I guess the big news, for me anyway, is that I'm engaged to be married. The divorce engagement comes later. Just kidding, Phuong. My neighbor Phuong and I became friends first. We talked and laughed about a big banana I put on her plate (trying to be nice), and we shared whatever we had with each other. I never thought I would marry again after divorcing 15 or so years ago. But I never thought I would meet someone like Phuong -- caring, smart, funny patient, and willing to compromise. And she's beautiful as well. I won't lie: I'm lucky and I know it and I will do my very best to make this wonderful woman happy.
Peru had the world's most aggressive mosquitoes. They were small, fast and nasty. In Vietnam, the ants are the nemesis. I put food on my kitchen table, walked to the living room to turn on the TV, and came back to the kitchen to find my sandwich covered with ants. They're not bad with mustard. Actually, they're everywhere -- in my bed, on my arms, in my underpants.
The gay community here is pretty much underground. No one talks about gays, other than an occasional tasteless joke. Even those are rare. But a few men have made their intentions all too clear to me. I don't care about the political views, religious views or sexual preferences of others until they try to force them on me. A few men here were quite aggressive with me, hassling me in a sauna room and at a restaurant. But I've had nothing but trouble at the outdoor restaurants here anyway. One guy followed me on his motorbike and almost caused a crash with me. I was pissed, and I considered clocking him, but then reconsidered because I don't want any police involvement. It's unfortunate when folks use aggressive tactics to satisfy whatever it is they're trying to satisfy. It's happened to me in the USA and Peru as well. Don't like it.
Three foreign teachers have left my company, so I'm working a lot. No problem, although the young kids' classes are tiring. It's all good ... VMG treats me well. Any foreign teachers interested in applying should contact VMG in Bien Hoa ... quickly.
Friday, September 26, 2014
Friday, September 5, 2014
Buy local
I've been a good guest here for the most part in terms of purchases. I buy local unless I'm desperate or I want food that isn't hot soup, or doesn't have rice, noodles or fish oil. But some stuff doesn't last. I've gone through four sets of headphones and I've had to buy the same computer cable four times. Maybe it's the heat. Maybe the wires melt. I have no idea, but headphones and cables lose connection after about a month. I bought a squirt gun and toy organ from a street vendor and realized later that both products were made in, gasp!, China. I'm not political or very bright for that matter, but even I realize you don't buy from the neighbors to the north. The squirt gun and organ are still working, but I'll destroy them soon. If I don't destroy them, the kids who come to my house will.
Three sisters -- ages 8, 9 and 11 -- come to my house quite often. Two of them have terrible coughs. I give them fruit and orange juice every time they come, but the coughs persist. Their father, who's under 30 years old, comes to get them at night sometimes. He stands or squats outside my house, always shirtless, and screams for them while he plays with his cell phone. He doesn't look at or acknowledge me. Well, actually, he gives me a Clint Eastwood-like glare once in a while, but I get that all the time from just about all the men here. Sometimes the girls ignore him and just stay at my place until I boot them. It's all a little weird to me, but maybe I don't understand the culture. I've been told that many times. The sisters have two brothers, about 3 and 4, and they try to come into my house. They fall into the "too young" category. I'll give them a little candy and try to send them home, but they stand outside my house and scream, and I mean scream: "What your name, where you from?" They'll do this for 30 minutes or so while they pound on my glass doors. No point trying to explain the situation to shirtless-Clint Eastwood-dad. Even with this little bit of strangeness, I really enjoy the kids' visits. A highlight of my stay in Vietnam.
My neighbors across the street gave me dessert tonight -- a jello and custard mix -- and it was awesome. My other neighbor made incredible spaghetti the other day for me. It had seafood and tomatoes instead of traditional sauce. Great stuff. I'm also treated to some special coffee from a really special and cool neighbor. All is fine on the food front when it comes from the neighbors or Metro supermarket.
I had yet another motorbike accident tonight, but it was very minor. A girl rode into my back tire. All is well. I only mention it to remind myself never to let my guard down on the bike. A one-second distraction, like adjusting your mirror, can be catastrophic. No one respects the rules of the road, or demonstrates any road etiquette whatsoever, unless a cop happens to be there.
Students remain fantastic and classes are going well. At least for me. I can't speak for the students. I am a little tired. I've worked six days a week for seven months with no real break. The hours aren't long, and the classes are enjoyable, but that's a long stretch.
I am quite homesick these days. Really miss family and friends. Looking forward to my trip back in November.
Some friends are pressuring me to quit smoking. I'm trying and failing at the moment.
Three sisters -- ages 8, 9 and 11 -- come to my house quite often. Two of them have terrible coughs. I give them fruit and orange juice every time they come, but the coughs persist. Their father, who's under 30 years old, comes to get them at night sometimes. He stands or squats outside my house, always shirtless, and screams for them while he plays with his cell phone. He doesn't look at or acknowledge me. Well, actually, he gives me a Clint Eastwood-like glare once in a while, but I get that all the time from just about all the men here. Sometimes the girls ignore him and just stay at my place until I boot them. It's all a little weird to me, but maybe I don't understand the culture. I've been told that many times. The sisters have two brothers, about 3 and 4, and they try to come into my house. They fall into the "too young" category. I'll give them a little candy and try to send them home, but they stand outside my house and scream, and I mean scream: "What your name, where you from?" They'll do this for 30 minutes or so while they pound on my glass doors. No point trying to explain the situation to shirtless-Clint Eastwood-dad. Even with this little bit of strangeness, I really enjoy the kids' visits. A highlight of my stay in Vietnam.
My neighbors across the street gave me dessert tonight -- a jello and custard mix -- and it was awesome. My other neighbor made incredible spaghetti the other day for me. It had seafood and tomatoes instead of traditional sauce. Great stuff. I'm also treated to some special coffee from a really special and cool neighbor. All is fine on the food front when it comes from the neighbors or Metro supermarket.
I had yet another motorbike accident tonight, but it was very minor. A girl rode into my back tire. All is well. I only mention it to remind myself never to let my guard down on the bike. A one-second distraction, like adjusting your mirror, can be catastrophic. No one respects the rules of the road, or demonstrates any road etiquette whatsoever, unless a cop happens to be there.
Students remain fantastic and classes are going well. At least for me. I can't speak for the students. I am a little tired. I've worked six days a week for seven months with no real break. The hours aren't long, and the classes are enjoyable, but that's a long stretch.
I am quite homesick these days. Really miss family and friends. Looking forward to my trip back in November.
Some friends are pressuring me to quit smoking. I'm trying and failing at the moment.
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