Happy Togetho
It’s great to be happy.
In the six week hiatus since the last post I have jetted off to America, had an incredible three weeks with my family, struggled through a round of goodbyes that was no less than devastating, and emerged on the other side with one great, big, silly grin. Why? Because the day after I arrived back in Vietnam a present landed on my doorstep…JD.
Hearting Michigan
Here’s a little more love for the mitten state in my most recent guest post: Finding Adventure in Michigan. The countdown ’til home has begun!
Home Sweet Far Away Home
In case you haven’t guessed by now, I love to travel. It’s a passion that has dictated several moves, many flights and countless bus rides over the years. So, as a self-proclaimed travel addict, my next statement might seem strange: there’s no place like home (insert eye roll).
You Look so Nice and Fat Today
Guess which one I am.
Fat is in, baby. Here in Vietnam it’s the fatter, the better. At least that’s what I hope is going on. You see, size is an issue for me here. The scale of my life is quite simply bigger than the average Vietnamese. I need a bigger chair; a bigger dress; bigger shoes. It’s a bit like Alice in Wonderland, although the rabbits are less concerned with time. And size is a repeat topic of conversation between me and my Vietnamese friends.
In Vietnam you call it as you see it, and polite conversation has different rules. Standard greeting questions are, What is your name? Are you married? How old are you? Instead of beating around the bush like we do back home, they cut straight through the nonsense. No harm meant. Chit-chat also takes unusual turns. You look so tired! You look so much better last time! You should get married soon or you will be too old to have children. It takes some getting used to, but at least you know it’s genuine, and it makes the positive remarks all the more meaningful. On days when I’m told I look good, I strut my stuff knowing it must be true. On days when I’m told I look bad…well, it keeps me humble.
Turkey with Chopsticks
Not quite.
Thanksgiving as an expat is a day of mixed emotions. It lives up to its name and makes you stop and appreciate the important people in your life. But when most of those people are on the other side of the world, it also does a great job making you homesick. And so, with an ambivalent heart, I stepped into my very first Thanksgiving in Vietnam.
Hello, Weekend!
Good morning, Vietnam! Happy Saturday, everyone!
Guest Post Sucking Up to Da Nang
Seems we have kissed and made up after last post’s gloomy gloom outlook. Why else would I take the time to write such a nice review of Da Nang if not for his charming looks and (debatable) great attitude? Ladies and gentlemen, I give you my much more upbeat account of Da Nang, Vietam: Asia’s Most Underrated City!
Check out my most recent guest post at http://ishouldlogoff.com/2012/10/23/da-nang-vietnam-the-most-underrated-city-in-southeast-asia/.
The Seven (Plus Six) Week Itch: Seeing Your New Home in All Its Pudgy Glory
Three months and suddenly Vietnam and I have hit a wall in our relationship. The initial crush has cooled down and we are facing the stark reality of each other. The honking of traffic has become too loud. The rain has become too frequent. The scooters, too many. And Vietnam seems equally annoyed with me. Why else is he sending these obstacles to trip me up? He won’t let me go to the beach (What? I’m I too fat for you now?). He sends mosquitoes to keep me in line at night.
We’re on shaky ground.
Life as a Slug of Leisure
Who loves the spa? This kid right here…the one typing in a semi-daze after her stressful two hour massage and facial. Yeah, life’s rough sometimes. Today was my first trip to the spa in my whole hard knock life. Before today that was a source of pride for me. I was too down-to-Earth to get caught up in all that seaweed wrap and hot rock fluff.
Now I take it all back. I am no longer down-to-Earth; I am floating away on a cloud that smells like eucalypts leaves and lavender infused with love. And I’m never coming back.
I feel 27 years younger, which doesn’t make sense but I’m too relaxed for logic. Even when facing the siege of maniac scooters on the way home I couldn’t manage to awaken any feeling but wonderful. Now that I have gloated profusely, I am back to my unicorn rainbow land of happiness.
Let the moonlight shine upon you and open your heart to the splendor of the universe. Believe in leprechauns and fairies, friends.
Aww…
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