Do_LUJ0T_44/s1600/IMG_0360.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Lc95Q7RNtrw/TXeKBqiUk-I/AAAAAAAABEg/Do_LUJ0T_44/s200/IMG_0360.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-3WVl3A-oOVE/TXeKYTK1EuI/AAAAAAAABEk/TmySh4niRok/s1600/IMG_0364.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-3WVl3A-oOVE/TXeKYTK1EuI/AAAAAAAABEk/TmySh4niRok/s200/IMG_0364.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-obXGFljfetI/TXeK2uL5p_I/AAAAAAAABEs/Uzpr6oopNCs/s1600/IMG_0366.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-obXGFljfetI/TXeK2uL5p_I/AAAAAAAABEs/Uzpr6oopNCs/s200/IMG_0366.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-sdsoUPvH3m0/TXeKprEewxI/AAAAAAAABEo/nu0o3oULdvM/s1600/IMG_0365.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-sdsoUPvH3m0/TXeKprEewxI/AAAAAAAABEo/nu0o3oULdvM/s200/IMG_0365.JPG" width="150" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Did I mention she lives on the beach? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Day 2: </b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">(February 2nd, 2011)</span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Another early rise. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">brisk shower- hit the local street market, one of the shops had 6 women lavising me with compliments and pushing their very shy 15 year old daughter at me so she could practice her English. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Prepped some veggies for the big meal - used a cleaver... yikes! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Cju91kC9gsY/TXeM8rM2hnI/AAAAAAAABEw/JcV0sWAoigA/s1600/IMG_0383.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Cju91kC9gsY/TXeM8rM2hnI/AAAAAAAABEw/JcV0sWAoigA/s200/IMG_0383.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Saw women doing that red chew (later I found out it is the <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: transparent;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">areca nut and the betel leaf you can learn about it <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Areca_nut">here</a></span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 15px;"> ) and selling it.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small; line-height: 15px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Was an active participant in a 'bike of burden' with a giant potted sunflower. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small; line-height: 15px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LjaksX9ZOEE/TXeQZWuGcOI/AAAAAAAABE4/ZMMhoHUVWrI/s1600/IMG_0372.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LjaksX9ZOEE/TXeQZWuGcOI/AAAAAAAABE4/ZMMhoHUVWrI/s200/IMG_0372.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-yCEZ9zIF-Po/TXeNVtP4j9I/AAAAAAAABE0/x5kxhA6W73U/s1600/IMG_0371.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-yCEZ9zIF-Po/TXeNVtP4j9I/AAAAAAAABE0/x5kxhA6W73U/s200/IMG_0371.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-waQ9QLjoWcY/TXeQ0gbCNkI/AAAAAAAABFA/Akbzy85D6mg/s1600/IMG_0380.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-waQ9QLjoWcY/TXeQ0gbCNkI/AAAAAAAABFA/Akbzy85D6mg/s200/IMG_0380.JPG" width="150" /></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PAVR2iwpnZw/TXeQlp1Z8sI/AAAAAAAABE8/jLz_xwhj0U0/s1600/IMG_0375.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PAVR2iwpnZw/TXeQlp1Z8sI/AAAAAAAABE8/jLz_xwhj0U0/s200/IMG_0375.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Sitting under the mango tree/ relaxing on a hammock, tamarind in the tree to my right and coconuts in the the tree to my left... </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/--PVDkXusEoI/TXeSIY3PDrI/AAAAAAAABFE/eFQHDlYXZrQ/s1600/IMG_0529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/--PVDkXusEoI/TXeSIY3PDrI/AAAAAAAABFE/eFQHDlYXZrQ/s200/IMG_0529.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Today is new years eve, in the lunar calendar. The father, or man of the house prays to ancestors for the whole house and then they 'party' by sitting at the house eating and drinking beer. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-mQxH6HHPYSs/TXeUl6dqRAI/AAAAAAAABFI/g-ILdJ8cIUI/s1600/IMG_0389.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-mQxH6HHPYSs/TXeUl6dqRAI/AAAAAAAABFI/g-ILdJ8cIUI/s200/IMG_0389.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tTfIzvGmiPU/TXeU49KA7rI/AAAAAAAABFM/y8SgRsPvq44/s1600/IMG_0390.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tTfIzvGmiPU/TXeU49KA7rI/AAAAAAAABFM/y8SgRsPvq44/s200/IMG_0390.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">On the first day of the year the first person to enter the house brings you luck for that year. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It's beautiful how all of the men take shopping for flowers so seriously during this holiday. There were more men than women at the flower markets and they were examining each flower arrangement with great care before purchasing. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Day 3: </b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><i>(February 3rd, 2011)</i></span> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This is my favorite day so far. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Last night - everyone showered to cleanse before the new year- washing away the last year. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Then we went to view the fireworks. We were ridiculously close to the fireworks.... </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wCyK6_7MIr0/TXeVTOErggI/AAAAAAAABFY/VRmd4o6Y2tk/s1600/IMG_0434.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wCyK6_7MIr0/TXeVTOErggI/AAAAAAAABFY/VRmd4o6Y2tk/s200/IMG_0434.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-glvCcF4RR_M/TXeVHMK0TCI/AAAAAAAABFQ/D8pEb1TC7oE/s1600/IMG_0421.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-glvCcF4RR_M/TXeVHMK0TCI/AAAAAAAABFQ/D8pEb1TC7oE/s200/IMG_0421.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This morning we walked to all of the relatives houses- prayed and sat around relaxing and sharing each others company. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-S5RefmkhzWc/TXeXlxKLYpI/AAAAAAAABFc/IuU5U5WK860/s1600/IMG_0447.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-S5RefmkhzWc/TXeXlxKLYpI/AAAAAAAABFc/IuU5U5WK860/s200/IMG_0447.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Each house has 5 alters, you light incense for each one, you share fruit and give lucky money. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ET42PEtFoA0/TXeX8Yli6LI/AAAAAAAABFg/4wxq1bYuwV4/s1600/IMG_0448.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ET42PEtFoA0/TXeX8Yli6LI/AAAAAAAABFg/4wxq1bYuwV4/s200/IMG_0448.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Days 4 and 5: </b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">(February 4th and 5th, 2011)</span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Day 4 was filled with visiting relatives, talking and playing both Black Jack and Bingo.... I was a huge winner- but we only bet with 2,000- 5,000 VND which is roughly 10- 25 cents. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-l-Vg0UoupMk/TXebWJZ2OPI/AAAAAAAABFw/K5v5OvR3ZCg/s1600/IMG_0495.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-l-Vg0UoupMk/TXebWJZ2OPI/AAAAAAAABFw/K5v5OvR3ZCg/s200/IMG_0495.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-DyfSSE-dQrE/TXebCrlbDYI/AAAAAAAABFs/X5vQjUir1fU/s1600/IMG_0493.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-DyfSSE-dQrE/TXebCrlbDYI/AAAAAAAABFs/X5vQjUir1fU/s200/IMG_0493.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I had been the first foreigner to visit them and they were SO happy that they invited me to return the following year. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Today we went to the biggest pagoda in the area. Tam's father happens to work there. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I lit my 11 incense sticks and went to the various alters to pray for my family, health and happiness. I was filled with such emotion I can't really express it in words. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I was then taken to the biggest alter- which was built for a husband and wife- the entire pagoda was built in their honor thanking them for their kindness and compassion. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I sat down in front of their alter, was given these two wooden blocks that when held together resembled a tamarind fruit/seed. I held these to my forehead and prayed. It's a prayer kind of like a wish. Then you drop the blocks and if they land in a certain way, your wish and prayer will come true. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I made my wish dropped the blocks and they came up with no luck.. however... you are given three chances to make this wish/prayer. On my second turn I did the entire routine again, placed them to my forehead- made my prayer, dropped the blocks and success! The landed the correct way and my wish was/will be granted. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This was followed by standing in line behind this main monk who gave me two bits of yellow paper. One was already folded and the other I folded around the first. This, he said, should be carried with me at all times for luck, happiness and safety. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-8NAq96DG0Qs/TXecbaUPhhI/AAAAAAAABGA/nMS-pU5yvxU/s1600/IMG_0511.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-8NAq96DG0Qs/TXecbaUPhhI/AAAAAAAABGA/nMS-pU5yvxU/s200/IMG_0511.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-swwQMr_rJYA/TXeb5lAc04I/AAAAAAAABF4/bXErTmXSKsQ/s1600/IMG_0500.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-swwQMr_rJYA/TXeb5lAc04I/AAAAAAAABF4/bXErTmXSKsQ/s200/IMG_0500.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-1jx9JZiMOpk/TXeblgM0Q-I/AAAAAAAABF0/rdozqGZ3PCs/s1600/IMG_0499.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-1jx9JZiMOpk/TXeblgM0Q-I/AAAAAAAABF0/rdozqGZ3PCs/s200/IMG_0499.JPG" width="150" /></a><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-i-VIUCiHPX4/TXecJhUDjvI/AAAAAAAABF8/dON6L1e3ThA/s1600/IMG_0503.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-i-VIUCiHPX4/TXecJhUDjvI/AAAAAAAABF8/dON6L1e3ThA/s200/IMG_0503.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Day 6:</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>(February 6th, 2011)</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br />
</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We took a trip to the mountain which has cable cars to take you up to the top where a pagoda and some epic buddhas are. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Because it was a holiday it was the most busy place in the world. Seriously, I've seen Vietnamese in crazy traffic- elbowing and clawing at each other in line at the supermarket and more but this was the most graphic, horrifying display of complete lack of regard for other human beings. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">To begin the afternoon, we drove for about an hour and stood in line in the insane heat for another two hours. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Once we got off the cable car and started hiking further up in the mountain, I kept coming up to these beautiful massive buddha statues and was thinking how incredibly awesome a surprise it was because I was under the impression we were simply hiking up a mountain. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-aeRJXjGja4I/TXegRaG9g4I/AAAAAAAABGM/BMt9bOiLI9g/s1600/IMG_0556.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-aeRJXjGja4I/TXegRaG9g4I/AAAAAAAABGM/BMt9bOiLI9g/s200/IMG_0556.JPG" width="150" /></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-eSP1q1dumng/TXefkqZ98CI/AAAAAAAABGE/qLPT0V4DtnY/s1600/IMG_0549.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-eSP1q1dumng/TXefkqZ98CI/AAAAAAAABGE/qLPT0V4DtnY/s200/IMG_0549.JPG" width="150" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-s_5e_w2_cUQ/TXeghUwbIWI/AAAAAAAABGQ/7aNbZcJEQxE/s1600/IMG_0583.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-s_5e_w2_cUQ/TXeghUwbIWI/AAAAAAAABGQ/7aNbZcJEQxE/s200/IMG_0583.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-R6ZTZQJSNnY/TXef8n12PpI/AAAAAAAABGI/72w1tzaGQIA/s1600/IMG_0554.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-R6ZTZQJSNnY/TXef8n12PpI/AAAAAAAABGI/72w1tzaGQIA/s200/IMG_0554.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Then we started up the main pathway... and I could see white peeking through the trees. Then I realized that this was no ordinary Buddha statue. It's the biggest laying down Buddha in SE Asia. How they got the rock up there to build it is beyond me! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-78xjBJnSRf8/TXehfh3iAiI/AAAAAAAABGY/BZpd5FZIaJU/s1600/IMG_0563.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-78xjBJnSRf8/TXehfh3iAiI/AAAAAAAABGY/BZpd5FZIaJU/s200/IMG_0563.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-DC3KXXmHaEk/TXehP0QqkpI/AAAAAAAABGU/c2MVbnZwLWA/s1600/IMG_0561.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-DC3KXXmHaEk/TXehP0QqkpI/AAAAAAAABGU/c2MVbnZwLWA/s200/IMG_0561.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AhRzdAOSQ84/TXeiTxRUeuI/AAAAAAAABGg/NB2F5gnDosw/s1600/IMG_0567.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AhRzdAOSQ84/TXeiTxRUeuI/AAAAAAAABGg/NB2F5gnDosw/s200/IMG_0567.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-xyJH3e7oEcg/TXehyiewTgI/AAAAAAAABGc/3usalIoLJrM/s1600/IMG_0565.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-xyJH3e7oEcg/TXehyiewTgI/AAAAAAAABGc/3usalIoLJrM/s200/IMG_0565.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">After seeing such a beautiful sight, it was time to head back. Now here's where the real chaos and drama occurred. Hundreds of Vietnamese trying to get down a mountain in the hot afternoon, by cable cars that hold about 8... is a recipe for disasters. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I saw my first ever 'stampede' complete with tasers, shouting, whistles and my friend Tam fainting. This is a view after we finally made it to the small controlled waiting area for the next cable car (and we only got there when we did because Tam passed out and we were rushed to the front) </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-lRPg4ym4xro/TXekoveA2KI/AAAAAAAABGk/RzeSMjQIJxE/s1600/IMG_0576.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-lRPg4ym4xro/TXekoveA2KI/AAAAAAAABGk/RzeSMjQIJxE/s320/IMG_0576.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I was honestly scared and had visions of this image turning up in the news.... </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">BUT we made it out alive, and I was more than ready for the next leg of my journey. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">***</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This concludes my recap of my Tet holiday- part one. As I warned, it's not written very eloquently- but hey I'm tired, super busy and at least I'm getting my experience out there : ) </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Stay tuned for parts two and three: The Mekong Delta and Cambodia </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Corihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17137288736654497040noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86436746903274213.post-44407460561501961402011-01-23T08:26:00.000+07:002011-01-23T08:26:15.818+07:00Sunday = cleaning day...Which is why I'm sitting at a cafe havin an awesome breakfast and reading a book. Oh, don't get me wrong, my house is getting cleaned as we speak. How you might ask?<br />
<br />
Only in Vietnam can you be woken up at 7:30a.m. On a Sunday morning by your landlord providing you with no less than 6 cleaning ladies to deep clean your house... For free. <br />
<br />
And people might ask, "don't you miss your family and friends living so far away?"<br />
<br />
My answer, "of course, but I'm about to spend under 20 USD for an entire afternoon at the spa while 6 ladies clean my house for free"Corihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17137288736654497040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86436746903274213.post-628884779156180022011-01-22T13:11:00.000+07:002011-01-22T13:11:53.615+07:00The Flu<div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It comes out of no where and knocks you on your bum. Wednesday night, I felt great- had the slightest feeling that I had a fever but thought I was just tired. Thursday upon waking up- I felt as if a bus had hit me in the middle of the night. </div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">And now it's Saturday. And I'm one frustrated and weak little lady. All my plans and ambitions for the past few days have been beyond my reach and I'm getting antsy! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">So, what I have done with my bedridden two (going on three) days? Finished reading these:<br />
<br />
<span id="goog_1470268078"></span><span id="goog_1470268079"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_d_r29LDiZcE/TTpwq8VcbhI/AAAAAAAABDM/JGxLanr7V64/s1600/Picture+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_d_r29LDiZcE/TTpwq8VcbhI/AAAAAAAABDM/JGxLanr7V64/s1600/Picture+2.jpg" style="cursor: move;" /></a><br />
<br />
The first two books were given to me by my sister in law for Christmas. I starting reading the first book on the plane home from the states- which was on January 2nd-4th (time zone change- don't ask) And now it's the 22nd and I'm about 100 pages away from finishing the third book.<br />
<br />
On Wednesday I was close to finishing the 2nd book so I had to head out to the backpacker district and hope that there was a bootleg copy of it floating around, and there was!<br />
<br />
What a great way to spend my sick days. Rather than laying half dead in front of the TV I've been fully engrossed in these novels.<br />
<br />
It's an excellent trilogy, the mystery throughout each book keeps you turning pages and makes it impossible to put down. It's filled with hundreds of surprises and very complex characters. </div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div><div><br />
</div></div>Corihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17137288736654497040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86436746903274213.post-6144848591656683372011-01-20T19:32:00.000+07:002011-01-20T19:32:51.361+07:00Kien Gieng - A Medical Mission.<div style="text-align: center;">I mentioned to my Vietnamese assistant teacher that I was bummed to miss a volunteer trip right before Christmas where the school had a few volunteers deliver Christmas cards to a small orphanage a few hours away. She said she was heading out on trip the following weekend and asked if I wanted to join, I said of course!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">The trip was lead by one of my students parents. The father is a doctor and mother used to teach literature at a University in Ho Chi Minh City.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">We headed out straight from work on Friday, went straight to Thien Phuc's parents house and we had dinner and prepared some prescriptions and waited for other volunteers to arrive.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_d_r29LDiZcE/TTgb9-BG3sI/AAAAAAAABBE/mlscxJB-uw0/s1600/IMG_0048.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_d_r29LDiZcE/TTgb9-BG3sI/AAAAAAAABBE/mlscxJB-uw0/s320/IMG_0048.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_d_r29LDiZcE/TTgcS5ee4II/AAAAAAAABBM/TGEWl0wdZrg/s1600/IMG_0051.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_d_r29LDiZcE/TTgcS5ee4II/AAAAAAAABBM/TGEWl0wdZrg/s320/IMG_0051.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_d_r29LDiZcE/TTgcG44NsSI/AAAAAAAABBI/3fAzIu0McTw/s1600/IMG_0050.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="316" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_d_r29LDiZcE/TTgcG44NsSI/AAAAAAAABBI/3fAzIu0McTw/s320/IMG_0050.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We headed out to catch a bus at about 8:30pm- the bus ride took 8 hours- arriving at Kien Giang at 4:30 in the morning. We chose our rooms, laid down fully clothed and knocked out! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We woke up at 6:30 am to get the show on the road. We joined all of the other doctors, dentists and volunteers for a big buffet style breakfast of delicious chicken porridge and coffee. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We hopped back on the bus for a short 45 minute trip out to the small village where the clinic would be held. We unloaded boxes and introduced ourselves to all the beautiful faces of the village. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_d_r29LDiZcE/TTgciBJ7FII/AAAAAAAABBQ/agIsalmeyDw/s1600/IMG_0060.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_d_r29LDiZcE/TTgciBJ7FII/AAAAAAAABBQ/agIsalmeyDw/s320/IMG_0060.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_d_r29LDiZcE/TTgf9R1DVbI/AAAAAAAABCI/C8DM_aIG0ew/s1600/IMG_4955.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_d_r29LDiZcE/TTgf9R1DVbI/AAAAAAAABCI/C8DM_aIG0ew/s320/IMG_4955.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Ms. Tam taught them how to properly wash their hands and brush their teeth. They listened with such great intent and respect- taking in every word. Which is funny because when we give this same speech to our students at school they roll their eyes and tune us out : ) </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_d_r29LDiZcE/TTgcxYK3UCI/AAAAAAAABBU/ujg8uFraQ80/s1600/IMG_0094.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_d_r29LDiZcE/TTgcxYK3UCI/AAAAAAAABBU/ujg8uFraQ80/s320/IMG_0094.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We also handed out Milk to many different villagers. A lot of them actually arrived by boat.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_d_r29LDiZcE/TTgfvAf7KCI/AAAAAAAABCE/6rkoBnXoRMQ/s1600/IMG_4947.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_d_r29LDiZcE/TTgfvAf7KCI/AAAAAAAABCE/6rkoBnXoRMQ/s320/IMG_4947.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_d_r29LDiZcE/TTgkEQjdShI/AAAAAAAABCY/6Ru__LhQUA8/s1600/IMG_0080.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_d_r29LDiZcE/TTgkEQjdShI/AAAAAAAABCY/6Ru__LhQUA8/s320/IMG_0080.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Each room held a different form of clinic. There were a variety of health check rooms, including ultra sounds and other technical equipment that was over my head : ) the room directly next to our room had a dental clinic where dental checks and teeth were pulled. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_d_r29LDiZcE/TTgkSjHULYI/AAAAAAAABCc/HTcj0wqubF4/s1600/IMG_0085.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_d_r29LDiZcE/TTgkSjHULYI/AAAAAAAABCc/HTcj0wqubF4/s320/IMG_0085.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_d_r29LDiZcE/TTgkgioMO_I/AAAAAAAABCg/UQURS34A64o/s1600/IMG_0086.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_d_r29LDiZcE/TTgkgioMO_I/AAAAAAAABCg/UQURS34A64o/s320/IMG_0086.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_d_r29LDiZcE/TTgksnQk7YI/AAAAAAAABCk/FJ2u4k4vnsQ/s1600/IMG_0133.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_d_r29LDiZcE/TTgksnQk7YI/AAAAAAAABCk/FJ2u4k4vnsQ/s320/IMG_0133.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We took a lunch break and a nap... ok only Ms. Tam, myself and my student took naps but we were encouraged to I swear! When we returned to the clinic, we took up spots filling prescriptions. The first few minutes of this was intense because I don't speak Vietnamese and I was the person on the trip who couldn't understand Vietnamese! But I got the hang of it pretty darn quick and ended up rapidly filling prescriptions and doing a great job of it! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_d_r29LDiZcE/TTgdB1cQbxI/AAAAAAAABBY/0KP0T6UbqZ0/s1600/IMG_0154.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_d_r29LDiZcE/TTgdB1cQbxI/AAAAAAAABBY/0KP0T6UbqZ0/s320/IMG_0154.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_d_r29LDiZcE/TTgdJk4DBRI/AAAAAAAABBc/RofVoVoV8E4/s1600/IMG_0159.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="207" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_d_r29LDiZcE/TTgdJk4DBRI/AAAAAAAABBc/RofVoVoV8E4/s320/IMG_0159.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Finally, around 4:30 it was time to start packing and cleaning up. What a day. It was life changing, encouraging and beautiful. We took our group pictures and said our goodbyes to the village before we headed off to the prison (yikes!) to give out more medications. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_d_r29LDiZcE/TTgdUfiaLtI/AAAAAAAABBg/zBUPmqPouSY/s1600/IMG_0164.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="229" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_d_r29LDiZcE/TTgdUfiaLtI/AAAAAAAABBg/zBUPmqPouSY/s320/IMG_0164.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_d_r29LDiZcE/TTgdlI7Hw9I/AAAAAAAABBk/Hburdz4-ntU/s1600/IMG_0165.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_d_r29LDiZcE/TTgdlI7Hw9I/AAAAAAAABBk/Hburdz4-ntU/s320/IMG_0165.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We arrived at the prison as the sun was setting. The warden (or whatever you call the head of the prison) had put together a huge feast, free of charge, to thank all of the volunteers. Complete with bottles of Vietnamese rum. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_d_r29LDiZcE/TTgeKp6LreI/AAAAAAAABBs/ow5QvTmc_98/s1600/IMG_0175.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_d_r29LDiZcE/TTgeKp6LreI/AAAAAAAABBs/ow5QvTmc_98/s320/IMG_0175.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_d_r29LDiZcE/TTge8j9F_nI/AAAAAAAABB4/g79DJXwgBck/s1600/IMG_0184.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_d_r29LDiZcE/TTge8j9F_nI/AAAAAAAABB4/g79DJXwgBck/s320/IMG_0184.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We toured the grounds, well we didn't see the actual prison and all of the prisoners, just the main beautiful building that the head hanchos lived in. It was very beautiful, however... even the animals were in prison. : (</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_d_r29LDiZcE/TTgedt2J8NI/AAAAAAAABBw/z7V0t058Jq4/s1600/IMG_0177.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_d_r29LDiZcE/TTgedt2J8NI/AAAAAAAABBw/z7V0t058Jq4/s320/IMG_0177.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_d_r29LDiZcE/TTgetzgWmNI/AAAAAAAABB0/zbZ1KuycDdo/s1600/IMG_0180.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_d_r29LDiZcE/TTgetzgWmNI/AAAAAAAABB0/zbZ1KuycDdo/s320/IMG_0180.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_d_r29LDiZcE/TTgd1QYDKaI/AAAAAAAABBo/_hF_2VvfRFg/s1600/IMG_0171.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_d_r29LDiZcE/TTgd1QYDKaI/AAAAAAAABBo/_hF_2VvfRFg/s320/IMG_0171.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Dinner was delicious and different members of the police and prison staff not only served us, but took shots with us! This was followed with some good ol' fashion Vietnamese Karaoke, half of the volunteers decided to head back to the guest house we were staying at. We spent the rest of the evening drinking beer and playing blackjack! 100% Vietnamese spoken all the time, which has encouraged me to get my act together and actually learn it! It was so much fun and even funnier to watch Ms. Tam cheat. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The following day was another early morning- up by 7 and we headed out to a coffee shop for breakfast. We were gifted with a trip down the Mekong at the U Minh Tuong National park. This was a breathtaking boat trip! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_d_r29LDiZcE/TTgfTywkn0I/AAAAAAAABB8/a2wvllRZ6F8/s1600/IMG_0235.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_d_r29LDiZcE/TTgfTywkn0I/AAAAAAAABB8/a2wvllRZ6F8/s320/IMG_0235.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_d_r29LDiZcE/TTggnqommHI/AAAAAAAABCQ/VoxOvWRDedM/s1600/IMG_5008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_d_r29LDiZcE/TTggnqommHI/AAAAAAAABCQ/VoxOvWRDedM/s320/IMG_5008.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_d_r29LDiZcE/TTggIidlRnI/AAAAAAAABCM/ZyLy4nDTTQs/s1600/IMG_4985.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_d_r29LDiZcE/TTggIidlRnI/AAAAAAAABCM/ZyLy4nDTTQs/s320/IMG_4985.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">After our trip down the Mekong we headed about 45 minutes away to have lunch at this beautiful natural reserve. They made their own honey and everything they cooked with had been raised by them. This lunch was also free of charge as thanks for all the hard work our team had done. I couldn't believe it! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We ate fish and it was delicious but being the klutz I am, I got a pretty sharp fish bone stuck in my throat.... good thing I was traveling with 20 doctors. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_d_r29LDiZcE/TTgg4oWbmwI/AAAAAAAABCU/XyisNP1JUMk/s1600/IMG_5036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_d_r29LDiZcE/TTgg4oWbmwI/AAAAAAAABCU/XyisNP1JUMk/s320/IMG_5036.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We finally hit the road... around 4pm.... I was happy to have my headphones and a book since they had a TV playing a vietnamese comedy act! We snuggled up and tried to relax the rest of the way home. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_d_r29LDiZcE/TTgfgPEa6kI/AAAAAAAABCA/qhkgeUX8zVM/s1600/IMG_0292.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_d_r29LDiZcE/TTgfgPEa6kI/AAAAAAAABCA/qhkgeUX8zVM/s320/IMG_0292.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">All in all it was an incredible trip. And the first of many to come. I've done different volunteer trips in the past but this one was different. I guess I underestimated the power of medical trips. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I've posted all of the pictures from the trip on Flickr. Feel free to check them all out <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/cori_culhane/">here</a>! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Corihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17137288736654497040noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86436746903274213.post-29408426304335688842011-01-14T01:14:00.000+07:002011-01-14T01:14:26.484+07:00Kien Giang<div style="text-align: center;">Heading out for a volunteer trip this weekend, we are bringing gifts and teaching about good hygiene to a poverty stricken provence. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">We head out straight after work tomorrow, I'm going with my Vietnamese teaching assistant Ms. Tam and the parents of one of my students. I'm really looking forward to it! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Stay tuned for a recap and photos : ) </div>Corihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17137288736654497040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86436746903274213.post-24667405801282583332011-01-12T18:34:00.000+07:002011-01-12T18:34:06.072+07:00The last month or so...<div style="text-align: center;">Holidays. Man are they time consuming! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I haven't been able to sit down and write on here but I have had so many great things happen. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Going to America was a trip! I mean, obviously it was a trip- but a mental trip as well. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Christmas celebration at school:</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_d_r29LDiZcE/TS2KFh_eooI/AAAAAAAAA_k/fQhjQaq9Je8/s1600/Christmas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_d_r29LDiZcE/TS2KFh_eooI/AAAAAAAAA_k/fQhjQaq9Je8/s400/Christmas.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Detour through Pasadena for the weekend : ) </i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_d_r29LDiZcE/TS2KbEwHFTI/AAAAAAAAA_4/cZSu-1kUIjE/s1600/pasadena.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_d_r29LDiZcE/TS2KbEwHFTI/AAAAAAAAA_4/cZSu-1kUIjE/s400/pasadena.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Joy rides the Polar Express! </i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_d_r29LDiZcE/TS2KgB0YNnI/AAAAAAAAA_8/lp81iJxtlgc/s1600/polarexpress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_d_r29LDiZcE/TS2KgB0YNnI/AAAAAAAAA_8/lp81iJxtlgc/s400/polarexpress.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Rented a condo on the beach for two nights : ) </i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_d_r29LDiZcE/TS2EoI6YZJI/AAAAAAAAA_U/OJi_7RB_j-M/s1600/beachhouse2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_d_r29LDiZcE/TS2EoI6YZJI/AAAAAAAAA_U/OJi_7RB_j-M/s400/beachhouse2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_d_r29LDiZcE/TS2EjgukXWI/AAAAAAAAA_Q/aq5a0AWjk5I/s1600/beachhouse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_d_r29LDiZcE/TS2EjgukXWI/AAAAAAAAA_Q/aq5a0AWjk5I/s400/beachhouse.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_d_r29LDiZcE/TS2J9S18kVI/AAAAAAAAA_c/qyidWEkl7qQ/s1600/beachhouse3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_d_r29LDiZcE/TS2J9S18kVI/AAAAAAAAA_c/qyidWEkl7qQ/s400/beachhouse3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_d_r29LDiZcE/TS2KBhfOsTI/AAAAAAAAA_g/vfOEbAmA_GE/s1600/beachhouse4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_d_r29LDiZcE/TS2KBhfOsTI/AAAAAAAAA_g/vfOEbAmA_GE/s400/beachhouse4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Pops came to visit : ) </i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_d_r29LDiZcE/TS2HsHHEwAI/AAAAAAAAA_Y/fcX42QI12vM/s1600/america.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_d_r29LDiZcE/TS2HsHHEwAI/AAAAAAAAA_Y/fcX42QI12vM/s400/america.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>We went to the science museum! </i></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_d_r29LDiZcE/TS2KXogawCI/AAAAAAAAA_0/6qEiZkaA3eM/s1600/omsi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_d_r29LDiZcE/TS2KXogawCI/AAAAAAAAA_0/6qEiZkaA3eM/s400/omsi.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_d_r29LDiZcE/TS2Kk33ytGI/AAAAAAAABAA/xncQLMkEZSw/s1600/portland.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_d_r29LDiZcE/TS2Kk33ytGI/AAAAAAAABAA/xncQLMkEZSw/s400/portland.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Then came new years - and my new years eve kiss</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br />
</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_d_r29LDiZcE/TS2KoDSlVJI/AAAAAAAABAE/-nVkhpND7gc/s1600/Untitled-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_d_r29LDiZcE/TS2KoDSlVJI/AAAAAAAABAE/-nVkhpND7gc/s400/Untitled-3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br />
</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Back to back Medicine for the People shows- </i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br />
</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_d_r29LDiZcE/TS2KO_bxsyI/AAAAAAAAA_s/Fx3Wm1x-dGc/s1600/newyears.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_d_r29LDiZcE/TS2KO_bxsyI/AAAAAAAAA_s/Fx3Wm1x-dGc/s400/newyears.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i></i></div><i><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><i><br />
</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><i>I was front and center of course! </i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><i>And you can witness my mind being blown as well. </i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_d_r29LDiZcE/TS2KSToV8PI/AAAAAAAAA_w/hEBqtiX-2dE/s1600/newyears3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_d_r29LDiZcE/TS2KSToV8PI/AAAAAAAAA_w/hEBqtiX-2dE/s400/newyears3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><i><br />
</i></div></i><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">What an amazing two week holiday! That being said, even though it was spectacular to be with family and friends- it really made me appreciate the life I've chosen for myself out here in SE Asia. I love my job(s), I love my friends, I love my routine, I love the orphanage and I love my motorbike. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">2010 was a challenging year. I'm ready for 2011 and all it has to offer! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">-Stay tuned for more frequent posts and some exciting travel plans! </div>Corihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17137288736654497040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86436746903274213.post-20471394125563232542010-12-07T22:27:00.002+07:002010-12-07T22:35:38.505+07:00Feeling Happy.<div style="text-align: center;">I posted this as my facebook status today. And I feel like I need to elaborate on it, because I keep getting hit with the thought that I am really <u>really</u> happy with where I am in life. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I'm proud of the life I've lead so far, beautifully content with the life I live at the moment and optimistic about the future. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">This thought usually hits me when I'm driving somewhere.... which is funny because you wouldn't think a calming beautiful thought would come to mind when your everyday traffic looks like this: </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_d_r29LDiZcE/TP5PLlVfiNI/AAAAAAAAA-8/zV7fkQdN0L0/s1600/Picture+10.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="241" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_d_r29LDiZcE/TP5PLlVfiNI/AAAAAAAAA-8/zV7fkQdN0L0/s320/Picture+10.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">But the thought goes something like this.... </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">"Oh yeah, I live in Vietnam again... alone... driving a motorbike... teaching 5 year olds... loads of friends... easy travel... climbing... gym a few times a week... great food" </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And this huge smile appears on my face. While I'm driving. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This is what you would see if you drove along side of me: </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_d_r29LDiZcE/TP5Q1_512AI/AAAAAAAAA_A/T6p9u0pgWZ0/s1600/Picture+11.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_d_r29LDiZcE/TP5Q1_512AI/AAAAAAAAA_A/T6p9u0pgWZ0/s320/Picture+11.png" width="238" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Or better yet, a smile as big as this: </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_d_r29LDiZcE/TP5TaORQZoI/AAAAAAAAA_E/zrGPSYIrRpk/s1600/Picture+12.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="314" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_d_r29LDiZcE/TP5TaORQZoI/AAAAAAAAA_E/zrGPSYIrRpk/s320/Picture+12.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It almost feels strange to say it, but I'm exactly where I want to be in life. I'm happier than I've been in ages- constant happiness. Troubles, conflicts and stresses last for minutes rather than the hours and days that they used to. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I do the things I want to do when I want to do them and have no regrets. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I guess it's a good to be the 26 year old version of Cori. I hope next year's model is just as awesome. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Corihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17137288736654497040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86436746903274213.post-58463110997730845702010-12-06T00:15:00.000+07:002010-12-06T00:15:30.932+07:00Vietnam Exposure #8<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_d_r29LDiZcE/TPvCsisdAII/AAAAAAAAA-c/spAcWJKnk58/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_d_r29LDiZcE/TPvCsisdAII/AAAAAAAAA-c/spAcWJKnk58/s320/photo.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_d_r29LDiZcE/TPvCuF-IHDI/AAAAAAAAA-g/GSN8V7FDvmE/s1600/photo-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_d_r29LDiZcE/TPvCuF-IHDI/AAAAAAAAA-g/GSN8V7FDvmE/s320/photo-1.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_d_r29LDiZcE/TPvC9c9jGDI/AAAAAAAAA-k/wGwDQKwWNM8/s1600/IMG_2263.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_d_r29LDiZcE/TPvC9c9jGDI/AAAAAAAAA-k/wGwDQKwWNM8/s320/IMG_2263.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_d_r29LDiZcE/TPvDM95XSvI/AAAAAAAAA-o/cGa1IYztveE/s1600/IMG_2264.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_d_r29LDiZcE/TPvDM95XSvI/AAAAAAAAA-o/cGa1IYztveE/s320/IMG_2264.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_d_r29LDiZcE/TPvDjfjfrCI/AAAAAAAAA-s/yTHP073rMRM/s1600/IMG_2265.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_d_r29LDiZcE/TPvDjfjfrCI/AAAAAAAAA-s/yTHP073rMRM/s320/IMG_2265.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_d_r29LDiZcE/TPvDuoB8-cI/AAAAAAAAA-w/G7QvleVVBAs/s1600/IMG_2266.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_d_r29LDiZcE/TPvDuoB8-cI/AAAAAAAAA-w/G7QvleVVBAs/s320/IMG_2266.JPG" width="250" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_d_r29LDiZcE/TPvD6NH8DbI/AAAAAAAAA-0/ZBk9hgciS9U/s1600/IMG_2267.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_d_r29LDiZcE/TPvD6NH8DbI/AAAAAAAAA-0/ZBk9hgciS9U/s320/IMG_2267.JPG" width="247" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_d_r29LDiZcE/TPvEICjQAcI/AAAAAAAAA-4/7Jaxth2kSGc/s1600/IMG_2270.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_d_r29LDiZcE/TPvEICjQAcI/AAAAAAAAA-4/7Jaxth2kSGc/s320/IMG_2270.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Corihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17137288736654497040noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86436746903274213.post-4011195637092231062010-12-02T12:28:00.000+07:002010-12-02T12:28:55.137+07:00The curious incident of the dog in the night-time<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_d_r29LDiZcE/TPctZNrS8JI/AAAAAAAAA-Y/IMJ67-5On4A/s1600/Picture+8.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_d_r29LDiZcE/TPctZNrS8JI/AAAAAAAAA-Y/IMJ67-5On4A/s320/Picture+8.png" width="204" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I picked up this book the other night because I couldn't sleep and I left the book I am currently reading (The Fountainhead) at work. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It's written from the point of view of a 15 year old living with Asperger disease. It's so well written that you not only gain a better understanding of what it's like to live with this disease you really fall in love with the main character. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I highly recommend this book- especially when you can't sleep because your mind is racing... this book races all over the place as well! </div>Corihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17137288736654497040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86436746903274213.post-58308439828920966642010-11-28T20:05:00.000+07:002010-11-28T20:05:43.309+07:00Vietnam Exposure #7<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_d_r29LDiZcE/TPJPe0S8m9I/AAAAAAAAA-A/BEhF4D-kxVk/s1600/IMG_2126.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_d_r29LDiZcE/TPJPe0S8m9I/AAAAAAAAA-A/BEhF4D-kxVk/s320/IMG_2126.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_d_r29LDiZcE/TPJPy1CbD9I/AAAAAAAAA-E/9q5TuEHbbNk/s1600/IMG_2120.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_d_r29LDiZcE/TPJPy1CbD9I/AAAAAAAAA-E/9q5TuEHbbNk/s320/IMG_2120.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_d_r29LDiZcE/TPJQDyhXTmI/AAAAAAAAA-I/r5zBcId2TlQ/s1600/IMG_2183.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_d_r29LDiZcE/TPJQDyhXTmI/AAAAAAAAA-I/r5zBcId2TlQ/s320/IMG_2183.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_d_r29LDiZcE/TPJQVJdBnlI/AAAAAAAAA-M/UDmRmeDLfj4/s1600/IMG_2127.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_d_r29LDiZcE/TPJQVJdBnlI/AAAAAAAAA-M/UDmRmeDLfj4/s320/IMG_2127.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_d_r29LDiZcE/TPJQkQOaRfI/AAAAAAAAA-Q/Rfe7Op3dmaw/s1600/IMG_2188.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_d_r29LDiZcE/TPJQkQOaRfI/AAAAAAAAA-Q/Rfe7Op3dmaw/s320/IMG_2188.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_d_r29LDiZcE/TPJQyInQlnI/AAAAAAAAA-U/t4XdEUY1vLk/s1600/IMG_2190.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_d_r29LDiZcE/TPJQyInQlnI/AAAAAAAAA-U/t4XdEUY1vLk/s320/IMG_2190.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Corihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17137288736654497040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86436746903274213.post-26405941605185733392010-11-28T19:39:00.000+07:002010-11-28T19:39:31.429+07:00A Singapore Thanksgiving<div style="text-align: center;">I was fortunate enough this year to make a trip out to Singapore to see my friends Nick and Sorelle, the last time I saw them was for this: </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_d_r29LDiZcE/TPJHIbc30iI/AAAAAAAAA9k/PxygaUsUix8/s1600/Picture+6.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_d_r29LDiZcE/TPJHIbc30iI/AAAAAAAAA9k/PxygaUsUix8/s320/Picture+6.png" width="239" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">And now they have this : ) </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_d_r29LDiZcE/TPJHZrqwdoI/AAAAAAAAA9o/tRuk1DmtGXA/s1600/IMG_2205.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_d_r29LDiZcE/TPJHZrqwdoI/AAAAAAAAA9o/tRuk1DmtGXA/s320/IMG_2205.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I started out my trip on Thursday- I had taken the day off of work because my original flight left in early afternoon. However, the airlines changed my flight (boooooooorns) and I ended up with a day off in Saigon. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I had a great chill day, did some window shopping and hit the spa. There is something SO refreshing in having your hair washed before a flight. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">The flight itself was incredibly easy, I nodded off and came to as we were descending into Singapore. Riding in the taxi was hilarious because the taxi driver wouldn't stop chatting. In Vietnam you hardly interact with the taxi driver because their English is limited, but this guy was just talk talk talk.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Spend the rest of the evening having wine and pizza with Sorelle, her sister and her friend Anita. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Friday was another chill day. I got my first real feel of the holidays, the weather was hot but not unbearable- slightly overcast with a cool breeze. Perfect. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">We hung out around the house, playing with Maya (pictured above) and had a nice long walk out to lunch. The afternoon was filled with preparations for Saturdays feast - we made corn bread for the stuffing and three pies- two apple and one blueberry. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Nick was on a business trip in China until the early evening so once he was home we all drank wine and stuffed the pies and talked. Their house keeper/nanny made an amazing dinner of chicken rice and dahl, and we wrapped up the night reminiscing about college days and all the funny times we shared. Sorelle even had this blast from the past :</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_d_r29LDiZcE/TPJJlJ_I0hI/AAAAAAAAA9s/ZaPJJCorNxM/s1600/IMG_2206.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_d_r29LDiZcE/TPJJlJ_I0hI/AAAAAAAAA9s/ZaPJJCorNxM/s320/IMG_2206.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">*Sorry for the quality - it's a picture of a picture : ) </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Saturday (our thanksgiving) was so perfect. A lazy day, running around Singapore on the back of Nick's vespa grabbing last minute things and cooking up a storm. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Such a lovely Thanksgiving, I was SO incredibly sad to leave- and what's worse is I had to leave around 5:30 am so I didn't get to have proper goodbyes! All in all it was a perfect trip and reminded just how much I love these two people! Oops... shall I say three people?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_d_r29LDiZcE/TPJMEvAjlxI/AAAAAAAAA9w/AqHPJmpsMcU/s1600/IMG_2216.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_d_r29LDiZcE/TPJMEvAjlxI/AAAAAAAAA9w/AqHPJmpsMcU/s320/IMG_2216.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_d_r29LDiZcE/TPJMTqx3f5I/AAAAAAAAA90/U5EhlCQWH8A/s1600/IMG_2218.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_d_r29LDiZcE/TPJMTqx3f5I/AAAAAAAAA90/U5EhlCQWH8A/s320/IMG_2218.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_d_r29LDiZcE/TPJMk5OAMTI/AAAAAAAAA94/KP1h-xHduIE/s1600/IMG_2219.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_d_r29LDiZcE/TPJMk5OAMTI/AAAAAAAAA94/KP1h-xHduIE/s320/IMG_2219.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_d_r29LDiZcE/TPJM2gCCGBI/AAAAAAAAA98/phbCSQ1_oq4/s1600/IMG_2220.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_d_r29LDiZcE/TPJM2gCCGBI/AAAAAAAAA98/phbCSQ1_oq4/s320/IMG_2220.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Corihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17137288736654497040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86436746903274213.post-37589598795744388092010-11-14T08:45:00.000+07:002010-11-14T08:45:59.822+07:00Vietnam Exposure #6<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_d_r29LDiZcE/TN87w_zzwCI/AAAAAAAAA80/pR3xmyt__O8/s1600/IMG_2073.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_d_r29LDiZcE/TN87w_zzwCI/AAAAAAAAA80/pR3xmyt__O8/s320/IMG_2073.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_d_r29LDiZcE/TN88AilJtPI/AAAAAAAAA84/YpkH3dFk7zg/s1600/IMG_2075.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_d_r29LDiZcE/TN88AilJtPI/AAAAAAAAA84/YpkH3dFk7zg/s320/IMG_2075.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_d_r29LDiZcE/TN88TOgtQhI/AAAAAAAAA88/JxL-isLbeLw/s1600/IMG_2077.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_d_r29LDiZcE/TN88TOgtQhI/AAAAAAAAA88/JxL-isLbeLw/s320/IMG_2077.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_d_r29LDiZcE/TN88komnU1I/AAAAAAAAA9A/hb0PcsPfHTM/s1600/IMG_2078.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_d_r29LDiZcE/TN88komnU1I/AAAAAAAAA9A/hb0PcsPfHTM/s320/IMG_2078.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_d_r29LDiZcE/TN885cefPfI/AAAAAAAAA9E/Wn3doPaLo4g/s1600/IMG_2080.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_d_r29LDiZcE/TN885cefPfI/AAAAAAAAA9E/Wn3doPaLo4g/s320/IMG_2080.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_d_r29LDiZcE/TN89FzMBSbI/AAAAAAAAA9I/BafGDp8Iyfg/s1600/IMG_2105.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_d_r29LDiZcE/TN89FzMBSbI/AAAAAAAAA9I/BafGDp8Iyfg/s320/IMG_2105.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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</div>Corihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17137288736654497040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86436746903274213.post-45478050309334059572010-11-11T22:30:00.001+07:002010-11-11T22:33:39.682+07:00A Confederacy of Dunces<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_d_r29LDiZcE/TNwET9tw_UI/AAAAAAAAA8w/0oUmbX5sU7o/s1600/Picture+2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_d_r29LDiZcE/TNwET9tw_UI/AAAAAAAAA8w/0oUmbX5sU7o/s1600/Picture+2.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A marvelous read. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The forward by Walker Percy was such a great introduction I'll include it here for your literary pleasure. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Forward: </b></div><blockquote>Perhaps the best way to introduce this novel - which is my third reading of it astounds me even more than the first- is to tell of my first encounter with it. While I was teaching at Loyola in 1976 I began to get telephone calls from a lady unknown to me. What she proposed was preposterous. It was not that she had written a couple of chapters of a novel and wanted to get into my class. It was that her son, who was dead, had written an entire novel during the early sixties, a big novel, and she wanted me to read it. Why would I want to do that? I asked her. Because it is a great novel, she said. </blockquote><blockquote>Over the years I have become very good at getting out of things I don't want to do. And if ever there was something I didn't want to do, this was surely it: to deal with the mother of a dead novelist and, worst of all, to have to read a manuscript that she said was <i>great</i>, and that as it turned out, was a badly smeared, scarcely readable carbon. </blockquote><blockquote>But the lady was persistent, and it somehow came to pass that she stood in my office handling me the hefty manuscript. There was no getting out of it; only one hope remained- that I could read a few pages and that they would be bad enough for me, in good conscience, to read no farther. Usually I can do just that. Indeed the first paragraph often suffices. My only fear was that this one might not be bad enough, or might be just good enough, so that I would have to keep reading. </blockquote><blockquote>In this case I read on. And on. First with the sinking feeling that it was not bad enough to quit, then with a prickle of interest, then a growing excitement, and finally an incredulity: surely it was not possible that it was so good. I shall resist the temptation to say what first made me gape, grin, laugh out loud, shake my head in wonderment. Better let the reader make the discovery on his own. </blockquote><blockquote>Here at any rate is Ignatius Reilly, without progenitor in any literature I know of- slob extraordinary, a mad Oliver Hardy, a fat Don Quixote, a perverse Thomas Aquinas rolled into one- who is in violent revolt against the entire modern age, lying in his flannel nightshirt, in a back bedroom on Constantinople Street in New Orleans, who between gigantic seizures of flatulence and eructations is filling dozens of Big Chief tablets with invective. </blockquote><blockquote>His mother thinks he nes to go to work. He does, in a succession of jobs. Each job rapidly escalates into a lunatic adventure, a full-blown disaster; yet each has, like Don Quixote's, its own eerie logic. </blockquote><blockquote>His girlfriend, Myrna Minkoff of the Bronx, thinks he needs sex. What happens between Myrna and Ignatius is like no other boy-meets-girl story in my experience. </blockquote><blockquote>By no means a lesser virtue of Toole's novel is his rendering of the particularities of New Orleans, its back streets, its out-of-the-way neighborhoods, its odd speech, its ethnic whites- and one black in whom Toole has achieved the near impossible, a superb comic character of immense wit and resourcefulness without the least trace of Rastus minstrelsy. </blockquote><blockquote>But Toole's greatest achievement is Ignatius Reilly himself, intellectiual, ideologue, deadbeat, goof-off, glutton, who should repel the reader with his gargatuan bloats, his thunderous contempt and one-man war against everybody- Frued, homosexuals, heterosexuals, Protestants, and the assorted excesses of modern times. Imagine an Aquinas gone to pot, transported to New Orleans from whence he makes a wild foray through the swamps to LSU at Baton Rouge, where his lumber jacket is stolen in the faculty men's room where he is seated, overcome by mammoth gastro-intestinal problems. His pyloric valve periodically closes in response to the lack of a "proper geometry and theolofy" in the modern world.</blockquote><blockquote>I hesitate to use the word <i>comedy</i> - though comedy it is- because that implies simply a funny book, and this novel is a great deal more than that. A great rumbling farce of Falstaffin dimensions would better describe it; <i>commedia</i> would be closer to it. </blockquote><blockquote>It is also sad. One never quite knows where the sadness comes from- from the tragedy at the heart of Ignatius's great gaseous rafes and lunatic adventures or the tragedy attending the book itself. </blockquote><blockquote>The tragedy of the book is the tragedy of the author- his suicide in 1969 at the age of thirty-two. Another tragedy is the body of work we have been denied. </blockquote><blockquote>It is a great pity that John Kennedy Toole is not alive and well and writing. But he is not, and there is nothing we can do about it but make sure this gargantuan tumultuous human tragicomedy is at least made available to a world of readers. </blockquote><div style="text-align: right;">Walker Percy</div><div style="text-align: right;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: right;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: right;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">A phenomenal read and it really is tragic. This man took his life due to depression by his failure to publish this novel. And what a truly epic novel it is. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Up Next: </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Fountainhead</b> </div><div style="text-align: center;">by: Ayn Rand</div><span id="goog_1853708364"></span><span id="goog_1853708365"></span>Corihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17137288736654497040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86436746903274213.post-85381040680138614562010-11-10T02:24:00.000+07:002010-11-10T02:24:27.513+07:00Vietnam Exposure #5<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_d_r29LDiZcE/TNmeE1V88aI/AAAAAAAAA70/Qk5I0gkmx0M/s1600/IMG_2045.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_d_r29LDiZcE/TNmeE1V88aI/AAAAAAAAA70/Qk5I0gkmx0M/s320/IMG_2045.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
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</div>Corihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17137288736654497040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86436746903274213.post-4600521956827051632010-11-07T11:23:00.000+07:002010-11-07T11:23:48.846+07:00Hello Friend!<div style="text-align: center;">There are so many times that I see my blogspot dashboard from my 'top sites' on safari. I see that little thumbnail of my blog and think- man I should really get an entry out.... but do I do it? Nah.... </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Living life sometimes involves being secluded, self indulgent and a bit aloof. And there is no problem with that! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I've been having fun doing nothing really, the same old pleasant routine. Great job, great friends, Vietnamese food and great exercise. I'm feeling pretty content with my life at this point. I feel almost as if it's the calm before the storm. As if I'm taking this year to reset my batteries and prepare myself for the what's to come. And the best part of that is, I have NO idea what is to come for me! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Time has been flying by living here in 'Nam. I cannot believe it is already November! October seemed to happen in the span of a week I swear! A glimpse of October: </div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_d_r29LDiZcE/TNYk9a89n5I/AAAAAAAAA7Q/6jiFKN1OmPQ/s1600/IMG_1981.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_d_r29LDiZcE/TNYk9a89n5I/AAAAAAAAA7Q/6jiFKN1OmPQ/s320/IMG_1981.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And a look into November: </div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I love this time of year. I'm incredibly excited to start planning for the holidays and I can't wait to get back on an airplane! I can't believe it's been a little over 6 months here already and I haven't flown anywhere since I arrived back in Vietnam at the end of April. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I have some pretty exciting and great things to look forward to in the next 6 weeks or so. At school this month I have 4 students that have birthdays, which means afternoons filled with singing presents and KFC- Teacher's day will be celebrated on the 19th with a half day at school and the following week I head out to Singapore to celebrate thanksgiving with two really great friends that I haven't seen in over 2 years. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I'm also planning for my trip to the states, which I am so incredibly stoked for. I get to spend my first christmas in about 6 years with my entire family. My mom, dad and brother. We all live in different places and I've been living internationally on and off for 4 years or so... it's been a challenge getting together. This year however I have TWO weeks with family! A few road trips are planned, relaxing and doing nothing, christmas movies and colder weather. I can't sit still just thinking about it. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I'm in love with life at this point. Even with the many challenges it brings on a day to day basis. I'm interested to see the changes I have made, the choices that I continue to make and the new life that I lead. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Being 26 and hitting a 'midlife' crisis is rad. I feel like I've already lived a lifetime and now won the lottery with a new beginning. </div>Corihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17137288736654497040noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86436746903274213.post-76917143732321805032010-10-22T19:25:00.000+07:002010-10-22T19:25:46.001+07:00My Balcony.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_d_r29LDiZcE/TMF9wBIazcI/AAAAAAAAA7M/uTNB3oMFgtg/s1600/IMG_1878.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_d_r29LDiZcE/TMF9wBIazcI/AAAAAAAAA7M/uTNB3oMFgtg/s320/IMG_1878.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It's small, there's nothing to it... but it's my favorite place in the entire house. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I can spend hours standing and looking outside. Even though I see the same alley way, the same buildings, the same Vietnamese families walking around... it never loses it's interest to me. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I can picture myself being an old lady, sitting on my rocker, watching people from my porch. Or Balcony. I find something therapeutic in silently staring out into the world. I am able to let my thoughts wonder, or think of nothing at all. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I encourage you all to do nothing for at least 20 minutes. It's worth it. </div>Corihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17137288736654497040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86436746903274213.post-2802882889530339672010-10-16T16:57:00.000+07:002010-10-16T16:57:36.531+07:00Vietnam Exposure #4<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_d_r29LDiZcE/TLl1evMwErI/AAAAAAAAA6w/xTWt8-nru5E/s1600/IMG_1740.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_d_r29LDiZcE/TLl1evMwErI/AAAAAAAAA6w/xTWt8-nru5E/s400/IMG_1740.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_d_r29LDiZcE/TLl2xZz8U6I/AAAAAAAAA7E/gue3nABMscE/s1600/IMG_1754.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_d_r29LDiZcE/TLl2xZz8U6I/AAAAAAAAA7E/gue3nABMscE/s400/IMG_1754.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Corihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17137288736654497040noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86436746903274213.post-54732124144422608322010-10-15T23:45:00.001+07:002010-10-15T23:46:31.582+07:00Sick.<div style="text-align: center;">I knew it would happen. You can only spend so many nine hour days with 22 sick five year olds before you come down with something yourself. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">It's taken me out of commission for a little over a week. No exercise, no private lessons, only three and a half days of work, and no social life.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">While taking time to rest is amazingly rewarding and has helped me bounce back (to about 75%, here's to the last 25% percent coming back easily! ) it's also sent me a little stir crazy. Something about being sick with a head cold makes reading a HUGE challenge, and reading is one of my favorite things to do. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Since I've put all of my favorite things on hold (gym, reading, climbing, red wine, socializing etc) I am hoping to dive back in tomorrow. Go Vap Orphanage in the morning, climbing in the afternoon and possibly some Octoberfest activities in the evening. Bring it on. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Also this week in the exciting world of Cori, I finally bit the bullet and purchased my ticket home for christmas. While it was a huge financial blow, the decision was easy. I get to see my mom, my dad, my brother, my sister-in-law, my AMAZING niece and my family of friends in Portland. Who could ask for anything more? </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I also have the blessing of saying goodbye to a very challenging 2010 and welcoming in 2011 with some of my favorite people in the entire world. I think I've earned a warm comforting holiday season with family! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Feeling a bit healthier, a bit more optimistic and a lot more happy. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I hope nothing but the best in health and happiness to all those out there that read this. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Corihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17137288736654497040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86436746903274213.post-88637716623131204402010-10-10T10:49:00.000+07:002010-10-10T10:49:03.189+07:00Hello Again, Go Vap!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_d_r29LDiZcE/TLEyPX1URgI/AAAAAAAAA6Q/goLkuQ8mL3k/s1600/IMG_1726.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_d_r29LDiZcE/TLEyPX1URgI/AAAAAAAAA6Q/goLkuQ8mL3k/s400/IMG_1726.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It's been far too long. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I have spent the past 4 months or so, devoting my heart, time and energy towards myself. Sorting myself out, figuring out what things I needed to add or remove from my life to be happy and getting a handle on teaching yet again. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I've discovered that I LOVE teaching preschool. When I do return to the States I will be a preschool or kindergarten teacher for sure. I've also re-discovered my passion for rock climbing. A hobby that reminds me who I am. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I've agreed to start leading a group of volunteers to Go Vap every Saturday morning, this week was the first trip and unfortunately I was the only one who showed up! It's partially my fault because I only agreed to it half way through the week and also there were two other people that were planning on going that bailed out... </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">However, it was still an amazing trip. Was able to feed a few precious babies and play with some happy little toddlers. I can't wait for this to start becoming a part of my weekly routine. Just being there fills my heart with complete happiness and an array of emotions. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here's a few from this weeks trip: </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_d_r29LDiZcE/TLEzZemWEQI/AAAAAAAAA6k/WTVkKzBiXA4/s1600/IMG_1719.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_d_r29LDiZcE/TLEzZemWEQI/AAAAAAAAA6k/WTVkKzBiXA4/s400/IMG_1719.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_d_r29LDiZcE/TLEyv7xiiqI/AAAAAAAAA6Y/86-usnhfWuQ/s1600/IMG_1713.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_d_r29LDiZcE/TLEyv7xiiqI/AAAAAAAAA6Y/86-usnhfWuQ/s400/IMG_1713.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_d_r29LDiZcE/TLEy_vvPAiI/AAAAAAAAA6c/exprjTcZ6Uc/s1600/IMG_1714.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_d_r29LDiZcE/TLEy_vvPAiI/AAAAAAAAA6c/exprjTcZ6Uc/s400/IMG_1714.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_d_r29LDiZcE/TLE264l-JKI/AAAAAAAAA6o/iDJqKNeo9bU/s1600/IMG_1721.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_d_r29LDiZcE/TLE264l-JKI/AAAAAAAAA6o/iDJqKNeo9bU/s400/IMG_1721.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_d_r29LDiZcE/TLE3J3D9ciI/AAAAAAAAA6s/5P0jscZKX6U/s1600/IMG_1722.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_d_r29LDiZcE/TLE3J3D9ciI/AAAAAAAAA6s/5P0jscZKX6U/s400/IMG_1722.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Looking forward to many more visits and more volunteers to share it with! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Corihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17137288736654497040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86436746903274213.post-7396476231269785492010-10-05T21:49:00.000+07:002010-10-05T21:49:19.294+07:00Wish List.<div style="text-align: center;">Red <a href="http://www.toms.com/">TOMS</a> shoes. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">SLR Camera, preferably <a href="http://www.canon.com/">Cannon</a>. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">A <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/nook/index.asp">NOOK</a>. I travel a lot, enough said. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Endless supply of <a href="http://www.moleskineus.com/">these</a>. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">And that's pretty much it. These items would make my life complete... starting to save now, hopefully. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Corihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17137288736654497040noreply@blogger.com0