118,000 dong

For ten six inch flour tortillas!  That converts to $5.90 cents for ten six inch flour tortillas. Guess we're not in Mexican food territory!

Thursday

Before everything shuts down I went to supermarket and found stuff for veggie tortillas things. Pretty successful except sour cream and I'm told it's there (by dad). Proud to find El Paso tortillas. So that's taken care of. Then lunch at Hyatt with ms Nhi Jess' wife who is same age as Elizabeth!  Okay. She had pizza I had cheeseburger. Walked to dept store so she could get lipstick. But along the way saw probably the grossest thing I've seen lately. This older guy walks into street, puts one finger on side of his nostril and snorts OUT snot into street, then steps back to sidewalk and wipes his fingers on a sign post pole. Gross. Guess it's just another version of spitting.

So my whole plan for shopping has been compromised. I thought after visitors left I could run around and pick up things requested. Not so much. Dad didn't really work this week and although I could probably have said I'm leaving, I wouldn't be very happy if he did that to me. But he certainly has before. Not to mention that the whole town is at a standstill. Compare it to Christmas Eve (today) when shops close at 3 or 4 and Christmas day when nothing is open. Same thing.  So unless I have it, I won't get it.

Dad has been watching the FX series the Americans non stop. 2 DVD set and he's somewhere on disc  2. I'm pleased since I recommended it.

Guess ill do a load of laundry at some point. Ms han returns on Monday and it would be nice is she didn't have mountain of clothes waiting.
Had a bit of panic when I couldn't remember ever seeing can opener .. She uses only fresh so an opener might be missing but fortunately dad found it. Smells good so I might have scored. Avocado and cheese should finish the job.

Counting down

Lost track of days and dates.  Everything is shutting down for lunar new year. Supermarket close on Friday. Bakery closes today at 2. Gourmet shop closes today too and that the cheese and potato chip place. Wednesday dinner at park Hyatt last night share stir cried beef entree with dad. Mike McCollum joined us. Had a massages yesterday 90 minutes. Delightful. Refer to flickr photos that I finally had patience to upload off iPad. Still have camera full of pictures. Love seeing the snow pics and the beach pics. What a world!  Lunch today with ms Nhi. Dad is reluctant to venture into crowds in town but I think a morning trip would be ok on Friday. The flower displays are impressive.   I'm doing. Breakfast duty since ms han is off. God bless the person who invented dishwashers!  And coffee pots that make more than five cups.   Updates to follow.

New week

Sunday we ventured into town, looked for DVDs, ate at sidewalk cafe pizza and tuna melt, checked art gallery, taxi back. Picked up cheese and salami and baguette for supper, watched men's tennis final, ate cheeses and watched captain Phillips, very good movie.

Monday  no work for dad this week. He went swimming I showered and did nothing. Ms han fed us And did eh thing. Dad worked on computer and sky pied with some guys. Tomorrow is her last day before her holiday off. Yikes. Red envelopes, lucky money for staff.  Dad give guards at front gate 5 cases of beer they were very thankful. Sort of like Christmas and Santa Claus but he's Santa and no one gives him lucky money. Tomorrow he has lunch with guy we met at massage shop   I think he said he was with Williams Sonoma!  The guy wanted to get together with dad for lunch. So I will find something to do even if I just sit at pool and read.

Hope the flowers are ready to see in the city. Lots of beautiful new year displays. Red yellow mostly.

Started another book. The art forger or something like that. So far it's okay. Ms han making salad co lunch then she will leave.

Haven't found philomena or mr banks DVD yet of good quality. Got the series The Americans for dad to watch. It's. Wry good. Quiet around here. Many people left town.

Tonight I may try doing that veggie enchilada since I found tortillas and cans of beans and corn, etc. old El Paso but any port in a storm!  Trip to supermarket later.

Saturday and sunday

Friday night dinner with Jess and Nhi. Very nice had lamb, soufflé never came out so didn't get dessert. Saturday dad forgot to do something at work so he went to factory and I went to town.  Crazy busy with so many people in town for new year. Lots of decorations. Did a little shopping mostly orders from friends!  Got cb a little jade bracelet for bday. Back to house dad got back had lunch of salad ms han made.  Mostly rested and read.  Finished my book boys in the boat. Now I have to get something else going. Dinner went to Mekong merchant dad had wage burger I had pasta. Finished watching DVD.

Sunday he went swimming, I rode bike around compound. Better find something to do or we will be bored today.

Wednesday and Thursday

Eileen and I actually got to two museums. The women's museum that showed women's role in vn war and the medicine museum museum that was the history of herbal healing over the years. We had lunch at the house of pho ga aka chicken noodle soup. Brian went to subcontractor with Harvey. Returned home had latte at boathouse, walked a bit. Rested guys returned no decision on dinner so we whipped up fried rice with leftovers, watched Matthew mcconahey movie "Dallas" something. Fell asleep. Thursday morning at 8 driver and guide came for our day in Mekong delta. 2 hr drive, one pit stop and then we boarded tuc tuc for bumpy ride to little boat that took us. We cruised to a coconut factory that was piles of coconuts they were using every part, husks for floor mats, mulch, lots of uses incl making charcoal. Then putted over to brick making factory. Long slow process. Then we putted to another spot and got in bicycles for a 4k trip thru a village, then stopped for fruit and tea. Walked to another boat for trip thru canals Small flat boat rowed along canal met bigger boat then over river for five course lunch. Walked down path to the house where the rower guy lived and did some rice paper making with his wife rice paper used for fresh spring roll wraps. He was also a former vn military who fought the Khmer Rouge in Cambodia. That was the war following the war to keep them from invading vn. Interesting. Two hour ride back in mini van so we could spread out and rest. Dinner at the park Hyatt since it was Brian and Eileen's last supper. Lovely vn food. Robinsons had good visit and hope to return annually! Friday. Dad's last day at factory. Closing at noon for tet holiday. Tonight we have dinner with Jess and Nhi at le Bordeaux. Today we will do some last minute shopping with robin sons. Meet dad for lunch, then they depart about 530 for airport.

Wednesday

Great day at cu chi, lunch with eileen and Brian, 2 hr dive back, wal around compound, had latte, stayed out of house so ms han could get ready for dinner party. 7pm Jess, mike, Rajiv, stephen arrived. Spring rolls, tofu, clay pot fish, shrimp soup, rice, chicken ginger. Too much wine. Cigars on patio. Very nice evening. Today (Wednesday)will try museums but I think we are all a bit wiped out. Might be the wine!

New week in Ho Chi Minh

Monday morning we had lovely breakfast of fruit coffee croissant. Eileen had appt with dress designer for outfit for snider wedding. Chose lovely fabric and design. Not cheap. Then we went out to meet dad for lunch at song ba golf club before our factory trip. I ordered fried rice. Factory tour was amazing. Dad really took his time and explained it better than any other time I've gone along. Quite a process. Took many pics. Long day crazy trip back to house in traffic. Had a glass of wine dad came back, we all got ready to go out for dinner. 3 of us went to Mekong merchant dad had customers or contractors so he went somewhere else. Pizza and two. Plates garlic shrimp. Walked back yo house, watched last Vegas DVD morgan freeman Michael Douglas etc. fell asleep, Brian hung in and said it wasn't so good. Sunday night we watched lone survivor DVD. As good as the book but on video much heavier dad got in late. Meeting after dinner. No wonder he's tired all the time. As I said lots of furniture people here esp during sample season prior to shipping to market. Tuesday we are going to cu chi tunnels. It's the underground system used to fight during war. Then dinner party tonight. Jess Rajiv Brian eileen dad me stephen. Wednesday hopefully we will get to war museum, presidential palace, women's museum, herbal medicine museum. I seriously doubt we will make too many but we can start. Thursday drive out 2 hrs to Mekong delta for boat trip and lunch Friday shop and wrap up day for B&E. They depart in early evening.

Back in vn. January 2014

It's been over a year since my last trip. 4am so that part hasn't changed much. Dreadful flight on united connecting to Nippon air in Tokyo. United was ok but japan airport and connecting process awful. Arrived and got thru immigration and customs fine. Made it to house around midnight, Harvey was in China but ms han had everything ready for me incl my nightgown and robe in full view. Il. Need to work back now. Friday Brian and eileen Robinson arrived from their Burma trip. Met them got home about 7. Went out for dinner to the deck with Neil Robinson who coincidentally was in town on business. Saturday I took them for walk around compound then we met Neil at the Hyatt for some shopping since he was leaving that evening. Ben than market and Saigon square then lunch at Vietnam house. Back to Hyatt, sat at pool, visited til he had to get ready. Napped at home, dinner with stephen church at Hyatt. Fanatic meal. Lots of laughs. Sunday dad's day off so he called the shots. He got morning massage, made smoothies and coffee, left for lunch at elbow room for burgers. Wandered around, got DVDs, gallery for wall art. Earlier we went to supermarket got cheese for dinner at home, walked the street for feel of area. Monday we will have factory tour, lunch, etc. dinner on our own as dad has customers. Might do Mekong merchant with stephen. Ms han was thrilled with all I brought over. It's good idea to keep her happy! Dad returned on Wednesday from China, went to dinner party at anth and sally cox for reps in town. Catered by the deck, had fish. Nice evening. Earlier Wednesday I had 90 min massage to work out the aches from that flight. $27. Weather has been amazing. They call it cool but it's mid 80 and no humidity which is huge. Had lunch with Ann Carey on Friday. They are going to nc for tet next week. Jess is going to nc for tet as we'll but he'll be working.

Wrap up

Leaving Saigon in 12 hours at 430am for a 555 flight to hong kong and then Chicago greensboro. Nice weekend. Friday we stayed home and had ribs for dinner. Dad had two hr massage. I picked up the painting I had made. SaturdY dad worked, I got my nails done and got drenched on the wY home on my bike. Dinner was peak hyatt. Sunday wS had. Asual morning, went to city, got foot and leg massage because I didn't want to mess up my make up and hair! Then we checked out a new indoor mall then a tailor. Then we came home had a rest. Dinner was at tres gourmand restaurant. Lovely French meal Tonightt is light dinner at home. Soup and/or salad. Ms Han is sad I'm leaving. She wants me to come back soon. Early morning alarm. Two suitcases about 20+ kg each! Jeez I thought I'd get off easy. Dad sending stuff back, Rajiv sending things to college daughter (I offered) as wells as my bag that I had in calif before I left. Back to nc in time for lots of Christmas festivities. Happy birthday archer. See you soon!

Thanksgiving in Vietnam 2012

today is thanksgiving but its not a special day here obviously. we are going to the park hyatt tonight for turkey and fixings. i hope they have lumpy gravey and mashed potatoes. today i had nhi and ann carey for lunch. ms han made a fantastic soup called "bun rieu" or something like that. it was crab meatballs in broth with tomato and then you add salad toppings of your choice. she also made pate for another dish she'll make tomorrow and gave nhi a jar of pate. then went for 90 min massage because its 20% off $27 so who can resist a sale. wednesday ms. han had day off so i was the help. did laundry, served breakfast, tidied up beds, etc then went into town. on the return taxi ride i had a frightening experience first time. the driver didnt drop the machine so when i got to the compound it was 500,000 dong and i know its usually only 130,000 dong ($5 per 100,000). i got into an argument with him and my doors were locked and so were the windows. he kept yelling and i just said shhhhh. there was so much else i should have done: take out my cell phone, took off my shoe, taken his #s but i was just shocked at his behaviour. anyhow i ended up giving him $4US and got out. wish i could have reported him but as i said, i didnt take his number. next time, use my cell phone for photo and dialing. i was so distraught that i needed a facial. so 20% off facial helped my frustration at being dumb. i've learned a lesson to first make sure he drops the meter. dinner was two take out pizzas, two salads and one order of mussels. (dad, stephen and me) Tuesday: great day with ann carey and some ladies. went to a few museums. vn ladies museum, vn herbal medicine museum, lacquer factory and a nice lunch. dad had a dinner so stephen and i went to a new french restaurant and it was great. beautiful patio (but i think they might allow smoking outdoors so it could be bad). i had veal filet that was fantastic; stephen had scallop and ?? mixed up. one taxi driver i did have this week was very nice and he had a catholic rosary bead hanging from his mirror .. crystal. young guy. i'm starting to think the russians and french are not so friendly. no reply to good morning or hellos.

Compound living

Saturday afternoon the compound is alive with kids of all ages down by the river, kids on bikes, skateboards, stollers, families, nannies, dogs. A real united nations of kids mostly chatting in english with their own accents. The pre teen girls are probably the hardest age here. Pre teen boys more involved with their bikes and skating ramps. Dogs. Who in their right mind would bring a st.bernard to Vietnam. Felt so sorry for him/her as it lumbered around being walked by a maid. At least the grey great Dane was slow but not burdened with long hair. Then there was the dog being exercised by a maid on a bicycle. I feel somewhat guilty about knowing the playlist at the massage place. Maybe I've been there too often??? I've made breakfast, washed dishes, load of laundry. Not bad for a houseguest! Don't want ms Han to run away when she comes in on Monday. I'm sure she will be tired taking care of new mommy and grandson. He was 3kg which is 6.6 lbs. 2 wks early. Quiet Sunday planned.

End of week

Never did get back to the photo exhibit before Friday. Oh well. Thursday I went to meet Ann carry at the intl ladies of Vietnam ILV christmas bazaar I. The morning. Can't say there was anything that interested me ... I was looking for a tree ornament. Just a big room with stuff for sale like cakes and glutten free baked goods, some scarfs, handmade cards, clothes. Thursday afternoon I finally got out to the factory. Probably only bc dad was giving another person (art gallery asst) a tour and that's why I was allowed to tag along. Amazing skills watching a piece of wood go thru the process to becoming a chair, table, mirror frame, etc. Back home by 4. Dinner at home of pumpkin soup and morning glory and garlic. Friday popped down to get my watch. It's a goner. Can't repair the stem. Did a little shopping too. Got back to the house about 1 ... Lunch was pho. Ms Han got call from daughter. It was baby time so she left. Had a massage, went to supermarket, met dad after his two hr massage about 8pm for dinner pizza and carbonnara. Got call from Han. Baby boy born c section had not seen daughter or baby yet. So she has the morning off and I get to do breakfast. Works half day on Saturday. Saturday morning now dad has gone to exercise. Better start my day too. Missing all. Christmas decorations starting here.

Around town

I'd say about 95% of the vehicles in town are minivans and SUVs, very few sedans, except for high end merc bez and bmws and taxis of course. Tourist seasons, lots of cruise ship groups wandering with guides. The downstairs tv and the upstairs tv are completely different channels. What's on 4 downstairs is not on 4 but on 12. Hard to get find a station without channel surfing. I've gotten very daring on my bicycle. I've been riding a lot outside the compound merging in traffic, crossing and turning into side streets etc. Now that many not sound like much of an accomplishment, but I assure you it's harder than it sounds here. Next challenge learning how to drive a motorbike. Caught an great outdoor photojournalism exhibit but then it started to rain so I'll have to resume it by Friday. Very interesting mong people and their traditions.

reflections

now that things have calmed down after a hectic summer 2012, i've been doing a lot of thinking about family stuff. dad celebrated his 64th birthday and that's a pretty big milestone. we had a lot of family evenings ... some sad, most happy. i miss my mom and still get teary over little things. but some of the best stuff also happened this summer, starting with jack's arrival, then emily and charlies wedding then the awesome beach trip. all happy family events and we are so fortunate to be able to celebrate and enjoy each other. today i was thinking about what was the most terrible event in my life as a parent ... actually i am so grateful that childhood was uneventful for the most part when raising four children. there could have been a lot more stuff. probably the most terrible occurred when elizabeth had the lump on her lymph node and they suspected leukemia. I guess everything else was minor. Whoever thought cat scratch was a real disease! And Sarah always had a good dr when stitches were required. My regrets. Many I'm sure. Probably over reacting to stuff that in the scheme of thugs wasn't major. Maybe being too controlling but I like to think of that as protective. And particularly not reading more to my children as they were growing up. This is obviously only a partial reflection which I started several times but it's a work in progress.....to be continued

In Vietnam nov 2012

Started out going to calif and staying with Sarah for her half marathon and jacks baptism at st. Edmunds or Edwards. Great Disneyland trip, Halloween night, preschool parade,etc. Left from John wayne airport on election day for San Francisco. United flight to Tokyo then to ho chi mihn city arriving on Wednesday night about 1045. Thuesday was just regrouping day but I did get 90 minute massage and we had macys group for dry ks with roger Friesen. Had lunch with Ann carry and dinner with Harvey both at Mekong merchant. Soup and then carbonnara. Don't recall Saturday but I think I did the city for a while. Sunday we were at anthony and Sally cox's for a lovely lunch...Stephen, Jenny and others were there. Then we headed to the hyatt to meet roger before he departs on Tuesday. Monday Ann carey and I spent the day exploring and shopping. We went to the glass factory that I first went to with rosemary. Got some vases and kitchen stuff. Then lunch At a coffee shop then more shopping in a new tower type mall. 3 basement levels of shops and food court and some amazing shops .. Many luxury brands too. Good day with her. Dinner was a salad plate at home that dad devoured quickly. It was very good so I savored it more. Hard boiled egg, tuna, green beans, tomato, carrot, yellow bell pepper all presented beautifully on a platter (sorry no photo) Tuesday breakfast was some scrambled eggs and tomato that were prepared with lots of flavor. Back into town to finish some things ... Needed to pick up my watch but it wasn't back. Checked out bazaar. Attacked the garden earlier today. I think the gardener is hesitant (afraid) to be brutal when pruning. And stuff grows so easily that you really can't worry. Hope that catches you up somewhat. Did hear election results on flight. Awful movies. Thet really were pathetic. I will be more diligent hopefully in the coming days.

Sicily 2012

Tuesday thru thursday so far ... Lots of cathedrals and churches. Mosaics are impressive. Hotel is good .. It's a Hilton but it's in Sicily Italy so it's interesting. Went to the coast today about 2 hours from palermo and it was so cool. Well worth the very long drive, nice to be out of the city and traffic too. Tomorrow we leave Palermo go to another part of Sicily for one night then to amalfi coast. Food is good.

Week one recap

Week one - early sunday arrival after Friday departure and flight delays as always. Two hour massage quiet sunday .. Pate and cheese, pizza deli ered. Mondaynight roger Friesen for dinner at home with Paul and Tom from TA. Pancake, spring rolls, soup, ice cream. Tuesday pool, dinner with Tom at mekongmerchant, shampoo for 30,000 dong 1.50!Wednesday pool to get some color for my dress. Wet market with ms Han for fresh food. Lizzy and mathilda came for day to keep cool since they had no power. Green soup, salad for dinner. Thursday pool, BT market, 1 hr massage, dinner tres gourmand duck confit. Friday bike, pool, read, dinner Mekong merchant. Saturday, city foot massage, MOB dress shopping, scarfs, tees, pool till rain started, operation smile Fund raiser T hyatt. Sunday, French toast, 2 hr massage, lunch cheeseburger, long walk very hot, soup for dinner, watched "man on a ledge DVD. Monday hinge out at house, rode bike, pool till rain, dinner hyatt, lasagna carbonara. Tuesday, Ann carry came to Lunch. Wonder why people have nice dogs then have housekeepers take them out for walks. Seems strange. Actaully turned on tv this morning and watched a bit of blue bloods one of my new favorite tv shows. Nice. Moving vans in compound that time of year. No memorial day BBQ here. Appreciaate all the great photos on flickr lately. Will update again just so you know Im on it.

Last day, last blog from south america

Morning room service coffee and rolls. Dad left for meetings, I showered and met my tour guide at 10:30. Lovely lady who took me around city for 3.5 hours, seeing an overview of the sights and getting a history lesson in the process. Sao paolo named for st Paul, city was founded on his feast day by the Jesuits. Lots of graffiti, many many homeless camped on sidewalks and steps. Lots of police patrolling public areas too. Beautiful park, and the best news was it wasn't raining. The sun even managed to come out! Returned to fasano hotel about 230 and dad was waiting for late lunch. Went to amazing restaurant with a huge fig tree growing in the center. Nice meal .. Dad has sardines and I had salad of shrimp, lobster and scallop. Back to room, rested and watched movie, took a walk, pack bags, opted for another walk for some fresh air and sunshine. No dinner prior to long flights for both of us. Watched Australian open this morning.

Lookingbforward to seeing everyone ... Hangnin there Elizabeth.

Last night the dinner was in a very authentic Brazilian restaurant. I had a pork dish and dad had a fish from the amazon river.

Friday

Awoke to more grey skies. So much for packing summer things. Dad and I agreed we could make it with just coffee this morning. He left for a day of work visiting furniture places. My options were limited by the weather so I thought. Pool is indoor but closed today so I took advantage of the 15 min free massage which turned out to be 7.5 minutes on each foot. It was nice. Then I sat with the concierge and figured out a plan for the day. She suggested a mall which turned out to be a high rise building butnit was great. All the big names and lots of Brazilian designer shops. LV, Cartier, channel, Tiffany, ferragamo, Burberry, hilfiger. Spent most of the afternoon in there. Still raining so badly the gutters were difficult to hop across even getting into taxi. I know I said no souvenirs, but I thought each of you girls should have a special gift from brazil .... About the only time your mother will ever buy you a lace thong!

I believe dinner tonight will be with dads distributor ... Guess I'll dig out something from the suitcase.

Saturday I will do a private guided tour .. The only kind offered apparently. Maybe it won't rain ;-/

Found the flickr site for the hotel in Patagonia .. Those pics would have helped packing had I known about it!

On the drive to the shopping mall passed the bentley, Ferrari, lamborgini, BMW dealers. On the drive back thru a lovely neighborhood all the homes were behind big walls, most with barbed wire and several security cameras and double gates. Yesterday dad was driven back in an armor plated range rover with bulletproof windows and the security guard followed in a car behind. They are serious about their safety.

That wraps it up for now...