I bought a bus ticket for Saigon in Nha Trang. The bus picked me up at the hotel at 7:45 am and I was the first one to get on. The bus progeeded to circle the city until it had most of its passengers. This is actually a sleeper bus so there are 3 rows of single seat/recliner type beds, double-decker. Mine is right behind the driver and after 5 hours, they will switch to a different driver.
The bus follows a lot of the way along the ocean, also known as Highway 1 in VN. The only stop is half way at Phan Thiet. At Phan Thiet, the bus stops for 30 minutes for lunch. I switch to lower bed but still right behind the driver. The driver is good but the road is has so much traffic and only two lanes, hence , anyone trying to make time, will try to pass, and our bus included. At one point, the bus passed a slow moving truck. At the same time another bus behind us decided to pass the slow moving truck but on the shoulder. Sitting in the front, I had a clear view of this and held my breath, praying for the best. There many crucial traffic maneuvers along the way.
Now, I planned to get off before Saigon, and i had given the driver the address. I know the stop but it is a little hard to find going fast and now the two drivers were arguing about the exact place. I had my map out, trying to help and not distract the driver. After one false stop, we found it. I thanked the drivers and collected my bag, walked a few steps, only to see Binh, the father of the groom and my neighbor in Portland, was standing outside a house waiting for me with open arms. It was a very warm welcoming.
Now, for the wedding.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Saturday, April 30, 2011
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Getting to Nha Trang.
I had arranged for a motorbike driver, the man with the bloodshot eyes, to take me to the wharf where I would take the fast boat back to Saigon. As time was getting close, i called him but no answer. I decided then I would have to find another ride, so I took all my stuff to the curb. An older guy, who speaks no English wants to take me so to make sure I show him my boat ticket. His price is higher but cheaper than the taxi. I get there will about 10 minutes to spare, thankful their is not airport like screening. haha!
(Photo: Coffee lady and the nice young man I met in VungTau who took me to lunch and coffee)
The boat is full and the man next to me is from Taipei. He has businesses in VN since about 1993. We have a nice conversation and it helps to pass the time even though it is only 90 minutes. Debarking in SGN, the mob scene begins. Everyone wants your business. You just have to plow through and keep saying No . I did need to get a ride to the airport now, but I didn't have to leave yet. I watched two taxi drivers get in a physical fight which is unusual I think. I now began walking into a business area that I knew quite well in hopes of finding a cafe and possibly a battery charger for my camera. My bag isn't heavy but after a while it still wears on me, plus my game leg. I find the coffee cafe, sit for a bit to get recharged, then decide I can look for a ride. I walk by a smaller camera shop and decide to inquire about my charger. I show my battery and she tells me she has one. I am AMAZED.. and she demonstrates it for me. And not to bad a price. Wow! I serious doubt that they would have this charger in all of Portland. Now, with this mission accomplished, I forge on to look for a ride to the airport.
(Photo: rain in SGN and rush hour traffic)
I did contemplate going by moto and a few asked me but it was beginning to rain and rush hour, so the taxi was my best option. Within minutes, I flag one down from a well know company in VN. This driver couldn't understand a word I said. Difficult to believe, because most taxi drivers know some Eng.
I had to show him my ticket. So off we go like a herd of turtles. It seems like it takes forever but after a while I recognize the road. Then my next challenge was getting him to take me to the domestic terminal, not the Int'l. one. Finally, I end up reading the road signs and directing him. But I did very good on the price, with the meter running. Only $6 USD.
(Photo: my street breakfast place in NT)
My flight to Nha Trang was smooth and almost on time. Nha Trang has a new Int'l airport now. (not sure why it is int'l because I don't know any out of country flights that fly in-maybe in the future). My friend Mr. Dung, was there to meet me. He lives in NT. Now, it was past 9 pm and the airport is about 90 minutes from the city. Because Dung has to get petrol for his moto we take a different route back to NT. This is the same route that most bus and trucks use to go to SGN and there is heavy traffic at night leaving NT. We found ourselves staring into so many headlights and passing buses and trucks, forcing us to the shoulder so many times, even that giving us little breathing room. Dung is used to it but I thought we couldn't get there soon enough. After an hour of this, we were finally on a better road.
(Photo: my evening drink in a better upscale place in NT. haha)
In NT, the hotel Dung booked was nice, quiet, and safe. I slept good for at least 5 hours, which was rest enough.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
(Photo: Coffee lady and the nice young man I met in VungTau who took me to lunch and coffee)
The boat is full and the man next to me is from Taipei. He has businesses in VN since about 1993. We have a nice conversation and it helps to pass the time even though it is only 90 minutes. Debarking in SGN, the mob scene begins. Everyone wants your business. You just have to plow through and keep saying No . I did need to get a ride to the airport now, but I didn't have to leave yet. I watched two taxi drivers get in a physical fight which is unusual I think. I now began walking into a business area that I knew quite well in hopes of finding a cafe and possibly a battery charger for my camera. My bag isn't heavy but after a while it still wears on me, plus my game leg. I find the coffee cafe, sit for a bit to get recharged, then decide I can look for a ride. I walk by a smaller camera shop and decide to inquire about my charger. I show my battery and she tells me she has one. I am AMAZED.. and she demonstrates it for me. And not to bad a price. Wow! I serious doubt that they would have this charger in all of Portland. Now, with this mission accomplished, I forge on to look for a ride to the airport.
(Photo: rain in SGN and rush hour traffic)
I did contemplate going by moto and a few asked me but it was beginning to rain and rush hour, so the taxi was my best option. Within minutes, I flag one down from a well know company in VN. This driver couldn't understand a word I said. Difficult to believe, because most taxi drivers know some Eng.
I had to show him my ticket. So off we go like a herd of turtles. It seems like it takes forever but after a while I recognize the road. Then my next challenge was getting him to take me to the domestic terminal, not the Int'l. one. Finally, I end up reading the road signs and directing him. But I did very good on the price, with the meter running. Only $6 USD.
(Photo: my street breakfast place in NT)
My flight to Nha Trang was smooth and almost on time. Nha Trang has a new Int'l airport now. (not sure why it is int'l because I don't know any out of country flights that fly in-maybe in the future). My friend Mr. Dung, was there to meet me. He lives in NT. Now, it was past 9 pm and the airport is about 90 minutes from the city. Because Dung has to get petrol for his moto we take a different route back to NT. This is the same route that most bus and trucks use to go to SGN and there is heavy traffic at night leaving NT. We found ourselves staring into so many headlights and passing buses and trucks, forcing us to the shoulder so many times, even that giving us little breathing room. Dung is used to it but I thought we couldn't get there soon enough. After an hour of this, we were finally on a better road.
(Photo: my evening drink in a better upscale place in NT. haha)
In NT, the hotel Dung booked was nice, quiet, and safe. I slept good for at least 5 hours, which was rest enough.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Visiting Vung Tau
I am about to leave VungTau and go back to Saigon, then fly immediately to Nha Trang. My visit here has been relaxing and no problems at the hotel except for them not understanding any English. My "game leg" continues to be slowing healing, I think so this causes me to move slowly and limit my distance. My other minor problem is that I realized I forget my battery charger for my camera. So soon my camera will be dead. My mission today is to see if I can replace it, but I think the uniqueness will make it difficult.
I met Mai, a teacher friend here in VungTau, in 2000, my first time in VT, and we have kept in touch now for 12 yrs. She found me my hotel which is close to her house. I could walk if I knew the way but there are so many turns down back alleys, it has been impossible for me to remember. Her husband, Son, is an architect and a nice guy but knows very little English.
I had lunch with Mai and her family several times, and then we went out for coffee too.
Mai teaches English at the high school and also at home, so one day, I visited her and talked to her home class. Students were very nice and still ask me the same questions. haha! Even though they all study English in hi sch. very few can speak it. Hi Sch. here is for 3 yrs, so grades 10, 11, and 12. Students pay money to attend class with Mai and home, but I don't know how much. Mai receives 3 million dong a month, (153 USD) and she has been teaching for over 12 yrs. Not much.. but the pay is different for each school.
Mai has two young daughters so she also teaches a class for neighborhood kids on Sunday for them. This class is pretty wild and I did try to help her with them yesterday. Her daughter, Phuong, is so full of life and energy so she keeps the class going constantly. But it is fun. Phuong, even though she has only met me a few times, and now 6 yrs old, came to greet me with a huge hug and a greet smile. Her English limited but I think she will be good in a few years. I watched one day when Son, the dad, was trying to feed both daughters lunch. They all sit on the floor, and he almost force feeds them spoonful by spoonful until the bowl of rice, veggies, and meat is finished. It is a very common practice in Asia for parents to spoon feed their children. I am not sure when it stops, but Phuong could definitely be eating on her own now.
One afternoon, I spent the afternoon touring the city on the back of the motorbike. This driver was the same as the one I used going from the boat to the hotel. Mr. Quang seems to be a very quiet but well spoken guy with an 18 yr. old son in the army. His driving is good; my only concern is his red, blood shot eyes. I decided not to ask him about it. He took me to the White Palace, the former home of the Chinese King who ruled VN in the 1600's. Lots of furniture and pottery is displayed in various rooms during this time. We also rode along the newer beach area. This used to be a large fishing area that now embraces huge 5 star resorts and expensive looking seafood restaurants. There are some cruise liners that park here now too. Several nice churches and huge pagodas here too. Most of the old fishing places are gone. One place was a shipyard, where they repair and build huge ships. Most of the repair still looks like it is hand done but some machinery.
I had coffee with Mr. Viet, an uncle of a family I know in Portland. I met Viet 9 years ago, so I called him and asked if we could have coffee. He was at first reluctant but then we agreed on a time. He is about my age and speaks excellent English. I remember being impressed with him in 2002, but I was even more so this time. When he was 16 yrs, old, he had to drop out of school and became a houseboy for the US troops in VT. Then after a year, he joined the So. VNese army. His English is impeccable and like a walking encyclopedia. He vocabulary is excellent. Often, he would say a word, then demonstrate how the VNese pronounce and how Am. pronounce it. He remembers exact dates, like when Liz Taylor, Elvis, and Kennedy died. He can give you exact numbers for the Am. debt, amount spent of defense for most counties like US, Russia, and VN. He will discuss politics but always afraid somehow his words might endanger him. I am so glad we got together.
I know this is all quite unexciting but I am enjoying these days. It is hot but not unbearable. Take care all. I hope you all had a Wonderful Easter.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
I met Mai, a teacher friend here in VungTau, in 2000, my first time in VT, and we have kept in touch now for 12 yrs. She found me my hotel which is close to her house. I could walk if I knew the way but there are so many turns down back alleys, it has been impossible for me to remember. Her husband, Son, is an architect and a nice guy but knows very little English.
I had lunch with Mai and her family several times, and then we went out for coffee too.
Mai teaches English at the high school and also at home, so one day, I visited her and talked to her home class. Students were very nice and still ask me the same questions. haha! Even though they all study English in hi sch. very few can speak it. Hi Sch. here is for 3 yrs, so grades 10, 11, and 12. Students pay money to attend class with Mai and home, but I don't know how much. Mai receives 3 million dong a month, (153 USD) and she has been teaching for over 12 yrs. Not much.. but the pay is different for each school.
Mai has two young daughters so she also teaches a class for neighborhood kids on Sunday for them. This class is pretty wild and I did try to help her with them yesterday. Her daughter, Phuong, is so full of life and energy so she keeps the class going constantly. But it is fun. Phuong, even though she has only met me a few times, and now 6 yrs old, came to greet me with a huge hug and a greet smile. Her English limited but I think she will be good in a few years. I watched one day when Son, the dad, was trying to feed both daughters lunch. They all sit on the floor, and he almost force feeds them spoonful by spoonful until the bowl of rice, veggies, and meat is finished. It is a very common practice in Asia for parents to spoon feed their children. I am not sure when it stops, but Phuong could definitely be eating on her own now.
One afternoon, I spent the afternoon touring the city on the back of the motorbike. This driver was the same as the one I used going from the boat to the hotel. Mr. Quang seems to be a very quiet but well spoken guy with an 18 yr. old son in the army. His driving is good; my only concern is his red, blood shot eyes. I decided not to ask him about it. He took me to the White Palace, the former home of the Chinese King who ruled VN in the 1600's. Lots of furniture and pottery is displayed in various rooms during this time. We also rode along the newer beach area. This used to be a large fishing area that now embraces huge 5 star resorts and expensive looking seafood restaurants. There are some cruise liners that park here now too. Several nice churches and huge pagodas here too. Most of the old fishing places are gone. One place was a shipyard, where they repair and build huge ships. Most of the repair still looks like it is hand done but some machinery.
I had coffee with Mr. Viet, an uncle of a family I know in Portland. I met Viet 9 years ago, so I called him and asked if we could have coffee. He was at first reluctant but then we agreed on a time. He is about my age and speaks excellent English. I remember being impressed with him in 2002, but I was even more so this time. When he was 16 yrs, old, he had to drop out of school and became a houseboy for the US troops in VT. Then after a year, he joined the So. VNese army. His English is impeccable and like a walking encyclopedia. He vocabulary is excellent. Often, he would say a word, then demonstrate how the VNese pronounce and how Am. pronounce it. He remembers exact dates, like when Liz Taylor, Elvis, and Kennedy died. He can give you exact numbers for the Am. debt, amount spent of defense for most counties like US, Russia, and VN. He will discuss politics but always afraid somehow his words might endanger him. I am so glad we got together.
I know this is all quite unexciting but I am enjoying these days. It is hot but not unbearable. Take care all. I hope you all had a Wonderful Easter.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Friday, April 22, 2011
I won't be complaining about any rain or cold for a while.
On Wednesday morning, Thu picked me and my luggage up and we went back to his house, waiting for his parents. I thought my bag would be smaller or less because I was just going for pleasure and strictly hot weather, But somehow, it still ballooned to a good size albeit not heavy. Some day I am going conquer this puzzle and become a minimalist.
Our caravan arrive at PDX around 8 pm. I am traveling with 7 other people, going to a wedding in Tre Co, Vietnam. I am considered to be a part of their family, so when asked, I had to go. The groom is a former student at Gregory Heights. VNese people are famous for returning to their country with "boxes" for family still living in their country. Because if this tradition each of them were taking two or more boxes with them, including give me a box to take. So this is quite an ordeal at the ticket counter, but in time, it was all accomplished. Others were doing the same, amazing.
We arrived in Seattle on time and went to the Asiana gate to get rechecked in. One woman in our group, had checked in 4 extra boxes, costing her $400 more. In Seattle, Asiana airlines told her that Horizon had not given her enough paperwork to prove that she had paid $400 for the extra boxes, and directing her to the Horizon main ticket counter in Seattle and I was assigned to help her because her English is not good. I wondered how long this would take and would we actually be able to solve this problem. But off we went.
It was quite a walk down two flights before we were in the right area. I have a problem with my left calf lately so I was trying to walk with a certain amount of haste while still now aggravating it more. I asked everyone I saw for directions to Horizon hoping that none were conflicting. We arrived at the Curtesy Desk. What a misnomer!! There was one older woman working the counter. I explained as clearly as possible the problem, and she looked at me with complete befuddlement. She didn't have a clue as to what to do or how to help us. Trying not to add to the stress, I explained it again and mentioned our connecting flight. Finally she called another employee. This woman seemed to know how to fill out the paper work, and as least gave the first woman some directions. But she was complaining each step of the way, tying several times to open a locked drawer, then finding only one form inside. I finally asked the other woman if she would do it. She refused, now saying she had never done it before. Finally, her supervisor came, seemed to know what to do and directed her step by stye. It was not that difficult. I wanted to ask for her name but chose to let it go, but if she had made us miss our connecting flight, I would have.
The total flight time is almost 18 hours. The flight from Seattle to Seoul is 11 hours, then another 5 hours to Ho Chi Minh. The good part about this flight was we were all sitting together and could converse to pass the time. Asian airlines still know how to feed their passengers. I never get a bad meal and lots of snacks, water and juice along the way. No Charge!!
Arriving late in Saigon, the relatives from VN were all there to great us. They rented a BUS!! Well, considering all the boxes and relatives, it was a good idea. At this point, I left them and I will go to Tre Co next weekend for the wedding. Thanh had rented me a room in Sgn, at a place where I have been many times. $22 a night, rather upscale for me. It is quite hot in Vietnam now so you need air-conditioning in the room or a fan.
I didn't sleep great even though it was quiet and I was tired as I slept very little on the flights. Now, I have checked out and taken the hydrofoil to VungTau, a beach area and where a teacher friend lives. Thanh did stay with me last night but didn't come to VungTau, I rode on the back of the motorbike from the wharf to my hotel. It cost me one dollar and a safe ride.
Now, my goal is to just relax for a few days, enjoy my friends here and the beach, before going to another place.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Our caravan arrive at PDX around 8 pm. I am traveling with 7 other people, going to a wedding in Tre Co, Vietnam. I am considered to be a part of their family, so when asked, I had to go. The groom is a former student at Gregory Heights. VNese people are famous for returning to their country with "boxes" for family still living in their country. Because if this tradition each of them were taking two or more boxes with them, including give me a box to take. So this is quite an ordeal at the ticket counter, but in time, it was all accomplished. Others were doing the same, amazing.
We arrived in Seattle on time and went to the Asiana gate to get rechecked in. One woman in our group, had checked in 4 extra boxes, costing her $400 more. In Seattle, Asiana airlines told her that Horizon had not given her enough paperwork to prove that she had paid $400 for the extra boxes, and directing her to the Horizon main ticket counter in Seattle and I was assigned to help her because her English is not good. I wondered how long this would take and would we actually be able to solve this problem. But off we went.
It was quite a walk down two flights before we were in the right area. I have a problem with my left calf lately so I was trying to walk with a certain amount of haste while still now aggravating it more. I asked everyone I saw for directions to Horizon hoping that none were conflicting. We arrived at the Curtesy Desk. What a misnomer!! There was one older woman working the counter. I explained as clearly as possible the problem, and she looked at me with complete befuddlement. She didn't have a clue as to what to do or how to help us. Trying not to add to the stress, I explained it again and mentioned our connecting flight. Finally she called another employee. This woman seemed to know how to fill out the paper work, and as least gave the first woman some directions. But she was complaining each step of the way, tying several times to open a locked drawer, then finding only one form inside. I finally asked the other woman if she would do it. She refused, now saying she had never done it before. Finally, her supervisor came, seemed to know what to do and directed her step by stye. It was not that difficult. I wanted to ask for her name but chose to let it go, but if she had made us miss our connecting flight, I would have.
The total flight time is almost 18 hours. The flight from Seattle to Seoul is 11 hours, then another 5 hours to Ho Chi Minh. The good part about this flight was we were all sitting together and could converse to pass the time. Asian airlines still know how to feed their passengers. I never get a bad meal and lots of snacks, water and juice along the way. No Charge!!
Arriving late in Saigon, the relatives from VN were all there to great us. They rented a BUS!! Well, considering all the boxes and relatives, it was a good idea. At this point, I left them and I will go to Tre Co next weekend for the wedding. Thanh had rented me a room in Sgn, at a place where I have been many times. $22 a night, rather upscale for me. It is quite hot in Vietnam now so you need air-conditioning in the room or a fan.
I didn't sleep great even though it was quiet and I was tired as I slept very little on the flights. Now, I have checked out and taken the hydrofoil to VungTau, a beach area and where a teacher friend lives. Thanh did stay with me last night but didn't come to VungTau, I rode on the back of the motorbike from the wharf to my hotel. It cost me one dollar and a safe ride.
Now, my goal is to just relax for a few days, enjoy my friends here and the beach, before going to another place.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
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