judy on November 23rd, 2008

Sure enough, on my 65th birthday, I did have a terrific evening in Bangkok with a lot of our group who always used to get together at Doug and Yim’s old restaurant.  Those days from 2003 – 2007 were special ones!  We even met at the site of the beloved old Thee Sud Isaan.  It was great to […]

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ira on November 18th, 2008

We took a trip to Hoi An, (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hoi_An), for our fortieth anniversary.  Noah may have considered Hoi An as a site for his ark, such were the deluges we experienced. But, getting wet was no real bother, because there was lots to see and do.  Getting wet at its best? Well, there’s a great story […]

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ira on November 18th, 2008

If you’ve ever have the desire to stand agog on a street corner, literally agog, come to Ho Chi Minh City and witness the motorbike traffic.   For a sample, view:  Bikes on Street Corner  Then, venture across the street. The first time, you cross with the same faith and fear as with your first parachute […]

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ira on November 18th, 2008

We are lucky to be here in Vietnam as older travelers. By custom, the Vietnamese honor people older than themselves, even those, such as our presenile selves, who are proceeding blissfully into the future. They are known also for overwhelming hospitality. We have experienced these expressions in spades and so have felt honored and welcomed […]

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ira on November 4th, 2008

On Sunday, Dr. Nho and his family, picked us up for a “broken rice” breakfast.  Breakfast was in a run-down-looking, open-air, pavilion-like, restaurant that you couldn’t find without knowing it was there. But, we swayed and bumped across construction ruts out near the harbor and entered a packed parking lot. The restaurant seems to be […]

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ira on November 4th, 2008

While you were stirring around this morning to go vote, it was last night for us. We were reminiscing about our long string of new, exciting, and improbable experiences here in Vietnam.  I almost feel guilty about having such fun and great good fortune in general. Last weekend’s events are an example, as will be […]

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ira on February 4th, 2008

Things are beginning to wind things down here as the hot season approaches. School closes formally next Friday.  Judy’s exams are over, and she’s been working hard to finagle her grade books, as every student—whatever their academic grade—must pass: It’s the Thai way.  My final is tomorrow.  So, this week and next we say good-bye […]

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ira on November 18th, 2007

Over the past weekend Judy and I attended a wedding and reception that bordered on the regal.  We were flattered to be invited by the owner of this hotel.  This family is apparently among the most influential and wealthy families around here.  Their eldest son–an assistant to an important local official, maybe the Mayor.  We […]

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judy on June 30th, 2007

Every year in Thai schools they have what’s known as Wai Khruu Day.  This is a day for students to pay respect to and thank their teachers for working to educate them.  A lovely concept, isn’t it?     The “wai” is the traditional gesture of respect that the Thai people make to each other.  Basically, […]

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ira on June 13th, 2007

Now that we are in a routine, one day seems much like another, but this is always against the background of the excitement and sense of adventure of being in a foreign land.  That we always like. Judy is teaching full time, but despite the pleasure teaching brings, she might like to be somewhat less busy. […]

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