Living in Asia means a life full of surprises. Some good, some frustrating, some predictably weird, like the on-off switch to the rainy season. The amount of rain that can be dumped in Bangkok in twenty minutes is insane. But there’s no such thing as global warming, so no need to worry. Just buy yourself a swamp boat like they […]
Never Again
ho-ho-ho chi minh city
There’s a lot to smile about in Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) Vietnam. The endless allies to explore… And the food Zigzagging through traffic on a Grab-it scooter Taxi… And the food. The fish lady… And the coffee you enjoy after you food. And the nipple guards. (I bet you thought I’d say food again). Saigon has so much good […]
Feral
how do you help the child who has never been disciplined
Motor-psycho!
OK. I cried uncle. I couldn’t handle Saigon (aka Ho Chi Minh City). Too many bikes. A motorcycle even drove through this dive while I was eating, giving a new meaning to drive-thru. I was in Saigon just long enough to fuel up on some tasty dishes and caffeine. The food? I could eat there forever. While northern Vietnam is […]
Cap’n America
The best thing about being left by my husband in the middle of Asia in the middle of your life is that every day is a new chance to figure out who I am. But screw that. I’m on holiday. It’s the Vietnamese New Year so instead of figuring out my purpose, I’ll be searching for something really challenging. Cap’n […]
Danang, Vietnam, Swim Suit Edition
So what is the big attraction in Danang? Nothing. And that’s a good thing. After the maze of craze in Hanoi, AKA H’annoyed, I boarded a seventeen hour train to one of the most spectacular beaches in the world. Danang. Don’t worry, I never heard of this secret resort either, I until I plotted my Chinese New Year’s Getaway. The […]
How to Carve a Peacock
One of the perks of being a DaBiZi (big nosed American) in China is that you get to judge English Speaking Contests. But today? I didn’t even have to judge. I just had to hand out awards. And one more thing: I had to pose for pictures. Yes, English speaking competitions are a big deal. This contest was held in […]
New Years in the Middle of Everywhere
The Facebook message found me on fringes of Southwest Thailand. It was from John, first home-town boyfriend and now writer for the local paper. “Lori Danneffel died.” This can’t be right. I just saw her this summer. Lori? She has a husband. Grandkids. A contagious laugh that still rings in my ears. A pit forms in my stomach, the kind […]
What to do if you get a bladder infection in the middle of nowhere
My gut is immune to most bugs in Asia, those I eat as well as those that are festering in a piece of pork. But I did get a bladder infection on the road. Or off the beaten path Actually, in the middle of nowhere, Ayutthaya, Thailand, the ancient capital of Thailand. If I had been in Bangkok, things would […]
My favorite animal is vegetables and Jesus
It’s that time of year again. The China Daily English Speaking Competition . In 八 (eight) hours, I break or make the day of over 150 六 (six) – 十二 (ttwelve)-year-olds, many whom are dressed to the 久s (nines), and have memorized speeches that they have no clue of what they are saying. Take for instance, this princess who’s […]