Blogging
From Abroad

I am currently in a place called Long Xuyen. It is much smaller than Saigon but city-like none the less. Every street is lined with little shops where the people live and work. Food, beverages and internet caf�s are among the entrepreneurship. Every time we walk down the streets we seem to draw much attention, as we are not Asian. Most attention is friendly and complimented with a smile. There is that small percentage that makes me a little nervous, but people are still people.

Our hotel is a nice one, air conditioned and across the street from the area’s only supermarket. The beer here is delicious. I’ve been living off of “Bia Saigon” lagers. A medium colored Lager with a full flavor, I will miss these when I�m gone.

In the hotel, there are beds rather than hammocks, but we shower in the bathroom. Not in a shower stall, but on the entire floor, the shower fixture is to the left of the sink, next to the toilet. The water runs into a drain on the floor, not what I�m used to. The plumbing fixtures are ironically “American Standard” brand, but very different from American products. Most toilets are in the floor and you do your business standing.

At dinner in the hotel restaurant the other night, we were waiting for the food & the waiter brought a flaming charcoal bucket to the table with as a pot of soup on top of it. It was complete with chicken feet, heads and many non-traditional food items.

On the way here from Saigon, we saw many tin-roof shacks and water buffalo. It was an eye opener for sure. The level of poverty which is the norm here is not a possibility in much of America due to social programs in place.

As I sit at a corner caf� across from my hotel this morning, my shoulders and neck ache. My mind is slightly tired as sleep hasn�t been as easy to achieve as in the states. I do think I picked up a bug of some sorts as my stomach has been in uproar for a couple of days. I am fine though.

All the people are currently watching me. Some of their eyes say curiosity, others intrigue, and yet a few are possibly thinking money. I am probably the richest person within a half-mile radius right now, so I do feel a bit vulnerable. But as always, I will keep my faith in humanity around me and in myself to guide and take care of me. So far it has never let me down.

Right now I have to get back to the hotel as I see our ride from the University over there. It is a 1984 Toyota van, similar to the one my grandfather used to drive. It would seem that no matter where I go on this planet, the coincidences are familiar even when my surroundings are not. This gives me comfort every day.