Not much to blog about till I get back to NYC on March 8th so for the best things to read, click on my Year in Review Letters (the last three years), the Normalcy Debate among the Hong siblings, and my Alaska AIDS Ride newsletter. That is, of course, if you have nothing better in the bathroom (none of them can be described as compendious so you might want to harm a sapling and print them out).
And for my favorite photo collections, try these:
Hanoi
Phan Thiet
NZ South Island Scenic Drive
although I had a tough time leaving out Sydney (on New Year's Eve) and the Glacier Hiking. Actually, I love all the photos, so just go to the links on the right and start clicking down the list - from Australia to New Zealand to Vietnam and even some shots of our crazy and funny family.
There are many many many photos I still haven't posted from Vietnam, and none of those of which I photographed at Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom among the many other temples I visited in Cambodia. Eventually I'll get those up.
Cheers,
Hani
February 25, 2002
February 20, 2002
ARLINGTON VIRGINIA
The United States of America
It is sooooo good to be back on US soil. I nearly cried when I could see the snow on the ground from the airplane. When I arrived at the airport, I was welcomed by Uncle 7 and dad (who smartly remembered to bring me a coat because he knew I was coming from spending a year in the tropics) and temperatures of oh... -4C! That's 21F for those of you who need conversion. I can't describe how good the brisk air felt. I love sitting on the sunny side of the car on a blustery cold day - it just feels good.
So first stop from the airport, I tell dad "let's go have a steak and cheese." And we went to 2 Chefs at about 10:50 and I realize - it's CLOSED! And it's closed because in America, it was President's Day! So dad and Cau 7 took me to ... um... Little Saigon restaurant. Yeah. I just flew in from a year in Vietnam and we go to a Vietnamese restaurant. So I had a seven dollar bowl of duck noodle soup which in Vietnam costs $1.30.
This morning I got up and had to make my own coffee and toast my own croissant and this afternoon I had to cook my own food and clean my own dishes and IT FEELS GOOD. And this afternoon, Dad and I went to 2 Chefs and had our steak and cheeses and it tasted so GOOD. And they were open at 11 yesterday but we had just missed them. For shame.
I'm so happy to be back. I’ve talked to all my sisters, I hear English everywhere, I get to chill out with dad and not get bitten by mosquitos. I could even drink the tap water if I wanted to. I feel FREE FREE FREE. I am happy appy appy.
The United States of America
It is sooooo good to be back on US soil. I nearly cried when I could see the snow on the ground from the airplane. When I arrived at the airport, I was welcomed by Uncle 7 and dad (who smartly remembered to bring me a coat because he knew I was coming from spending a year in the tropics) and temperatures of oh... -4C! That's 21F for those of you who need conversion. I can't describe how good the brisk air felt. I love sitting on the sunny side of the car on a blustery cold day - it just feels good.
So first stop from the airport, I tell dad "let's go have a steak and cheese." And we went to 2 Chefs at about 10:50 and I realize - it's CLOSED! And it's closed because in America, it was President's Day! So dad and Cau 7 took me to ... um... Little Saigon restaurant. Yeah. I just flew in from a year in Vietnam and we go to a Vietnamese restaurant. So I had a seven dollar bowl of duck noodle soup which in Vietnam costs $1.30.
This morning I got up and had to make my own coffee and toast my own croissant and this afternoon I had to cook my own food and clean my own dishes and IT FEELS GOOD. And this afternoon, Dad and I went to 2 Chefs and had our steak and cheeses and it tasted so GOOD. And they were open at 11 yesterday but we had just missed them. For shame.
I'm so happy to be back. I’ve talked to all my sisters, I hear English everywhere, I get to chill out with dad and not get bitten by mosquitos. I could even drink the tap water if I wanted to. I feel FREE FREE FREE. I am happy appy appy.
February 17, 2002
SINGAPORE
Yup, getting closer and closer to the end... and the beginning. Everyone keeps asking me what I'm going to do and where I'm going to live and the answer is - who knows? I ask that too. Goodbyes were relatively easy, fairly spaced apart, and thankfully not tearful! In about 3 hours I get on a flight to Japan and then spend another 3 hour layover there where I might check in again. I'm really racking up my number of countries visited with this trip, I think Japan will be the eighth country since January 2002.
All right. Logging off. I have a lot of layovering to do.
H
Yup, getting closer and closer to the end... and the beginning. Everyone keeps asking me what I'm going to do and where I'm going to live and the answer is - who knows? I ask that too. Goodbyes were relatively easy, fairly spaced apart, and thankfully not tearful! In about 3 hours I get on a flight to Japan and then spend another 3 hour layover there where I might check in again. I'm really racking up my number of countries visited with this trip, I think Japan will be the eighth country since January 2002.
All right. Logging off. I have a lot of layovering to do.
H
February 16, 2002
Leaving Saigon surprisingly leaves me a bit sad, mostly because of the significant people in my life here. Very very sad. I have lots of fond memories of my experiences and my travels here, mostly spent with wonderful beautiful people. On the flipside, I am truly ecstatic to be returning home, spending time in the museums and streets of New York, getting my corn on the cob at Havana, Cuban style (with cheese, mayonnaise, yogurt and chili pepper), and biking in Central Park. At home I'm looking forward to being a couch potato with dad, eating in greasy diners and fancy Georgetown cafes. Truly, I can’t wait to get around by driving myself somewhere or walking onto a subway train. Oh, joy! I’m really looking forward to finding new and interesting work, and hopefully become published, even if it is only a maze book – I can still draw them after all these years.
Di 10 makes me a grand dinner tonight as it’s her last chance to cook for me for a long time! Should be scrumptious – cua rang muoi and hu tieu nam vang. If you want to know what those are, you need to go to a Vietnamese restaurant with me and I will show you. Then I’ll tell you that at home, my aunt makes it a thousand times better. They’re delicious dishes and even when made badly (like pho) it still tastes good.
This adventure is at long last coming to an end, and with it, other significant experiences will end and people in my life will move in different directions. It's sad. Looking forward, I see more travels, bigger and brighter life, challenging work, and daring explorations open to me. I’m ready to jump in.
Di 10 makes me a grand dinner tonight as it’s her last chance to cook for me for a long time! Should be scrumptious – cua rang muoi and hu tieu nam vang. If you want to know what those are, you need to go to a Vietnamese restaurant with me and I will show you. Then I’ll tell you that at home, my aunt makes it a thousand times better. They’re delicious dishes and even when made badly (like pho) it still tastes good.
This adventure is at long last coming to an end, and with it, other significant experiences will end and people in my life will move in different directions. It's sad. Looking forward, I see more travels, bigger and brighter life, challenging work, and daring explorations open to me. I’m ready to jump in.
February 15, 2002
For the "best of" the blogs, click on the February 2001 archives for first impressions of Vietnam (start at the bottom) as well as January 2002 for adventures down under. Once you read the blog, work your way up as blogs are posted chronologically from most recent down.
Souris emailed us the year's review - looks like I'm gonna be lucky.
Ox (1925, 1937, 1949, 1961. 1973, 1985, 1997)
"The Resourceful Ox finds the treasure chest."
People born in the year of the Ox are in for a treat this year. All their earnest efforts and self-sacrifices of the previous year have finally paid off in positive karma points. Ox persons enjoy unexpected surprises of happiness. They will find that helpful people seek them out and bring beneficial opportunities. Moreover, they are likely to gain positive reputation and acquire recognition beyond their expectations. The Ox persons will be active and on the move. Traveling and attending many social events are two of the many ways Ox persons will be bumping into special people who may have romantic interests all year long. As wonderful meals and beautiful people will be plenty, be selective of the foods you eat and the people you meet. You will find certain things look better than they taste.
Ox (1925, 1937, 1949, 1961. 1973, 1985, 1997)
"The Resourceful Ox finds the treasure chest."
People born in the year of the Ox are in for a treat this year. All their earnest efforts and self-sacrifices of the previous year have finally paid off in positive karma points. Ox persons enjoy unexpected surprises of happiness. They will find that helpful people seek them out and bring beneficial opportunities. Moreover, they are likely to gain positive reputation and acquire recognition beyond their expectations. The Ox persons will be active and on the move. Traveling and attending many social events are two of the many ways Ox persons will be bumping into special people who may have romantic interests all year long. As wonderful meals and beautiful people will be plenty, be selective of the foods you eat and the people you meet. You will find certain things look better than they taste.
February 13, 2002
New Year's went by well and I got lots of lucky money (li xi) which I gambled away ... lost all my lucky money to the last dong. No worries, dongs are worthless in the rest of the world. Tet in Vietnam is a world apart from New Year's in the States and superbly festive and joyful. I'll send a write up when I'm settled in at home. Much to do in my last days - packing, unpacking, flying all over the place, and in general, taking care of a big move after a year. Till then, I wish you a joyous Tet. H.
February 12, 2002
My brilliant sister Kaly wrote a review about The live version by the Sir Colin Davis-led London Symphony Orchestra of Berlioz's The Trojans, starring Ben Heppner and Michelle DeYoung, on CDNow. (It has three GRAMMY Nominations). You have to scroll down past the 4 CD's worth of track listings and the review is at the bottom. Kelly went to London specifically to see this performance.
February 11, 2002
So the job opportunities seem to be rolling in. At least, a bunch of ideas are. Here's a sampling:
From Mitch: "We did go to the National Building Museum which I had never been to. Beautiful building. Our docent that gave us the tour was really annoying. I told Greg that you would make a great docent at a museum. You love art, you are so smart, you are just so darn likeable and so cute that you would be the best docent in the whole wide world. Seriously, if you have some free time, you should consider doing that."
That one made me laugh out loud.
But more seriously, Lisa sent me this:
don't know what you're thinking of regarding your return to new york -- but there is a nyc teaching fellow program, to recruit successful, non-teachers to join the school system. you make a commitment to teach for two years, get paid full salary, and get a master's in education fully paid during the two years you're teaching, and an extra $4,700 stipend each year to take other classes you're interested in (or put toward your student loan.)
deadline to apply is march 1 -- it's pretty easy -- just filling out an application, sending a resume and writing a letter -- then they screen and have a formal interview process. in case this is of any interest to you, here is the website:
nycteachingfellows
And most glam of all, Albert suggested "If you are able to spend time in paris en route back to the states, stop in at the following three bars: Buddha Bar in the st honoré, Barfly on avenue George V, and Barrio Latino on rue Faubourg St Antoine near the Bastille. It's quite doable to hop through all three in one evening, having some sushi or tapas at the bar at each. Buddha Bar would be the most important of the three. [...] The whole thing is premised on exotica, foreign themes, etc., like high-end hard rock cafés. While the whole thing is kind of vapidly glamourous, you have the background they would need." The best part is that I could live in Paris!
And of course, I can always go to Santa Monica, live with Mica and Ari, Mike, and Lori, and perhaps plant myself back in kindergarten with Mica with perhaps some graduate school on the side.
I live on a lucky star or what because I've got good people in my life.
From Mitch: "We did go to the National Building Museum which I had never been to. Beautiful building. Our docent that gave us the tour was really annoying. I told Greg that you would make a great docent at a museum. You love art, you are so smart, you are just so darn likeable and so cute that you would be the best docent in the whole wide world. Seriously, if you have some free time, you should consider doing that."
That one made me laugh out loud.
But more seriously, Lisa sent me this:
don't know what you're thinking of regarding your return to new york -- but there is a nyc teaching fellow program, to recruit successful, non-teachers to join the school system. you make a commitment to teach for two years, get paid full salary, and get a master's in education fully paid during the two years you're teaching, and an extra $4,700 stipend each year to take other classes you're interested in (or put toward your student loan.)
deadline to apply is march 1 -- it's pretty easy -- just filling out an application, sending a resume and writing a letter -- then they screen and have a formal interview process. in case this is of any interest to you, here is the website:
nycteachingfellows
And most glam of all, Albert suggested "If you are able to spend time in paris en route back to the states, stop in at the following three bars: Buddha Bar in the st honoré, Barfly on avenue George V, and Barrio Latino on rue Faubourg St Antoine near the Bastille. It's quite doable to hop through all three in one evening, having some sushi or tapas at the bar at each. Buddha Bar would be the most important of the three. [...] The whole thing is premised on exotica, foreign themes, etc., like high-end hard rock cafés. While the whole thing is kind of vapidly glamourous, you have the background they would need." The best part is that I could live in Paris!
And of course, I can always go to Santa Monica, live with Mica and Ari, Mike, and Lori, and perhaps plant myself back in kindergarten with Mica with perhaps some graduate school on the side.
I live on a lucky star or what because I've got good people in my life.
February 07, 2002
SAIGON.
Last night we had dinner at an Italian restaurant in a backpacker's alley with Linh, Lan, Tri, and Michael who works for cousin Hung who was just here a few weeks ago. Michael's in town training Vietnamese people for work for their company in northern California - logigear and he couldn't get over how many white people were in the area. "There must be more caucasians here than in San Francisco!" he exclaimed. We had indian food run to the table by a restaurant several doors down while we ate at the Italian place. It's just a funny Vietnamese thing - ordering from one place and having stuff run to and fro between eateries.
I also walked through the Tet Flower Market which was really very cool. It's rows and rows of flower vendors who sell kumquat trees in the shape of Christmas Pines, and dragon and horse topiaries, and all kinds of other traditional vietnamese new year's plants. It's open all night for a week prior to Tet. I'll try to get some photos later today. New Years feels much more celebratory to me here than Christmas had, which I suppose makes sense as most people are Buddhist anyway, including our very own family. It's very festive in the city and the streets are somehow even more crowded with motorbikes than they are during rush hour in Saigon.
Will see about getting some pictures of the festivities. H.
Last night we had dinner at an Italian restaurant in a backpacker's alley with Linh, Lan, Tri, and Michael who works for cousin Hung who was just here a few weeks ago. Michael's in town training Vietnamese people for work for their company in northern California - logigear and he couldn't get over how many white people were in the area. "There must be more caucasians here than in San Francisco!" he exclaimed. We had indian food run to the table by a restaurant several doors down while we ate at the Italian place. It's just a funny Vietnamese thing - ordering from one place and having stuff run to and fro between eateries.
I also walked through the Tet Flower Market which was really very cool. It's rows and rows of flower vendors who sell kumquat trees in the shape of Christmas Pines, and dragon and horse topiaries, and all kinds of other traditional vietnamese new year's plants. It's open all night for a week prior to Tet. I'll try to get some photos later today. New Years feels much more celebratory to me here than Christmas had, which I suppose makes sense as most people are Buddhist anyway, including our very own family. It's very festive in the city and the streets are somehow even more crowded with motorbikes than they are during rush hour in Saigon.
Will see about getting some pictures of the festivities. H.
February 06, 2002
SAIGON
I am trying and trying to get more pictures uploaded but there are public computer problems and hence, you're just going to have to live with what's already up. I'm simply busy with lunches and dinners and meetings in between till Sunday which is when I've set aside some time for myself to pack up one year's worth of living overseas. I've got a 70kg weight limit to fit in two packages. Somehow I've got to fit everyone's gifts and everything I own into two boxes. Otherwise, no gifts for you!
Tuesday is a BIG TET dinner at Di 10's house. Big. Family, family, family. Uncle 2, aunt 5, mom (who is #6), aunt 8, 9, 10, and Uncle Tony will all be there with spouses, children and grandchildren. Seven out of the 10 kids in mom's family will be together with their mom for Tet.
It's my parents' first new year's apart from each other since they've been married. Every year, shortly before midnight of the lunar new year, they leave the house to take a short walk around the neighborhood and come back in to "dap doc" together at midnight. It's a Vietnamese tradition where you are the first to enter your home, and with your step, you bring your happiness, prosperity, and fortune into your home. It's very important who your first guest of the year is, and this year, Dad's gonna be by himself, poor guy. Maybe one of my siblings should visit, and of all of us, it should be Lobo who just got a 100% raise and grand holiday cash bonus to pass his prosperous luck on to mom and dad.
As yet, my dear friend Mitch has suggested that I become a museum docent and Albert, equally as dear to me, has suggested I work for a fellow in Paris. Any more ideas? I'm eating 'em up.
All this talk about work. I need a nap.
I am trying and trying to get more pictures uploaded but there are public computer problems and hence, you're just going to have to live with what's already up. I'm simply busy with lunches and dinners and meetings in between till Sunday which is when I've set aside some time for myself to pack up one year's worth of living overseas. I've got a 70kg weight limit to fit in two packages. Somehow I've got to fit everyone's gifts and everything I own into two boxes. Otherwise, no gifts for you!
Tuesday is a BIG TET dinner at Di 10's house. Big. Family, family, family. Uncle 2, aunt 5, mom (who is #6), aunt 8, 9, 10, and Uncle Tony will all be there with spouses, children and grandchildren. Seven out of the 10 kids in mom's family will be together with their mom for Tet.
It's my parents' first new year's apart from each other since they've been married. Every year, shortly before midnight of the lunar new year, they leave the house to take a short walk around the neighborhood and come back in to "dap doc" together at midnight. It's a Vietnamese tradition where you are the first to enter your home, and with your step, you bring your happiness, prosperity, and fortune into your home. It's very important who your first guest of the year is, and this year, Dad's gonna be by himself, poor guy. Maybe one of my siblings should visit, and of all of us, it should be Lobo who just got a 100% raise and grand holiday cash bonus to pass his prosperous luck on to mom and dad.
As yet, my dear friend Mitch has suggested that I become a museum docent and Albert, equally as dear to me, has suggested I work for a fellow in Paris. Any more ideas? I'm eating 'em up.
All this talk about work. I need a nap.
February 05, 2002
Saigon, Vietnam.
I just spent the last three days at Saigon Mui Ne resort hanging out at my hometown beach. Mr. Thuong much appreciated the bottle of Bombay Sapphire I imported for him from Australia (as the bottle we bought in the U.S. decided to soak my luggage), and Mr. Ngoc just appreciates the general love and affection I offer as I told him he is much more difficult to buy gifts for and that I didn't want to just give him a piece of junk. I also stopped over at neighboring CocoBeach and had dinner with Thierry, Daniel, and their friend Simone and was glad to see that the Australian lemon passionfruit butter and raspberry mango jam I gave Thierry, certified chef, was being very seriously enjoyed. Otherwise, spent much of the time sitting around drinking drinks, reading on the beach, and actually was up to see the sunrise this morning. I love going out there - it brings me so much peace of mind. In a few years, aunt 9 and 10 will have their own resort in the area and I might just decide to make it a second home. Of course, must mention that Mr. Ngoc not only had his driver take me the 200km out there and take me back to Saigon, he was also kind enough to take care of my entire bill at the resort. Lucky me!
Have heard complaints from people in the city about my perpetual vacation. I just say, "Hey, somebody's got to go on vacation, it might as well be me!" Oh, and non sequiter, Sunday, February 3rd marked my one year anniversary in Vietnam. Hard to believe.
Have had a look at the application for bike touring in Europe and frankly, I think the job suits me perfectly. I mean PERFECTLY. Everything about it. The problem is, I've got to sit and work on the application and I just don't have the days over the next couple of weeks to do so as I am going on one more vacation before I go back to the U.S.
If not, all New Yorkers who need housesitters, call on me. And if you find a great apartment, let me know. I'm looking. And if you have a great job for a very happy person, let me know. I'm looking.
I just spent the last three days at Saigon Mui Ne resort hanging out at my hometown beach. Mr. Thuong much appreciated the bottle of Bombay Sapphire I imported for him from Australia (as the bottle we bought in the U.S. decided to soak my luggage), and Mr. Ngoc just appreciates the general love and affection I offer as I told him he is much more difficult to buy gifts for and that I didn't want to just give him a piece of junk. I also stopped over at neighboring CocoBeach and had dinner with Thierry, Daniel, and their friend Simone and was glad to see that the Australian lemon passionfruit butter and raspberry mango jam I gave Thierry, certified chef, was being very seriously enjoyed. Otherwise, spent much of the time sitting around drinking drinks, reading on the beach, and actually was up to see the sunrise this morning. I love going out there - it brings me so much peace of mind. In a few years, aunt 9 and 10 will have their own resort in the area and I might just decide to make it a second home. Of course, must mention that Mr. Ngoc not only had his driver take me the 200km out there and take me back to Saigon, he was also kind enough to take care of my entire bill at the resort. Lucky me!
Have heard complaints from people in the city about my perpetual vacation. I just say, "Hey, somebody's got to go on vacation, it might as well be me!" Oh, and non sequiter, Sunday, February 3rd marked my one year anniversary in Vietnam. Hard to believe.
Have had a look at the application for bike touring in Europe and frankly, I think the job suits me perfectly. I mean PERFECTLY. Everything about it. The problem is, I've got to sit and work on the application and I just don't have the days over the next couple of weeks to do so as I am going on one more vacation before I go back to the U.S.
If not, all New Yorkers who need housesitters, call on me. And if you find a great apartment, let me know. I'm looking. And if you have a great job for a very happy person, let me know. I'm looking.
February 01, 2002
1 February 2002
Ba Ngoai's 93rd birthday. Happy Birthday grammy!
Tonight we have a party on the Diamond Plaza rooftop where my birthday party was held, and catered of course, by Aunt 10. Chuong's throwing the party for friends and family (not for grammy though; she's staying home) and mom and all the aunts have headed home to dress themselves up.
We stop by an art gallery opening briefly before the party, and then after that, we will most likely go see Uranium, Tien's (Chuong's old roommate) band play.
Today I put my French to good use as I finally met Xavier and Manu's mom, Michelle for the first time (though I've heard of her for years!). I speak to her husband in Vietnamese, and the boys in English and somehow keep the conversation fairly straight. Not much else going on except that I go to Saigon Mui Ne tomorrow with Mr. Ngoc to spend three lovely days at the beach. The Chung-Minhs (Xavier's family) will also be out there on Sunday.
Have a great weekend.
Happy birthday to Kevin too!
Bye tutti
H
Ba Ngoai's 93rd birthday. Happy Birthday grammy!
Tonight we have a party on the Diamond Plaza rooftop where my birthday party was held, and catered of course, by Aunt 10. Chuong's throwing the party for friends and family (not for grammy though; she's staying home) and mom and all the aunts have headed home to dress themselves up.
We stop by an art gallery opening briefly before the party, and then after that, we will most likely go see Uranium, Tien's (Chuong's old roommate) band play.
Today I put my French to good use as I finally met Xavier and Manu's mom, Michelle for the first time (though I've heard of her for years!). I speak to her husband in Vietnamese, and the boys in English and somehow keep the conversation fairly straight. Not much else going on except that I go to Saigon Mui Ne tomorrow with Mr. Ngoc to spend three lovely days at the beach. The Chung-Minhs (Xavier's family) will also be out there on Sunday.
Have a great weekend.
Happy birthday to Kevin too!
Bye tutti
H
