Return from bliss...

The trouble with a whirlwind vacation to scattered points across the globe is the difficulty of expressing the experience sufficiently. Many people have curiously inquired, "how was your trip, what did you do, what did you see???" I feel like saying, “just go yourself, you won’t regret it.”

Vietnam is truly an indescribable land lingering in time. The old-fashioned streets of Hanoi’s old quarter are bombarded with billions of scooters. Entire city blocks in this congested square kilometer are dedicated to one trade and one trade alone. This makes it impossible for a one-stop-shopper, yet convenient for a haggling bargain hunter. One street boasts stationery, another tinsmiths. Peek a few rows over and discover Buddhist alter lane, furniture parkway, or stone court. Kind-eyed women sell local vegetables out of hand-woven wicker baskets amongst the bustling boulevards. Rugged street kitchen tables topple with customers eager to score a cheap meal. Life is in motion.

Adjacent to the vibrant Old Quarter, you find solace at Hoan Kiem Lake. The pleasant pond has a notable pavilion jutting out of the center; the home of a legendary golden-tortoise still lingering in the waters. A path winds around the vast lake, allowing people to escape the city’s beat, even for a moment.

Far from Hanoi’s traffic jams lies the peaceful coastlines of the country. School children mount vintage bicycles (one on the pegs, one on the handle bars, and one on the seat) and leisurely cruise along the wide dirt lanes. Cows laze about on corners, blocking your path as they see fit. Sun-kissed paddies burst with fall crops. Most people sport the stereotypical conical hat to protect themselves from the relentless heat. And most refreshing are the friendly smiles and peppy hellos that greet you at every juncture.

Now, let’s not forget the sea. The South China Sea brings emerald waters ashore. Pure sand beaches lack jagged rocks, shells, and litter. Large coconut boats line the beach front, waiting for a fisherman to test it on the waters. Quaint seaside restaurants pepper the coast. Want a beach chair and straw umbrella? Splurge on one 50 cent drink and the space is yours for the day. Sadly, this bliss may slip away or at least transform as large resorts pop up across the serene shores. Hyatt, Le Meridien, and major golf clubs have already posted advertisements of their upcoming developments in this real estate jackpot.

So, I finish with these thoughts…go to Vietnam. Experience the land in transition and enjoy the endless beauty.



*Blurbs on Honk Kong, Ha Long Bay, Hanoi, & Food to come. Promise.

Hong Kong + Vietnam Pictures

Check out the pics on picasa web albums using the link below. Annecdotes to come (if I can convince Jake to write some ; )

Hong Kong skyline from Victoria Peak

My Khe (China) Beach near DaNang, Vietnam

Web Album Link: http://picasaweb.google.com/kaadalac/HKVietnamSept2010?authkey=Gv1sRgCKG4x6fjncmQwAE&feat=directlink

Incheon - more than just an airport!

Incheon offers numerous sights beyond the obvious "international airport." The city is actually split between Yeongjong or airport island and the mainland. From Incheon Terminal to Ganseok Station, meandor a strip of park blocks with bubbling fountains and winding walkways. Head to the open port streets near Incheon Station to discover a host of historic buildings dating back to the late 1890's, when Korea was opened up to foreign companies. Three Japanese bank buildings line the narrow avenue.

A cruise thru China town awakens the senses and feels like a minature get-away from Korea. Golden dragons guard the monumental towers.

Traditional red lanterns line the alleys, brightening up the streets.

Wooden thatched houses vend traditional chinese goods along the way.

Bountiful bakeries offer endless sweet breads to delight the palate. Check out this crumbly moon cake, chuck-full of sweet potatoe.

Folks on a dinner mission will delight in menus, from plentiful shrimp fried rice to the popular ja jang myeon (sweet potatoe noodles coated in a homey black-bean sauce).

A stroll through Jayu Park, 1888, reveals a striking view above the port city. A statue of General MacArthur recalls the struggles and feats of the Korean War. Around the corner, a monument dedicated to Korean-US Amity illustrates the ties our countries have built through the years.

A 45 minute trip to airport island provides an escape to the west sea beaches. With low tides and muddy shores, be advised to wear footgear in the waters.

Barnicles can really mess ya up ; )

BAR SIGNS YOU SHOULDN'T MISS

Lately we've stumbled across some stellar bar signs that deserve a spotlight. How can you not be tempted to peek your head in?

Korean Kiddies bounce to Soulja Boy!

Talent shows in Korea are no joke. With two weeks of prep, my sixth grade smooth talkers performed a jazzy dance to Abba's "Dancing Queen." The boys spun one another with glee while the girls rocked their glitzy crowns and belted the beloved tune.

Another highlight included a hysterically accurate rendition of the "Fresh Prince" theme song. A boy in oversized sports gear "shooting some bball outside of the school" ran into some boys "up to no good, started making trouble in the neighborhood."

Jake's troublemakers retooled several "Annoying Orange" skits. Their comedic genius peeked with a pun on Lady Gaga when five girls dressed as Lady Pasta screamed, "Pa-pa-astaaaaaaaaa, ro-ma, to-ma-ta."

The best performance came from an awe inspiring class who rocked a drum and flag show to the Fifa World Cup Anthem. The comradery felt when waving national flags to the pounding beat of plastic bottle drums united the crowd.

Following the two week camp, Jake and I coached a joint talent show class for the one week camp. We happened to have two classes that didn't know too much English, but man were they a quirky group. When we initially played a youtube video of "Crank That" by Soulja Boy the kids couldn't stop laughing. We were a bit confused until one lil' guy blurted out, "Teacher, SOJU BOY dance????" ke ke ke. After 4 days of corraling them together, this was the outcome....

Attention all shoppers - PET LOCKERS at the store near you!

Little dogs are the craze-du-jour in Korea. This is logical given that the majority of the population lives in endless stacks of apartment complexes sprawling across the city. Nevertheless, Jake and I were a bit shocked to encounter "PET LOCKERS"  at the entrance of Lotte Mart (the local jewel or super K).  Go ahead, shove that puppy in next to your backpack. There are breather holes.

FUNFOODFEATURE

It is no secret that Korea is making great strides to integrate English. We find this both convenient and entertaining. Why you may ask? Well, mispelled signs often contain simple errors that drastically alter their meaning. Let it be noted, that I'm not trying to be offensive-- I can't even imagine what bullox I would write when translating information. But these minor details give us a chuckle and remind us that are jobs here are not quite finished.

Some common examples:

Enjoy Kimchi Fried Lice!

Forget lozengers, ease that throat itch with Rozengers.

Thirsty? How about a cafe Ratte?

Tonight, the the craP salad is succulent.

While mispellings are common, sometimes the mere layout makes English seem like a foreign language. Check out these SPAMCHESSESANDWICHES!