Flying Business Class on the return flight helped me feel more rested and ready to jump back into my normal schedule. Surprisingly so! Upon returing home I jumped right into work and also made an appointment with my physician to look at these bites on my legs. After taking a vial of blood it was determined that I had a high white count so I began taking an antibiodic to ward off further infection. I will also visit an infectuous diseases doctor in mid-April to make sure everything is in check. Apparently there's a parasite carried by sand fleas that can cause a lot of problems; that's what we're trying to avoid here. By Friday, I was up at 6:30 and at my desk working! Granted, I was in bed early Friday evening but still, I'm much better this time than the last trip. I attribute that to Business Class flying.
Business Class was great but the flight attendants are almost too attentive! I hate to say that but they were a little overly sometimes. And they're heavy on the politeness. Here's what I mean: After eating I nestled in to my seat with my blanket and pillow and closed my eyes thinking they'd just remove my tray and placemat. But rather than take it unnoticed they'd actually WAKE ME UP and ask me if they could take it!? I really don't mean to complain - - it was a great experience to have that service and great seat on that long flight back. With those bug bites and the itchy condition I was in I can't fathom riding in the coach with that A/V box at my feet. I really think I would have gone crazy.
Here's where the price of the ticket is REALLY worth it: the lounge in Taipei and Ho Chi Minh City. I had a great meal, great view, and internet access in HCMC. In Taipei I was able to take a 20 minute shower and have a change of clothes. It was heaven! Had I had a bit longer layover I could have enjoyed what looked like a really good meal of dumplings, fruit, beverages galore, and other snacks. There were a lot of people in that lounge so finding a spot to sit wasn't easy. All I cared about was that shower. It made all the difference on my comfort later in the flight.
The staff in the lounge in Taipei were wonderful. They did their best trying to pronounce my last name so I spoke it out slowly, saying each individual part of it. They repeated with great enunciation and continued to pronounce it clearly and precisely (to a fault) for the rest of the time I was there: over the loud speaker when they called me for the shower, greeting me when I went to get my towels, and saying good-bye to me when I left for my flight. It was a fun exchange.
I doubt I'll ever fly economy class again on that leg of the flight for sure! It was worth the price paid.
Saturday, April 5, 2008
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Final day and these dang bites
The bites on my legs are sand fleas, I'm convinced of it. They look like sand fleas, feel like sand fleas and I'm sorry to say, ooze like sand fleas. I know exactly from whence they came, too. I've been trying to deny it but it's obvious: they are on my knees down. That's exactly how deep I waded in the South China Sea albeit for just a few seconds - - probably not even a minute. I walked in the sand and picked up shells but then headed straight back for the car. And now because of it I am in misery and look hideous. A long skirt or pants irritates them more, a short skirt or shorts reveals my hideousness and surely must repulse others. There are details I will spare the reader but suffice to say it is horrible. And the swelling...
Because of the irritation my skin is under it was difficult to want to get out of bed or go out anywhere. Plus, I'm hopped up on Benadryl so go between jittery and sleepy. I will take more meds when I sit down on the plane but until then this first aid cream will have to do.
I caught up on blogging this morning and packed. Terry called to say he's across the street at my favorite restaurant (and hang out) with clients so I headed over there. Surprisingly they were still there. Lunch hours are precious thins here and are often extended to well into the afternoon. He said good-bye to the clients and joined me while I ate my meal of beef/garlic, fried spring rolls, papaya juice, coconut juice, and cha da. I relished every bite knowing it will be long time before I have it again. I will miss the food of Vietnam as much as I will miss the people.
We chatted, I paid (em oy, I shouted when I was ready for the check - - just like a local!), and we walked back to Diamond. I zipped up my bags and headed back downstairs so Kiet could load them into the car. Kiet is a great guy. He's reliable and friendly and also speaks some English. He's enjoyable to be around.
I took advantage of the cell phone Terry loaned me on the way to the airport by saying good-bye to people who phoned or whom I dialed. It kept me from crying and thinking about leaving because everyone was so upbeat.
Since I am flying Dynasty Class home I am entitled to lounge services so I'm sitting and watching the planes come and go from all over: Phillipines Air, Vietnam Airlines, and Malaysia Air are in front of me right now.
The immigration guy who stamped my visa and passport was quite the flirt. He indicated I look different in person than my picture shows and I pointed to my curly, wild hair. He said, "I like!" Then stared at me for a few seconds instead of going about his business. "You married?" he asked. When I responded 'no' he said, "Good. When you come back?" I told him maybe someday so he showed me his badge and told me to come back and see him 'right here.' It was funny and a good way to end the trip.
Because of the irritation my skin is under it was difficult to want to get out of bed or go out anywhere. Plus, I'm hopped up on Benadryl so go between jittery and sleepy. I will take more meds when I sit down on the plane but until then this first aid cream will have to do.
I caught up on blogging this morning and packed. Terry called to say he's across the street at my favorite restaurant (and hang out) with clients so I headed over there. Surprisingly they were still there. Lunch hours are precious thins here and are often extended to well into the afternoon. He said good-bye to the clients and joined me while I ate my meal of beef/garlic, fried spring rolls, papaya juice, coconut juice, and cha da. I relished every bite knowing it will be long time before I have it again. I will miss the food of Vietnam as much as I will miss the people.
We chatted, I paid (em oy, I shouted when I was ready for the check - - just like a local!), and we walked back to Diamond. I zipped up my bags and headed back downstairs so Kiet could load them into the car. Kiet is a great guy. He's reliable and friendly and also speaks some English. He's enjoyable to be around.
I took advantage of the cell phone Terry loaned me on the way to the airport by saying good-bye to people who phoned or whom I dialed. It kept me from crying and thinking about leaving because everyone was so upbeat.
Since I am flying Dynasty Class home I am entitled to lounge services so I'm sitting and watching the planes come and go from all over: Phillipines Air, Vietnam Airlines, and Malaysia Air are in front of me right now.
The immigration guy who stamped my visa and passport was quite the flirt. He indicated I look different in person than my picture shows and I pointed to my curly, wild hair. He said, "I like!" Then stared at me for a few seconds instead of going about his business. "You married?" he asked. When I responded 'no' he said, "Good. When you come back?" I told him maybe someday so he showed me his badge and told me to come back and see him 'right here.' It was funny and a good way to end the trip.
Philisophical dinner
Terry and I drank a beer with Hoe and toasted the trip and life in general. We recalled our time with the fortune teller and re-visited the things she told me. It was fun to remember that together since he was the interpreter. We discussed religion and spirituality and how that impacts everyone's lives around the world. We talked about evolution and creation and other theories. We continued to drink, I continued to itch my now-getting-worse bites on my legs. I can't imagine what would happen if one bit me on the face - - I would be hideous! These things are grotesque.
We discussed Hoe's trip in 4 weeks to the States and what kinds of things we'll do.
I came home and blogged a little bit then went to bed with a Benadryl. One more sleep and then I go home.
We discussed Hoe's trip in 4 weeks to the States and what kinds of things we'll do.
I came home and blogged a little bit then went to bed with a Benadryl. One more sleep and then I go home.
Absolute amazement!
What a place this is! Who can say why a person loves a certain place but Vietnam is the place on this earth that I think I love the most. The experiences that I have had here astound me. The connections with people I have made are incredible and plentiful. So many people of so many different varieties! I have meet expatriats from the States, from Scotland, from the Seychelles, from Australia and Ireland. I have met a variety of Vietnamese people and have been invited into their homes - - something many expatriats perhaps have never done. And knowing one person allows me to meet many, many more. For instance, through Terry/Eileen I met Hoe. Through Hoe I met his family, the fortune teller, Son, his family, their extended family, and Son's friends including Binh who in turn introduced me to his son. Through Eileen I met the women at ILV and in turn their husbands and children.
The point is, for me anyway, that we are all the same no matter where we are in the world no matter what our past experiences have been no matter what we hope for our future. We're all just trying to have a good day filled with good experiences. We're curious about each other and want to learn about each others' lives. We laugh at dinner with our friends the exact same way. We joke with one another to establish closeness. We drink beer together and gather for meals together. We are proud of our accomplishments and are happy when someone else shows an interest in us or our lives. We like to be complimented on our personality traits and to know we are appreciated for them. All of that I have felt whilst in Vietnam. It has been an honor to be accepted into so many peoples lives - - this is something I can't explain or describe adequately. I am moved by the warmth I've experienced here and can only hope to be given the opportunity to make someone else's stay in United States as gracious and warm as my experience here has been.
The point is, for me anyway, that we are all the same no matter where we are in the world no matter what our past experiences have been no matter what we hope for our future. We're all just trying to have a good day filled with good experiences. We're curious about each other and want to learn about each others' lives. We laugh at dinner with our friends the exact same way. We joke with one another to establish closeness. We drink beer together and gather for meals together. We are proud of our accomplishments and are happy when someone else shows an interest in us or our lives. We like to be complimented on our personality traits and to know we are appreciated for them. All of that I have felt whilst in Vietnam. It has been an honor to be accepted into so many peoples lives - - this is something I can't explain or describe adequately. I am moved by the warmth I've experienced here and can only hope to be given the opportunity to make someone else's stay in United States as gracious and warm as my experience here has been.
Minh Long Pottery w Paula and Sonja
Kiet drove me to Anh Phu to meet Paula and Sonja for an excursion to the Minh Lanh pottery showroom. We arrived to Paula's and I was awestruck at her and Ib's beautiful home! A dark blue pool in the front yard and bamboo trees all around was the first thing I noticed! It seems to me to be fashioned after a Malaysian theme with dark wood, big fans, marble floors, and warm-colored walls. Very cozy yet huge! Interesting furniture, rugs, artifacts, and paintings are everywhere. I loved it. The warmth of the house pales in comparison to the sparkle and presence of both Paula and her 26 year old daughter Sonja. I connected instantly with Paula the other day and it was the same with Sonja. Straight away I purchased some of Sonja's artwork that was hanging on the wall. The ideas are taken from Vietnamese propaganda books. Sonja has taken liberties with the designs by taking out the guns or other war paraphenalia and replacing them with rice bowls, t-shirts and other things. Very interesting and fun! One says, 'We love Pho!', another shows a guy with the saying 'You want motorbike?' and another shows a soldier with a small t-shirt and it says 'Big size for you!' All things I've heard or said! :-) Very fun! I have them all packed away in my suitcase along with the many purses I purchased.
After a hot cup of tea we headed to Song Bay where the showroom is, about 1 hour away. The views were great from the car as we drove through one village after another - - all connected into one with busy-ness and activity. Arriving at the showroom was amazing - - it's an opulent building with chandeliers, pottery fish, cranes, tea pots, huge planters, etc. I can't describe it as it was so oppulent. Instantly I noticed the large dental clinic occupying the entire top floor! I grabbed the brochures available in the lobby.
We shopped and shopped and I bought and bought - - but I only spent about $40 on everything!!! I bought pasta plates that say 'spicylicious' on them, a fish vase, bowls and vases in plain white stamped IKEA on the bottom (for .40US) and some rice bowls/plates/spoons with lime green polka dots on them! So fun. We ate a delicious meal in the center under an umbrella with a gold fish on the table in a bowl. I drank coconut juice out of the coconut knowing it would be my last for awhile.
The drive back was filled with great communication - - I love these two people and can't wait to see them again in life! We enjoyed a cup of hot coffee and then took off for Diamond where I was dropped off.
Thinking I was going to spend the afternoon blogging and catching up on things I sat down to the computer only to be SMS'd by Debi asking to meet for a drink at Jaspa's so off I went in the taxi! Janice was there from the Seychelles/Hong Kong along with Debi from Vancouver, WA. We drank strawberry daiquris and begged the waiter to make us some spicy salsa and give us chips. We got nachos with the spiciest salsa we have ever had. Even Debi, who knows her salsa, couldn't abide by that spicy concoction! We think we were eating Korean Dorito's. Yum! We also ordered a chocolate pudding cake that was outstanding! I have been craving these things so it was fun.
We sat and talked about life abroad and all that goes along with that. We laughed and ate for a couple of hours and then Janice's husband John joined us, then Debi's husband Frank whom I've met before. Terry SMS'd that he was on his way home so I left and headed back wtih Debi and Frank where they dropped me off at Diamond.
Terry and I headed over to the restaurant across the street and had my last dinner there. We sat under the bamboo (mosquitoes!) and then Hoe joined us.
After a hot cup of tea we headed to Song Bay where the showroom is, about 1 hour away. The views were great from the car as we drove through one village after another - - all connected into one with busy-ness and activity. Arriving at the showroom was amazing - - it's an opulent building with chandeliers, pottery fish, cranes, tea pots, huge planters, etc. I can't describe it as it was so oppulent. Instantly I noticed the large dental clinic occupying the entire top floor! I grabbed the brochures available in the lobby.
We shopped and shopped and I bought and bought - - but I only spent about $40 on everything!!! I bought pasta plates that say 'spicylicious' on them, a fish vase, bowls and vases in plain white stamped IKEA on the bottom (for .40US) and some rice bowls/plates/spoons with lime green polka dots on them! So fun. We ate a delicious meal in the center under an umbrella with a gold fish on the table in a bowl. I drank coconut juice out of the coconut knowing it would be my last for awhile.
The drive back was filled with great communication - - I love these two people and can't wait to see them again in life! We enjoyed a cup of hot coffee and then took off for Diamond where I was dropped off.
Thinking I was going to spend the afternoon blogging and catching up on things I sat down to the computer only to be SMS'd by Debi asking to meet for a drink at Jaspa's so off I went in the taxi! Janice was there from the Seychelles/Hong Kong along with Debi from Vancouver, WA. We drank strawberry daiquris and begged the waiter to make us some spicy salsa and give us chips. We got nachos with the spiciest salsa we have ever had. Even Debi, who knows her salsa, couldn't abide by that spicy concoction! We think we were eating Korean Dorito's. Yum! We also ordered a chocolate pudding cake that was outstanding! I have been craving these things so it was fun.
We sat and talked about life abroad and all that goes along with that. We laughed and ate for a couple of hours and then Janice's husband John joined us, then Debi's husband Frank whom I've met before. Terry SMS'd that he was on his way home so I left and headed back wtih Debi and Frank where they dropped me off at Diamond.
Terry and I headed over to the restaurant across the street and had my last dinner there. We sat under the bamboo (mosquitoes!) and then Hoe joined us.
So easy to understand and to hear
I have been told by more than one Vietnamese person that I am easy to understand and to hear. You speak clearly, they say. So many foreigners speak in their throat from what I hear. In a store I helped a clerk with a register problem because she didn't understand what it was saying. Because of our clear communication she was able to fix the problem without contacting her boss so she was thrilled. She asked me questions about myself like where I live and what I do before handing me my stuff and saying 'See you again.' Lan said the same thing. She said she's able to hear the syllables of all my words and makes it so much easier to understand. That's a great compliment and makes me confident that I can communicate here.
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Lunch and shopping and dinner
I met Debi and Sherry at Jaspa's for lunch. Sherry is the new chairperson of ILV, the women's group formerly chaired by my cousin, Eileen. We talked about living abroad, their experiences of Vietnam, my experiences so far, and laughed a lot. We got to talking about foods we love and had a hankering for peanut butter so ordered some toast and peanut butter. It arrived on a plate, like a beautiful presentation: a jar of peanut butter on a white plate. It was no Jif sandwich but it was yummy. Now I just crave my air-popped corn w a little butter!
It was a great morning and a good way to re-enter Saigon. Debi and I headed off with Kiet, the driver, for Saigon Square to look for purses. It's a great place for "quality" knock-offs and I found 4 purses to buy. In the end I paid 1,300,000 dong or the equivalent of about $80US. A couple are leather, a couple are leather-like. Regardless, that comes out to be $20US apiece so who cares! And they're cute.
To pay for them I had to go to an ATM which was across the street. The clerk took us over there and pointed me toward it. I opened the door to the ATM (like a little outhouse-looking thing) and a guy was standing in there. Debi and I laughed so hard because it was like he was using the toilet and I had just walked in on him. He wasn't but it was like he was. He laughed with us even though I'm not sure he knew what we were laughing about. I pulled out 2,000,000 dong and ran back to collect my bags. Then we went to Saigon Centre, a very fancy version of shopping compared to Saigon Square. It was really fun and we sniffed candles and lotions at a natural spa supply store. I also found a great furniture shop that wasn't inexpensive but really great stuff!! Funky and modern designs that are completely to my taste. Very fun.
Kiet brought me home and I relaxed a little bit. Then I called Son's niece, Lan, whom I had talked to while with him last night. She speaks English very clearly and Son really wanted us to meet so we arranged a meeting for 5:00. I also called Un to see if he could join us but he was at school so I didn't talk to him. Lan arrived and we greeted each other warmly and I felt an immediate connection to her. She's beautiful and very curvy and sexy, not the typical Vietnamese style that I'm used to anyway. Her hair has a permanent curl and we both noticed each other's hair: yours is naturelle, she said. We connected instantly. She just had a baby 2 months ago so we looked at photos on her phone of the little girl. After talking for about 30 minutes her husband Kien stopped by. He's tall, handsome and has a huge smile with sparkling white teeth. His eyes sparkle when he smiles and they're just adorable. He stayed for a few minutes then left again. I got the feeling that he was there just to make sure she was having fun - - I think if she wasn't she would have left with him at that point but she exclaimed to him in English how much she liked me and how much we had in common and so he left saying he'd back in a little while.
Meantime, Lan and I drank tea and juice and talked on and on. It was fun and interesting getting to know a person from another culture. We decided to call Un again and invite him to dinner. It turns out Thu, his mother, was still with him so he asked her if they could join us and they did. Son called a few times throughout the meal with messages to me and to converse with his niece and son. We ordered dish after dish and I was so happy because at last this was my chance to pay someone back for their hospitality! We talked on into the night discussing things like orthodontics, golfing, re-living the weekend we had just spent together, and discussing a potential future in the United States for Un and Ngan and possibly Lan. By the way, the family confirmed that there was no way I could have eaten dog last night - - but then I re-described the experience and they weren't so sure. I'm not so sure!
I secretly asked for the bill which I received to a lot of argument from the others. 775,000 dong was the total or about $40US (for 5 of us). I didn't think I had enough so I was quickly strategizing in my head as to what to do but realized Kien was already negotiating with the waiter in Vietnamese and handing over money to him right under my nose. In the end it was a good thing because I only had 400,000 dong.
We hugged goodbye on the street and said the customary 'see you again' phrase and off I went to Diamond Plaza right across the street. It was definitely my last time to see Un and so we kissed on the cheek and I felt like crying. He's such a great kid. I made it back to the apartment before shedding a few tears. At Lan's suggestion, I emailed Son through Binh and talked about how Un needs braces. "You're a dental professional so he listen to you," Lan said. Hopefully he will be Un suffers from headaches, bruxism, and has crooked teeth to boot with a slight underbite. We'll see. Orthodontics are huge here! That's another change I've noticed since my visit in September - - a lot of people have braces.
It was a great morning and a good way to re-enter Saigon. Debi and I headed off with Kiet, the driver, for Saigon Square to look for purses. It's a great place for "quality" knock-offs and I found 4 purses to buy. In the end I paid 1,300,000 dong or the equivalent of about $80US. A couple are leather, a couple are leather-like. Regardless, that comes out to be $20US apiece so who cares! And they're cute.
To pay for them I had to go to an ATM which was across the street. The clerk took us over there and pointed me toward it. I opened the door to the ATM (like a little outhouse-looking thing) and a guy was standing in there. Debi and I laughed so hard because it was like he was using the toilet and I had just walked in on him. He wasn't but it was like he was. He laughed with us even though I'm not sure he knew what we were laughing about. I pulled out 2,000,000 dong and ran back to collect my bags. Then we went to Saigon Centre, a very fancy version of shopping compared to Saigon Square. It was really fun and we sniffed candles and lotions at a natural spa supply store. I also found a great furniture shop that wasn't inexpensive but really great stuff!! Funky and modern designs that are completely to my taste. Very fun.
Kiet brought me home and I relaxed a little bit. Then I called Son's niece, Lan, whom I had talked to while with him last night. She speaks English very clearly and Son really wanted us to meet so we arranged a meeting for 5:00. I also called Un to see if he could join us but he was at school so I didn't talk to him. Lan arrived and we greeted each other warmly and I felt an immediate connection to her. She's beautiful and very curvy and sexy, not the typical Vietnamese style that I'm used to anyway. Her hair has a permanent curl and we both noticed each other's hair: yours is naturelle, she said. We connected instantly. She just had a baby 2 months ago so we looked at photos on her phone of the little girl. After talking for about 30 minutes her husband Kien stopped by. He's tall, handsome and has a huge smile with sparkling white teeth. His eyes sparkle when he smiles and they're just adorable. He stayed for a few minutes then left again. I got the feeling that he was there just to make sure she was having fun - - I think if she wasn't she would have left with him at that point but she exclaimed to him in English how much she liked me and how much we had in common and so he left saying he'd back in a little while.
Meantime, Lan and I drank tea and juice and talked on and on. It was fun and interesting getting to know a person from another culture. We decided to call Un again and invite him to dinner. It turns out Thu, his mother, was still with him so he asked her if they could join us and they did. Son called a few times throughout the meal with messages to me and to converse with his niece and son. We ordered dish after dish and I was so happy because at last this was my chance to pay someone back for their hospitality! We talked on into the night discussing things like orthodontics, golfing, re-living the weekend we had just spent together, and discussing a potential future in the United States for Un and Ngan and possibly Lan. By the way, the family confirmed that there was no way I could have eaten dog last night - - but then I re-described the experience and they weren't so sure. I'm not so sure!
I secretly asked for the bill which I received to a lot of argument from the others. 775,000 dong was the total or about $40US (for 5 of us). I didn't think I had enough so I was quickly strategizing in my head as to what to do but realized Kien was already negotiating with the waiter in Vietnamese and handing over money to him right under my nose. In the end it was a good thing because I only had 400,000 dong.
We hugged goodbye on the street and said the customary 'see you again' phrase and off I went to Diamond Plaza right across the street. It was definitely my last time to see Un and so we kissed on the cheek and I felt like crying. He's such a great kid. I made it back to the apartment before shedding a few tears. At Lan's suggestion, I emailed Son through Binh and talked about how Un needs braces. "You're a dental professional so he listen to you," Lan said. Hopefully he will be Un suffers from headaches, bruxism, and has crooked teeth to boot with a slight underbite. We'll see. Orthodontics are huge here! That's another change I've noticed since my visit in September - - a lot of people have braces.
Mosquitoes dig me
So I made it all the way until Tuesday before suffering from bug bites and now, on Wednesday the day I depart, I'm riddled with swollen red bites all over my legs causing me to swell and itch. I will take a couple of Benadryl the minute I get on the plane so that I can get some pease from this agony.
Please, please let them be mosquito bites and not sand fleas. Sand fleas are so bad because of the fury they cause inside your skin. This looks and feels like sand fleas but I'm going to choose to believe they are mosquitoes until proven otherwise.
Please, please let them be mosquito bites and not sand fleas. Sand fleas are so bad because of the fury they cause inside your skin. This looks and feels like sand fleas but I'm going to choose to believe they are mosquitoes until proven otherwise.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)