I arrived safely and with all luggage intact at BWI very early on Tuesday morning. Checking into ORD was really easy, they let me take the picture with frames as carry-on and United didn't charge me for the third bag! Hooray all around!!
The transition back to the US was as if I'd never left; I drove home from the airport and it wasn't too weird. It was just like coming home from school when I was in Chicago or Philly - no big deal! The best thing about coming home was seeing my parents, eating cheese, and watching the birds and squirrels fight over the bird feeder on our deck. It feels like I've gone to the countryside!
Anyways now the fun "back to reality" stuff starts. Calling health insurance to make sure I'm covered for next year, worrying about financial aid, making bill payments, running errands, unpacking and packing again, laundry...all to get ready for the roadtrip and new life in Las Vegas!
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Monday, June 29, 2009
last year
This time last year, I was in London!
Running around Picadilly's Circus and Hampton Court Palace with Claudia, Sonal, Christopher Martin, and my family!!
and of course, Kings Cross!
What fun that was...and then a few days later, I went to Wimbledon, aiaiaia!!!!
Running around Picadilly's Circus and Hampton Court Palace with Claudia, Sonal, Christopher Martin, and my family!!
and of course, Kings Cross!
What fun that was...and then a few days later, I went to Wimbledon, aiaiaia!!!!
it it wrong
that my first real meal outside of Vietnam was at McDonald's?
ahaha but it was delicious.
ahaha but it was delicious.
10 hours at Seoul Incheon Airport
well, t minus 10 hours!
My motto of "buy now, worry about packing later" and its results:
Apparently I have become a very bad international traveler - I planned to check in 3 bags into my Asiana flight to Chicago O'Hare (by way of Seoul Incheon) and have my backpack and the painting with frames as carry on. Technically only 2 bags are allowed to be checked in, but em Na's mother knows the director of Asiana in HCMC and we all went to the office in Diamond Plaza and I got permission from him to have a third bag, 23 kgs each piece. Sweet deal since an extra bag costs over $100. Though I will still have to pay once I am in Chicago and have to check into my United flight to Baltimore...but here's the kicker: I already checked in and went through immigration and security told me that my frames were not allowed on the plane.
WHAT?! It's not the size, because other people had longer or bigger items. Pieces of wood? Urgh, em Thao and I had just talked about it as she helped me pack and we both laughed at the notion that it would be considered a weapon. I guess, well whatever, can't argue when they say go back. Except now I would have 4 pieces of checked luggage but again Asiana waived a fee. And I just hope and pray that I can either take this onto the United flight or fit it into my luggage, because paying for 2 extra checked luggage will make me really sad.
Sheesh, maybe it's just from traveling alone, but it was too stressful of a situation and my mom had to calm me down as I talked to her while waiting for my flight to Seoul.
Haha I had sticker shock at the SGN airport, $3 for a bottle of 500 ml water, $3 for croissant, $10 for box of chocolates, $6 for sandwich - it's going to be hard to adjust when just last night I had paid...yeah okay best not to think about it now...!!
I arrived at Incheon a bit after 8 am and quickly found my way to the "Rest and Relax" area so I could pass out for a few more hours. Seoul is 2 hours ahead of HCMC so I was really tired even through I slept the whole flight.
So I paid $3 for my 500 ml of water but then here in Seoul was not able to take it through the airport after the security check-point for my transfer. Poopie, just bought it at the SGN airport! Anyways, Incheon is a super nice airport, with computers and wireless internet available, a resting lounge, and lots of light and space...and tons of shopping.
Alrighty now just about 6 hours to go!
It's 12:44 am on Monday, June 29 EST time and I will arrive 11:50 pm tonight!!
My motto of "buy now, worry about packing later" and its results:
Apparently I have become a very bad international traveler - I planned to check in 3 bags into my Asiana flight to Chicago O'Hare (by way of Seoul Incheon) and have my backpack and the painting with frames as carry on. Technically only 2 bags are allowed to be checked in, but em Na's mother knows the director of Asiana in HCMC and we all went to the office in Diamond Plaza and I got permission from him to have a third bag, 23 kgs each piece. Sweet deal since an extra bag costs over $100. Though I will still have to pay once I am in Chicago and have to check into my United flight to Baltimore...but here's the kicker: I already checked in and went through immigration and security told me that my frames were not allowed on the plane.
WHAT?! It's not the size, because other people had longer or bigger items. Pieces of wood? Urgh, em Thao and I had just talked about it as she helped me pack and we both laughed at the notion that it would be considered a weapon. I guess, well whatever, can't argue when they say go back. Except now I would have 4 pieces of checked luggage but again Asiana waived a fee. And I just hope and pray that I can either take this onto the United flight or fit it into my luggage, because paying for 2 extra checked luggage will make me really sad.
Sheesh, maybe it's just from traveling alone, but it was too stressful of a situation and my mom had to calm me down as I talked to her while waiting for my flight to Seoul.
Haha I had sticker shock at the SGN airport, $3 for a bottle of 500 ml water, $3 for croissant, $10 for box of chocolates, $6 for sandwich - it's going to be hard to adjust when just last night I had paid...yeah okay best not to think about it now...!!
I arrived at Incheon a bit after 8 am and quickly found my way to the "Rest and Relax" area so I could pass out for a few more hours. Seoul is 2 hours ahead of HCMC so I was really tired even through I slept the whole flight.
So I paid $3 for my 500 ml of water but then here in Seoul was not able to take it through the airport after the security check-point for my transfer. Poopie, just bought it at the SGN airport! Anyways, Incheon is a super nice airport, with computers and wireless internet available, a resting lounge, and lots of light and space...and tons of shopping.
Alrighty now just about 6 hours to go!
It's 12:44 am on Monday, June 29 EST time and I will arrive 11:50 pm tonight!!
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Last night in Vietnam!
Wow, two and a half months has really gone by fast. At this time tomorrow night I will be at the airport, checking in my huge bags and saying goodbye to Chu Dung. Now I know a bit more Vietnamese (elementary Vietnamese rockstar!) and have a really bad sandals tan, but still I wish I was able to take the next level of classes. I am a bit jealous of Keisuke, em Na, and my other classmates because of this.
It has been really great and I think what I will miss most are the people. Culture and food aside, whenever I asked other travelers what they like about Vietnam, always one answer is "the people". They are kind and generous with their time and energy. If it was the reverse situation, I don't know if I could be as generous? I feel like there are too many excuses we use: not enough time, I want to watch my tv show, it's too far, it's not what I want to do, whatever.
And maybe because we are tourists, we are sensitive to this (and also perhaps some are too kind, especially when they want money) but I do think that it is different than any other country. People here want to know, it's about community. Where are you from? What do you do here? How old are you? And always...do you have a boyfriend or husband?
And the people are everywhere: eating, sleeping, drinking coffee, resting, working. People are hired to open doors for you at the shopping centers, parking lot attendants for even the smallest restaurants and stores, security guards for hotels, banks, etc at night...it's awesome just the humanity that you see here. No waiting in line at the post office (omg it's fantastic!). And in the lobby of my hotel room in Nha Trang? 5 workers! At the shopping mall, there are 2 to 3 people per every counter. They are ready to pounce if you even think of buying something. Someone's always there, where ever you are, whenever you need anything.
It's people that drive this country.
I will also miss:
- displays of affection and friendship between two people is okay between two men or two women, any age
- seeing people hanging out at the park and watching the older people exercise and stretch
- not being addicted to what's on the news right now. No more 24 hour CNN.
- the relief we all get when it's rainy and cool; even on motorbikes it doesn't feel like a damper to the afternoon
- seriously, not having to wait in line for things is wonderful!
- abundance of fruit and delicious fruit drinks and desserts
- watching people carry crazy things via motorbike: aquarium, small fridge, 6 boxes of Heineken beer, a family of four...a dog??
- where honking is so common it's message is less "Eff you, jerkface" and more "I'm here!"
- Asian babies, because they are the cutest
I realize now that I have not worn a seat belt for over two months. And I really appreciate our dental health care and hygiene.
I am also ready and looking forward to seeing my family, for cooler weather, an actual closet and my own home. Not having to worry "will this place make me sick?". Mom's home cooking and Dad's singing and laughter. Doing my own laundry (odd, no?). Going to the library and Costco. Being able to know exactly where to shop, not bargaining, and being able to drive myself there.
Alas it is on to the next chapter: Vegas and med school!
It has been really great and I think what I will miss most are the people. Culture and food aside, whenever I asked other travelers what they like about Vietnam, always one answer is "the people". They are kind and generous with their time and energy. If it was the reverse situation, I don't know if I could be as generous? I feel like there are too many excuses we use: not enough time, I want to watch my tv show, it's too far, it's not what I want to do, whatever.
And maybe because we are tourists, we are sensitive to this (and also perhaps some are too kind, especially when they want money) but I do think that it is different than any other country. People here want to know, it's about community. Where are you from? What do you do here? How old are you? And always...do you have a boyfriend or husband?
And the people are everywhere: eating, sleeping, drinking coffee, resting, working. People are hired to open doors for you at the shopping centers, parking lot attendants for even the smallest restaurants and stores, security guards for hotels, banks, etc at night...it's awesome just the humanity that you see here. No waiting in line at the post office (omg it's fantastic!). And in the lobby of my hotel room in Nha Trang? 5 workers! At the shopping mall, there are 2 to 3 people per every counter. They are ready to pounce if you even think of buying something. Someone's always there, where ever you are, whenever you need anything.
It's people that drive this country.
I will also miss:
- displays of affection and friendship between two people is okay between two men or two women, any age
- seeing people hanging out at the park and watching the older people exercise and stretch
- not being addicted to what's on the news right now. No more 24 hour CNN.
- the relief we all get when it's rainy and cool; even on motorbikes it doesn't feel like a damper to the afternoon
- seriously, not having to wait in line for things is wonderful!
- abundance of fruit and delicious fruit drinks and desserts
- watching people carry crazy things via motorbike: aquarium, small fridge, 6 boxes of Heineken beer, a family of four...a dog??
- where honking is so common it's message is less "Eff you, jerkface" and more "I'm here!"
- Asian babies, because they are the cutest
I realize now that I have not worn a seat belt for over two months. And I really appreciate our dental health care and hygiene.
I am also ready and looking forward to seeing my family, for cooler weather, an actual closet and my own home. Not having to worry "will this place make me sick?". Mom's home cooking and Dad's singing and laughter. Doing my own laundry (odd, no?). Going to the library and Costco. Being able to know exactly where to shop, not bargaining, and being able to drive myself there.
Alas it is on to the next chapter: Vegas and med school!
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Long Xuyen
Friday, June 19, 2009
I left with Cau Giang (Chu Dung's nephew) in the afternoon to catch a MaiLinh express bus to Long Xuyen, my mom's hometown. I still have some extended family there, and would be staying with an aunt, travel around and meet family, and then come back to HCMC on Sunday evening. A really quick trip, considering it takes about 5 hours by bus (though less crazy than the trip to Bac Lieu), but it was worth it to see this side of my family that I'd never met before.
This bus to Long Xuyen was one of the larger charter buses and it was quite nice, though a bit more difficult to sleep in than the buses I take from PHL to DC and NYC, I think because the extra leg room make it harder to put your legs up. But the trip was fine, we again took a ferry to cross a large river, and on the other side was Long Xuyen, a rather large city just west of Can Tho.
My mom's father was one of five brothers, and he was brother #7 (Ong bay = literally Mr. 7). Ong Thu (#4) and Ong Nam (#5) are the only siblings still alive, but many children of these siblings are still in Long Xuyen. I stayed with Di Dung (Aunt Dung) and her family, she is the daughter of Ong Sau (#6), I believe, and when he passed away, she lived with my mom's family and that is why they are very close. Di Dung has three children, but my aunt took one of them as her own when she came to the US. But now, cousin Dennis (who was 10 at the time) can only speak English and has lost a connection back to his family. He has married and his children are half Vietnamese and half Hispanic but can only speak English.
I understand fully now the importance of keeping with your heritage and culture, so much history is in the language itself!
Saturday was spent walking around and visiting all of the relatives. Ong Nam really reminded me of my grandfather, and he has 11 children and many grand-children, many of which still live in Long Xuyen. We had dinner that night with some family on Ong Nam and there were about 30 people (lots of kids), and it was absolutely crazy to know that they were all family. I had normally thought of the "family" as small since my mom and dad don't have very many siblings combined and there aren't so many cousins.
In English, they would be called "extended" or "distant" family and relatives, but it was clear that at dinner, "distant" was not the right word. In English, they still called me "sister" and invited me to travel with them to Nha Trang. Sadly I had to say no since I will be back in US by then - but imagine, traveling with 40 family members! I wish I could have gone!!
I was sad that my mom's old school was not there anymore (new school built in its place), and my grandfather's land after the war had been claimed by the government. A large government building and state-owned gas station are in its place.
It was incredible to see this side of my family, I hadn't really even heard many stories about them; but I'm so glad that I was able to see them and speak just a little bit of Vietnamese with everyone. I really hope that I can come back and see everyone again.
I left with Cau Giang (Chu Dung's nephew) in the afternoon to catch a MaiLinh express bus to Long Xuyen, my mom's hometown. I still have some extended family there, and would be staying with an aunt, travel around and meet family, and then come back to HCMC on Sunday evening. A really quick trip, considering it takes about 5 hours by bus (though less crazy than the trip to Bac Lieu), but it was worth it to see this side of my family that I'd never met before.
This bus to Long Xuyen was one of the larger charter buses and it was quite nice, though a bit more difficult to sleep in than the buses I take from PHL to DC and NYC, I think because the extra leg room make it harder to put your legs up. But the trip was fine, we again took a ferry to cross a large river, and on the other side was Long Xuyen, a rather large city just west of Can Tho.
My mom's father was one of five brothers, and he was brother #7 (Ong bay = literally Mr. 7). Ong Thu (#4) and Ong Nam (#5) are the only siblings still alive, but many children of these siblings are still in Long Xuyen. I stayed with Di Dung (Aunt Dung) and her family, she is the daughter of Ong Sau (#6), I believe, and when he passed away, she lived with my mom's family and that is why they are very close. Di Dung has three children, but my aunt took one of them as her own when she came to the US. But now, cousin Dennis (who was 10 at the time) can only speak English and has lost a connection back to his family. He has married and his children are half Vietnamese and half Hispanic but can only speak English.
I understand fully now the importance of keeping with your heritage and culture, so much history is in the language itself!
Saturday was spent walking around and visiting all of the relatives. Ong Nam really reminded me of my grandfather, and he has 11 children and many grand-children, many of which still live in Long Xuyen. We had dinner that night with some family on Ong Nam and there were about 30 people (lots of kids), and it was absolutely crazy to know that they were all family. I had normally thought of the "family" as small since my mom and dad don't have very many siblings combined and there aren't so many cousins.
In English, they would be called "extended" or "distant" family and relatives, but it was clear that at dinner, "distant" was not the right word. In English, they still called me "sister" and invited me to travel with them to Nha Trang. Sadly I had to say no since I will be back in US by then - but imagine, traveling with 40 family members! I wish I could have gone!!
I was sad that my mom's old school was not there anymore (new school built in its place), and my grandfather's land after the war had been claimed by the government. A large government building and state-owned gas station are in its place.
It was incredible to see this side of my family, I hadn't really even heard many stories about them; but I'm so glad that I was able to see them and speak just a little bit of Vietnamese with everyone. I really hope that I can come back and see everyone again.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Thursday night outing
haha what a crazy day I planned for today!
Since I'm leaving for Long Xuyen (my mom's hometown, going to see some extended family) tomorrow and then leaving for the US shortly after that, Chu Dung wanted to host a dinner for some of my new Vietnam friends. What a great way to say thanks and bye to my new friends!
In the afternoon, I met up with Keisuke and YoungJi at Parkson Plaza across from the medical school (126 Hung Vuong Street, District 5, Ho Chi Minh City); it's a huge shopping center than sells all the name brand stuff, cosmetics, handbags and shoes, women and mens clothes, kids stuff, etc. Some of the prices are more expensive than in the US, but I suppose you could find some good deals there. There's also one floor of food court, one floor for a gym (which was completely enclosed in glass and looked really cool), and a movie theater on the top, 7th floor.
We got some bubble tea and walked around the mall. Em Na met us later and we all got tickets for the 3:15 show of the new "Star Trek" movie - only 60,000D because it was a matinee showing before 3:30 pm. That's only $3, so for sure I was going to see a movie here in Vietnam before I left. And the movie theater and seating was great, just in like in the US. Although the popcorn is sweet and sticky, not the salty kind that YoungJi and I were expecting to taste =/ boo!
Loved the movie more than I expected too, and everyone else seemed to have a good time. YoungJi said she really enjoyed it and hoped to see again with Korean subtitles so she could fully get the whole movie.
For dinner we headed out to district three and met up with Chu Dung, Chi Cindy, Chi Linh, Chuong, and MooYoung (student from class). We had a great meal of seafood, meats and rice, and it was fun to see all my friends from different parts of my Vietnamese life at the same time.
L to R: Chuong (mom's friend from US that travels back and forth between VN and USA, finishing up MBA in Vietnam, and really helped me plan my trip here), Chu Dung (my host), me, and Chi Cindy (former coworker of Chu Dung, we went to Vung Tau together, and since then we have become friends).
After dinner we walked over to Cafe Soi Da (went there a few times with Chuong and once with anh Khanh) to enjoy some dessert. I also brought along some chocolates to share, the little chocolate liqueur bottles and we had a blast giving the Vietnamese Cheer "YO!" and taking our shots of chocolate. Thought sometimes they were so melted because of the heat, so it was a bit messy to eat them...
With YoungJi and MooYoung.
A good way to celebrate the trip with friends and say bye!
pictures from Thursday
Since I'm leaving for Long Xuyen (my mom's hometown, going to see some extended family) tomorrow and then leaving for the US shortly after that, Chu Dung wanted to host a dinner for some of my new Vietnam friends. What a great way to say thanks and bye to my new friends!
In the afternoon, I met up with Keisuke and YoungJi at Parkson Plaza across from the medical school (126 Hung Vuong Street, District 5, Ho Chi Minh City); it's a huge shopping center than sells all the name brand stuff, cosmetics, handbags and shoes, women and mens clothes, kids stuff, etc. Some of the prices are more expensive than in the US, but I suppose you could find some good deals there. There's also one floor of food court, one floor for a gym (which was completely enclosed in glass and looked really cool), and a movie theater on the top, 7th floor.
We got some bubble tea and walked around the mall. Em Na met us later and we all got tickets for the 3:15 show of the new "Star Trek" movie - only 60,000D because it was a matinee showing before 3:30 pm. That's only $3, so for sure I was going to see a movie here in Vietnam before I left. And the movie theater and seating was great, just in like in the US. Although the popcorn is sweet and sticky, not the salty kind that YoungJi and I were expecting to taste =/ boo!
Loved the movie more than I expected too, and everyone else seemed to have a good time. YoungJi said she really enjoyed it and hoped to see again with Korean subtitles so she could fully get the whole movie.
For dinner we headed out to district three and met up with Chu Dung, Chi Cindy, Chi Linh, Chuong, and MooYoung (student from class). We had a great meal of seafood, meats and rice, and it was fun to see all my friends from different parts of my Vietnamese life at the same time.
L to R: Chuong (mom's friend from US that travels back and forth between VN and USA, finishing up MBA in Vietnam, and really helped me plan my trip here), Chu Dung (my host), me, and Chi Cindy (former coworker of Chu Dung, we went to Vung Tau together, and since then we have become friends).
After dinner we walked over to Cafe Soi Da (went there a few times with Chuong and once with anh Khanh) to enjoy some dessert. I also brought along some chocolates to share, the little chocolate liqueur bottles and we had a blast giving the Vietnamese Cheer "YO!" and taking our shots of chocolate. Thought sometimes they were so melted because of the heat, so it was a bit messy to eat them...
With YoungJi and MooYoung.
A good way to celebrate the trip with friends and say bye!
pictures from Thursday
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