In the U.S.: Great directions, visa hope, hospitality

One of the reasons I've really enjoyed my time in the U.S.  is that people in Dayton, Ohio, were uncanny when they gave me driving directions to a street, exit ramp, pie shop, or restaurant. The people I asked were thoughtful, respectful, and on the mark every time. Five times I bothered a complete stranger, and the stranger -- didn't matter if it was a man, woman, or child -- politely pointed me in the right direction. One guy said to me: "I'm not real sure, but I think it's on the left-hand side of the road two red lights up on the corner ... a red building. Not sure though." It was like a scene from Fargo. And of course the guy's directions were spot on.  One woman sent me through three lights, over two bridges and around a bend -- and there it was: the pie shop I was looking for with exquisite strawberry pies. A buddy of mine, John, isn't from Dayton but he's from Ohio and is even better with directions. He's more specific and knows the fastest way to get you where you're going. Since my iPhone isn't "connected" in the U.S., there's no navigation help for me. And I'm technically challenged anyway. I had a heck of a drive from Ohio to Hoboken, N.J., across I80 -- a pretty drive that was interrupted when I hit blinding thunderstorms, ridiculous traffic, road construction, and detours that nearly took me through the Holland Tunnel into Manhattan. Don't want to go there. But the kindness of strangers -- a guy from Pakistan and a man from India -- got me to my destination in New Jersey and eventually back to Delaware. See that Donald ... immigrants make our country great (again). Another reason I enjoyed the trip was a good report from my eye doctors. All is stable and my vision has actually improved.
I'm also feeling a little more optimistic about Phuong's chances of getting a visa to the U.S. because I had a very upbeat meeting with our lawyer Katie in Cleveland (and a wonderful lunch as well). We're thinking positive thoughts and we see no violations or fraud as we examine Phuong's immigration history. Phuong will interview at the U.S. Embassy in Ho Chi Minh City either later this year or early next year. If for some reason she gets the visa, we'll be heading to the U.S. fairly quickly. That would be wonderful for my wife and our little girl, Joanna.
Given the possibility of a trip to the U.S. for all of us, I've been poking around at housing on the East Coast. I still have a house in Ohio and we'd likely move there at first to see if it's suitable for Joanna and Phuong. Yellow Springs is a diverse little community, so I'm not worried about how Phuong would be treated there. I was worried about Poland, for example, because I didn't see diversity. But the people in Poland were very nice, with a couple of exceptions. I think Phuong and Joanna will do well no matter where we end up -- I like to threaten with Bhutan, the happiest (and muddiest) place on Earth from what I've heard. So, if we leave Vietnam, it'll be to Ohio and then we'll see.
People in the U.S. were extremely kind to the White Monkey, and they know who they are. I'll mention Andy, Ron and John, who gave me a place to sleep and are three quality human beings and my friends for life (they may not see it that way, but that's how it is for me). Friend Tommy was kind, as always. My ex-wife got me a room at an Inn and drove me to our daughter's house. Robyn at the Springs Motel gave me enough gifts for Joanna to last until Christmas. The Springs is a good place to stay and the staff is great -- Robyn rocks. My brother Tom and his wife Shaila let me have the entire finished basement in their new house and I had some wonderful nights of sleep there. I'm writing this blog from the basement. I played a little tennis as well as I prepare to return to the courts of Vietnam and destroy my wife in our vicious and bitter rivalry. I had a lovely visit with my children and grandchild in Ohio and New York. My kids have grown into remarkable adults. I spent too much time in my expensive rental car because roadwork in the U.S. is pervasive and brutal. Drives that normally take 2 and a half hours were taking me four hours ... ugh! Happened twice on the Washington D.C. to Delaware/Maryland drive. And the Ohio to Delaware/Maryland "commute" usually takes 9 hours at most, but lasted more than 10 hours on this trip. America is being made great again ... one stretch of road at a time.
Leaving for Vietnam on Tuesday. Can't wait to see Phuong and Joanna.