roof 2612:

happy 2012

2011-12-31T23:13:00.001-05:00

to some people, 2011 was overdue to bid farewell . . . some of the top folks of my company for instance, they had a hard time answering to shareholders regarding their stock performance this past year. for some of us, it was just plain difficult to keep our jobs; and even to find a job to pay bills.

but then what was really different from the previous year? or the year before? there are always unemployment, financial hardship . . . life/family problems, illness . . . even wars.

as we welcome 2012 and wish ourselves with a happy new year amongst many other things, we should be reminded that happiness comes from wanting what we have, not having what we want.

amongst many things i have . . . friendship is a treasure, both old and new . . . and from around the world.

happy new year from a little place called s'pore

Christmas Miracles

2011-12-10T09:42:00.001-05:00

sometimes life surprises you in the most incredible way

just when i think i can choose to be someone's miracle; it turns to be mine.

(sorry i can't upload the video; so here are some pictures of our day to celebrate early christmas with local kids without birth parents, but with lots of people who love them)

saturday morning . . .

around 300 kids and adults

songs

christmas plays

dances

food

water park

. . .

visual feast in barcelona

2011-12-02T10:43:00.001-05:00

i was speechless

i was mesmerized

i was stunned

i was at awe

life is magnifique!

2011-12-01T09:34:00.001-05:00

it was so appropriate to watch woody allen's "midnight in paris" on my trip in paris this month. i was definitely in a dream which i didn't want to woke up. it was the end of autumn when the bugs were gone, but just cold enough to feel like christmas. and where else but standing on champs elysees to welcome all that in. paris is one of the cities where i can find myself walking endlessly. it's approaching my third year in vietnam; so there is so much to process and prepare to ring in the new year. . . "where am i going to be next year?" my answer is on the carousel! the kids sure have fun!

it takes courage to be happy

2011-11-15T20:13:00.001-05:00

it is a quote by karen blixen who wrote out of africa. as we get older it seems to require more and more courage to be happy. (now i am going to ruin it for you to mention that i had to give 15 thai batt, cause she posed for tourist)

chiang mai

2011-11-13T08:55:00.001-05:00

i can post all typical pictures of old chiang mai, but it won't be as exciting as this findings on my way to the old quarter of the city. . . . a giant fiberglass dog in the middle of an ice cream parlor in contrast to the setting of an ancient city full of temples and monks. the city was in preparation of an annual festival loi krathong when they set hundreds of paper hot air balloons into the sky.

it was such a magical city filled with little surprises.

one other surprise was my conference on social responsibility hospitality . . . this is one of a few times when i really love this job. there are much to think about in this coming year winding down to my last year of contract. i am pretty sure that asia is my place for the time being and my line of work, but where? with whom? and what company?

hmmm now more stuff to think . . . (i just discover a new spa called indochine, my hiding place =)

china sea

2011-11-11T08:47:00.001-05:00

as always i like to make a quick trip to hong kong for a taste of civilization and sanity from the craziness of living in vietnam; it is quite ironic that i used to think of hong kong as a crazy place while living and working there. i guess it is all about having a balance life; knowing and appreciating what i have at hands: singleness and freedom.
so we sail off one day with a couple bottles of champagne, watching the sunset. i dive in the water and allow the stress and burdens float away.

shanghai 2

2011-11-09T08:50:00.001-05:00

looking at my calendar for the rest of the year . . . oops there is no more weekends which are free, and unfortunately the end of january 2012 is lunar new year here in vietnam and most of asia with chinese heritage or culture. i can't believe it is almost 2012 which marks my 3rd year in vietnam and with my current company.
i found a little tea shop in taikang lu in shanghai and fell in love at the first sight; so i sat and sipped tea while thinking of my 2011 ups and downs . . .

"well, marriage was actually on the table this earlier of 2011"

"falling in love?" and "wait, marriage? was it for real? me?"

"am i dreaming or was i dreaming then?" . . . "it was just a flight away when it was a right person!"

"it could be seen as one of 'big mistake' when i look back years from now that i missed the boat" . . . "but why am i feeling as if it is breathable again and not then?"

"now i understand this whole cool feet thingie"

"wait! walking is good! it clears my mind"

"let's have some more tea and then walk"

shanghai

2011-11-09T08:09:00.001-05:00

as promised, here are some pictures from my trip to china recently. i love it that in the middle of little streets i found my way around shanghai by looking up for the skyscrapers for landmarks. it is a reminder as we seem lost in life, just look up =)

i hope i don't lose this blog some day, cause this journey so called my life is so amazing. and i am glad you have a bit and piece of the story if you follow my blog.

same same, but different

2011-10-17T21:06:00.000-04:00

how am i? good way to answer is the local lingo "same same, but different!" which can be applied to me. i just got back from a long week in china, specifically shanghai where i visited for the first time. surprisingly it is very livable unlike beijing. loads of pictures i took around the city and the french concession where i spent most of my time.
i am processing a bit of the trip and the people i met, so check out next blog!

Southern California Close-up: Westside of Los Angeles

2011-09-30T10:00:00.000-04:00

Southern California Close-up: Westside of Los Angeles

did i just see "norman, oklahoma"?

2011-09-29T10:15:00.002-04:00

why can't we be friends?

2011-09-16T20:25:00.003-04:00

seriously? why can't we be friend?

(push replay if you don't have the answer!)

awesome!

2011-09-15T09:57:00.006-04:00

three weeks, 4 countries, 6 cities, 6 hotels . . . and hours of flights and car rides, i am so glad to be home. yes i am calling my little flat in hcmc now home. between my sofitel sheets and the sense of lemongrass from my oil burner, and other little familiar things i am happy. speaking of happiness, i heard from a french monk at our gm conference this past week that happiness was to be cultivated and cultivated daily. this belief implies happiness is temporary and temporal; and perhaps happiness entirely depends upon the environment and surroundings.
what if happiness is a gift? what if it comes from within . . . and regardless of the circumstance or situation you can still laugh.
and laugh with such joy.
it is joy!+++

and the sun will shine again

2011-08-20T22:27:00.001-04:00

it has been raining dogs and cats here. i think it is a metaphor for something a bit more personal on my behalf. i just glue myself to this music video which lyrics speak volume and tunes are addictive.

i am off to a beach town this weekend for a quick a get away, believing the sun will shine again.

a child of His

2011-08-18T09:22:00.004-04:00

i read one time a story about a little child seating at an amazing feast, an all you can eat breakfast. his eyes are fixed on a tower of blue berry pancakes covered with honey and sprinkled with powder sugar, and topped with whipped cream and sliced strawberry. the first bite is equal mouthwateringly delicious as it looks; and every bite after that is as scrumptious. his eyes tear up because he is just so happy, savoring every bit of it till the very last piece. from the corner of his eye, he can see more are stacked up right off the hot pan for his second serving or as much as he wants.

nevertheless, he wonders even in the midst of this feast that it will ever be again like this the next day; or should he be stashing away some for tomorrow cause tomorrow may be different or none of this as the matter of fact. disregard of his dislike of stale pancake or any old second day food, the kid quickly stashes away some for later.

...last night i was wondering the same ... as if the promise of tomorrow would never be the same and my chance of hiding my momentary opportunity to be in love had gone. i couldn't help but picturing a little kid in a newspaper folded boat soaking the water ... sinking.

then in my quiet time, i was reminded of someone in the kitchen still mixing batches after batches of pancake mix filled with blue berries.

direction

2011-08-13T09:07:00.006-04:00

once i heard that there were more books on sad love stories and songs that happy ones, because we become less creative and with little desire to put thoughts into any form of expression when we are in love. the table really turns when we are alone and suddenly become more thoughtful. i find it quite true on a saturday night like today sitting at home contemplating on my life. what the hell just happens to me the last few months . . . yes i was in love; then like a rug pulled off my feet, things turn 180 degrees.

c'est la vie!

some fancy words come to mind like "closure", "baggage" or "destiny", begin to torment me. if life is a string of events in a format of continuous journey, then why do we closure . . . because chances are what we engage in next are built up from our past experience. when life gives you lemon, just squeeze!!! say i.

i am on the way to the top of the mountains the other way (see pictures) and the sign says "mountain of GOD"

i am determining to make it up there

something old

2011-07-06T09:38:00.003-04:00

as i walked down the paved road to the imperial palace in hue this weekend, i got to think about my family name which is from the last dynasty of vietnam. the last emperor handed over the royal power to the vietnamese revolutionary in 1945 and left for france where he remained till his last days on earth. i am not the direct line of the royal family, somewhere in the neighborhood of the relatives; so it is kind of cool to feel i am following some foot step of my fore fathers to visit the royal palace.

this is what i really love about my current position which not only takes me to places, but really takes me to meaningful places.

what makes it "PARIS" to me

2011-05-14T10:42:00.004-04:00

of course it's the notre dame . . . it's the champs elysses, it's eiffel tower, which all are iconic. but for me, it is the walk in the street market, the stroll down the park, or a little lunch off the streets of paris

paris, je t'aime!

Southern California moments - latimes.com

2011-04-08T20:20:00.001-04:00

Southern California moments - latimes.com

make them go ahhs ahhs

2011-04-07T09:48:00.001-04:00

red balloon

2011-04-06T11:38:00.006-04:00

i woke up this morning with the tune from katie perry's firework . . .

Do you ever feel like a plastic bag
Drifting throught the wind
Wanting to start again

Do you ever feel, feel so paper thin
Like a house of cards
One blow from caving in

no, i really don't feel like a plastic bag, but rather a balloon or being picked up by a bunch of them . . . (this is from a french movie "ballon rouge" in 1956) which i love.

paris here i come =)

Cause baby you're a firework
Come on show 'em what you're worth
Make 'em go "Oh, oh, oh!"
As you shoot across the sky-y-y

Baby you're a firework
Come on let your colors burst
Make 'em go "Oh, oh, oh!"
You're gonna leave 'em all in awe-awe-awe"

Boom, boom, boom
Even brighter than the moon, moon, moon
It's always been inside of you, you, you
And now it's time to let it through

+++

Death_Cab - i will follow you into the dark

2011-04-01T23:10:00.002-04:00

really! like this . . .

this has been my all time favorite song since forever!

Guggenheim Grotto - I Think I Love You

2011-04-01T22:43:00.001-04:00

whatever happens to fools in love? whatever happens to making irrational decisions cause of love?

tiptoeing

2011-03-27T03:26:00.009-04:00

in case you don't know . . . i've just entered a new decade of my life; and it is quite exciting actually. as i mentioned in the last post that the common fear people had was about what they didn't do in the youth; for me it is all about what i will get to do as the journey continues. nevertheless i did have a medical check up to make sure my health was in tack and whether another marathon might be considered. i've decided long ago that i can't tiptoe about my life as if it's breakable; even though when it comes to the matter of the heart, i am shy cause of fear of hurt.

"wait! i should do what i preach, right?"

just the moment i came to the realization of stepping up to my challenge, and it discovered me.

now i am on my toes facing the possible love of my life . . . yes i said it! i am tiptoeing kissing this girl =) and i am kind of liking this.

what else did we do on these past weeks . . . we crossed the victoria harbor on star ferry boat with a chinese lady saying how beautiful my girlfriend was "hau leng" and something about me (but i couldn't understand -- probably me being a beast =). . . ran across from central to wan chai in rush hour to catch our flight to saigon for my birthday celebration on the top of sofitel . . . held hands under the sky filled with silk lanterns in hoi an, then long walks on the beach . . . . we ended our trip with quiet dinner at the metropole hanoi.

aayyyya! word of warning to you out there . . . dreams do come true.

....

http://tribune.com.pk/story/131092/huge-tsunami-slams-coastal-japan-after-8-9/

2011-03-12T09:46:00.001-05:00

http://tribune.com.pk/story/131092/huge-tsunami-slams-coastal-japan-after-8-9/

deja vu

2011-03-12T09:46:00.000-05:00

my friend and i were chatting about our lives are full of plan b's. so here comes another one. . . i was supposed to be on the plane to tokyo today, then the earthquake off the coast of japan, and tsunami came yesterday; yet i was pretty determined to go till two hours ago the power plant went up in smoke.

the images of the earthquake tsunami brought back so many memories of my time in indonesia in 2006.

half empty

2011-03-06T01:19:00.005-05:00

"full circle?"

not sure, but what i know is i am right back where it all began. 40 years ago i was born here in vietnam, in this very city which now i call home.

my friends have asked me what i make of this. . . and honestly i don't know, but what i know is that i've been given an amazing half of a gift thus far.

in the days to come, i plan to have some times to think about this. . . especially in the onsen somewhere in japan. i thought it would be more symbolic since it required to be all in birthday suit sitting in the mineral water overlooking the fuji mountain.

i reckon the question ought to be where/how/what i want to finish my other half of my life. i was reminded this morning by an 16 year old kid on youtube something in regard to God's gift to us the freedom of choice . . . and it is up to us how we choose to "spend" it. wow, what a kid! my glass is definitely half full . . . now i have been given a "choice" to fill the other half.

thoughts?

nowhere and faithful

2011-02-25T19:25:00.003-05:00

i love how this guy prays "father, thank you for the difficult times . . ."

well, it is not quite true that i am nowhere; i am in asia and most of the time in the air flying somewhere. nevertheless i feel it is nowhere at times; and especially when the clients demand things which i can't deliver (meaning not in my scope of works)

and the meaning of job security is "vapor" (as rob bell says it =) . . . you are as good as the next guy comes along, especially when there are so many unemployed people out there looking for work.

but all this comes to one question which has been on my mind this whole time. why am i here? or should i see that i am just passing through . . . and on a journey.

Nowhere and Faithful from Realityla on Vimeo.

dancing like no one's watching

2011-02-19T11:57:00.001-05:00

it is midnight in saigon, and i may be a bit intoxicated from a drinking dancing party. yes i just came back from party where i danced the night away to lady gaga and justin beiber. the whole evening i was thinking how to improve my french, given the time i had in the setting of 90% of the attendants are french.

yes i am still in vietnam, yet i am living in the world where people think i am korean and often the locals try to take advantage of me for a foreigner. this is the third culture you often hear and are not sure what it is. basically i don't quite belong the life in the usa any more than the life of the local where i live; so most of us end up hang out together.

so most of the locals think i am eccentric and perhaps most of my friends in the usa think i am nut.

oh well?

friends in malaysia

2011-02-11T22:59:00.001-05:00

i visited malaysia with some new friends . . . and discovered i had long lost friends from 15 years ago back in university . . . so cool!

friends are gifts and not just on christmas day!

this is malaysia!

2011-02-11T22:41:00.003-05:00

so the journey continues . . . life is funny that way; it is a train which goes with or without you. i have decided to hop on and see where it takes me, and voila!

this week i spent some time with an american friend in hcmc; and we just chatted about what God wanted us to do. the answer i've found is to just live . . . live life which is given to you with a full embrace as if there is no tomorrow. some would see to it to indulge in the so called forbidden pleasure . . . i've chosen this. life is a gift, not a chore.

free will . . . it's a funny thing =)

street life in malaysia

2011-02-11T22:32:00.001-05:00

food of malaysia

2011-02-11T22:27:00.001-05:00

Lunar New Year

2011-02-02T10:40:00.000-05:00

Here it is ... I'm sending off the old year and welcoming the new year as today is the last day of the tiger year. Im told it's the year of the rabbit or cat, depending where you live in Asia.

I don't know what to make of it as in what to hope for in the new year, but nevertheless I'm determined to make it home here in Asia for however long I'm going to be here.

Funny thing is that I'm spending my holidays in Malaysia with my new friends' family and reconnecting with some very old friends whom I went to school with some almost 18 years ago.

Tonight at dinner table I was asked to give two sentences of blessings or thanksgiving, and all I saidP was how much I was thankful for this past year even though it was not so called the best time of my life.

It's only going to be up from here, I reckon

Malaysia

2011-01-30T10:28:00.002-05:00

Almost seven when I woke up this morning and realized that my flight to Kuala Lumpur was in less than 2 hours. Since I've back from the US, I am back in full gear of work mode which is almost 80 hours per week plus travel time between cities. So this morning is no different except I'm supposed to be on a holiday trip to Malaysia with some friends.
This is a step to my new year resolution of making it home in Asia, meaning meeting people and fostering new relationship. This requires a great amount of time and effort which I seem to lack these days with my current job. Nevertheless I have to try.
I'm full of hope.

hallo again

2011-01-24T19:24:00.000-05:00

it has been a long time since last posting; and it is definitely not a good point in time to write since i am under the influence of the misfortune which happened yesterday afternoon.
in the busy streets of the city and during this holiday season called TET here in Vietman, my careless attitude serve me poorly; because ill intention people is out there watching me and my possession. while focusing on my conversation over the phone, a man snatched my iphone and ran off on his motorbike.

waking up this morning, the incident is still lingering on my mind. ironically i am listing to rob bell on the message of lesson of vapor management.

it calms me down a bit enough to write this . . . not in anger but in a perspective.

some of the thing i recommit to do this year, writing more is one. i find it put things in perspective as i am often running after my busy schedule; and a little time sitting down to write means so much more.

so here we go people . . . keep up with me

happy new year.

Good Life

2010-12-10T20:48:00.001-05:00

Woke up in London yesterday
Found myself in the city near Piccadilly
Don’t really know how I got here
I got some pictures on my phone
New names and numbers that I don’t know
Address to places like Abbey Road
Day turns to nigh
Night turns to whatever we want
We’re young enough to say
(Chorus)
Oh this has gotta be the good life
This has gotta be the good life
This could really be a good life, good life
Say oh, got this feeling that you can’t fight
Like this city is on fire tonight
This could really be a good life
A good, good life
To my friends in New York, I say hello
My friends in L.A. they don’t know
Where I’ve been for the past few years or so
Paris to China to Col-or-ado
Sometimes there’s airplanes I can’ t jump out
Sometimes there’s bullshit that don’t work now
We are god of stories but please tell me-e-e-e
What there is to complain about
When you’re happy like a fool
Let it take you over
When everything is out
You gotta take it in
(Chorus)
Oh this has gotta be the good life
This has gotta be the good life
This could really be a good life, good life
Say oh, got this feeling that you can’t fight
Like this city is on fire tonight
This could really be a good life
A good, good life
Hopelessly
I feel like there might be something that I’ll miss
Hopelessly
I feel like the window closes oh so quick
Hopelessly
I’m taking a mental picture of you now
‘Cuz hopelessly
The hope is we have so much to feel good about
(Chorus)
Oh this has gotta be the good life
This has gotta be the good life
This could really be a good life, good life
Say oh, got this feeling that you can’t fight
Like this city is on fire tonight
This could really be a good life
A good, good life

Zeitgeist 2010: Year in Review

2010-12-10T10:12:00.001-05:00

good too

2010-12-05T00:53:00.002-05:00

unlike what the title says . . . it has been rather tough the last month with all the traveling and work piling up cause of my travel time. i am really look forward to going back to the us and kicking up my shoes . . . just chill!

from the outside asia looks so relax and chill, but it's all the opposite when you work here as an expat. there is a blur line between work and personal life. fortunately there are people here who care enough to kidnap me away at times for dinners and coffee so i can have a bit of heaven again. last week, i was invited to a christianning of a little 6 month irish boy at notre dame. people was all in white and so was i . . . toasting champaign on sunday morning.

strange, but then again it is vietnam on steroid. the growth here is tremendous; opportunities are coming in loads and talents are limited.

i am longing so much for the clean fresh air of santa monica beach; but i have been warned of the reverse cultural shock since i have been away for a while. i trust that california is diverse enough that i will fall right back to the rhythm there; but probably i will be in black partying in the westside instead =)

below is one of my favorite place to taste local food like tapas . . . and the place is called a GOOD bistro.

good

2010-12-05T00:50:00.001-05:00

not a job

2010-11-30T08:00:00.009-05:00

some day i ask why i am here

http://nld.com.vn/2010113008584495P1014C1087/saigontourist-khoi-cong-va-dua-vao-hoat-dong-3-khach-san-cao-cap-tai-trung-tam-tphcm.htm

some day i ask why not

....

zoo day in saigon

2010-11-27T10:14:00.004-05:00

they say "things change!", but for some not much change for a long time. especially in this case the stingy smell for the animals in the heat of saigon, it all came right back to me. yep, this was it. some twenty years ago, my dad used to take my sister and me here to visit the zoo in saigon. the tall trees still line up matching the boulevard, framed by the museum of art and museum of history, then the animals in cases. in the middle of the hot day like this, the animals are all hiding, unless it is meal time. nevertheless, this time it is different as i am in my thirties; and i am taking the kids out. these are kids whose parents can't afford to raise them as their own; let alone taking them to the zoo (50 cents for entry) so this is a big treat for them. from train ride to petting the animals, the kids enjoy every moment . . . i see my younger self in them . . . laughing and cheering.

lately work couldn't get any hard than it has been . . . so a little time away is a treat for me that there is more to what my job is . . . and i actually need it.

and afterward we had a feast at kfc too =)

strange

2010-11-07T01:06:00.003-04:00

one of my favorite place in thailand or perhaps in asia is chatuchak, a weekend market just off the city where thousand of people come to sell, shop and people watching every weekend. you can find yourself spending hours and lots of baht shopping, but without busting your budget (that is if you set a budget =). shoulder to shoulder with locals and foreigners, you find good bargains, and interesting buys which you never really need, but definitely want.

this weekend, the 2nd weekend in a row i went to shop with friends and back by myself in search for christmas gifts when i come home in december (YAY!!!!!!=)

at one of the shop i got two fisherman's pants . . . very cool. . . i mean cool in the way it is airy and perfect for hot and humid weather. i bargain tooth and nail(i am very comfortable to do so =) and got 30 baht off 180 baht total (30 baht to a dollar). the shop keeper saw clumsily finding my money to pay; he warned me about pick pocketing in the area.

walking away i felt great for the good deal, but sad at the same time that i was a bargain monster over a dollar . . . then i heard someone talking to me . . . turned around and saw a little girl handing 20 baht bill "you fall money on the ground, sir"

i was speechless.

there have been so many speechless moments on this journey . . . . i am reminded this morning in my reflection "be generous, cause your Father is generous"

below is the morning rain, which literally comes every day over bali, gives life to the island.

bali - revisted

2010-11-07T01:00:00.001-04:00

it is so interesting when one doesn't have a home, everywhere is possible. especially when it is bali, the most desirable place to visit.

this year alone, i got to come twice, for work of course =(

more to come!

boomerang

2010-10-16T11:16:00.003-04:00

as the unemployment soars or the percentage maintains in the teens in the usa and europe, people are seeking opportunities oversea. at the moment, it is definitely asia where the big boom is; for how long, who knows, but it seems to be here and it stays.
tonight i found myself in one of the most fancy new restaurant in hcmc, and it was filled with expats and especially americans. wow, i wouldn't say it was american invasion, but it sure seemed like it!

we danced the night away with usda beef, australian wine, french cheese and lady gaga's music.
it is surely interesting to see what it's going to be like in the next 5 years . . .

it has been always the other way that people seek opportunity in the states, now is it the other way around for sure; and i am glad to see it unfolds.

singapore - new skyline

2010-10-15T11:02:00.002-04:00

over 2000 guest rooms to welcome tourists

singapore - asia for beginners

2010-10-15T10:48:00.002-04:00

it's a familiar place where you keep seeing deja vu like you are somewhere else "feel like l.a., hongkong, thailand or london all in one place. . .

home?

2010-10-09T08:42:00.001-04:00

sad very sad!

2010-10-08T09:31:00.003-04:00

as i continue on this journey of a nomadic life . . . i have been told how blessed i am or how lucky i should feel because of where i am in life as a free person without no obligation of family or mortgage.

and i am! i am very blessed!

last visit to one of my favorite place in thailand chachuchat a weekend market in bangkok, i spotted this incredible sight . . . and i realize that there are things in life which make you laugh and cry all in the same moment.

just a bit of reality check.

sydney

2010-10-05T09:51:00.001-04:00

a good race!

2010-10-05T09:36:00.003-04:00

one of the many things i've gotten to do this year . . . and i have to say i surprised myself as well -- i ran a marathon!

a race of 42.195 km is definitely amazing, especially in one of the most beautiful city in the southern hemisphere - sydney; but the training and commitment in most busy time of my life. like they say if you want things done, find a busy person; i guess in similar fashion, one gets more done when one is busy.

the race ended at the opera house of sydney . . . as i closed the gap to the finish line, all i could hear was cheers, all i could see was clapping hands, all i could tasted was victory!

and the next day . . . i was in pain in areas of my body which i couldn't imagine.

i am thinking of doing another one in japan in the spring . . . ahhhh will have to see.

another day at work

2010-09-10T22:48:00.003-04:00

so the question has been like "how long are you going to be in asia?"
and my answer is "as long as i have fun!"

do you think these pictures say anything?

thoughts

2010-08-29T00:27:00.001-04:00

it’s certainly been a very long long time since i had a chance to sit and think. that concept seems like a foreign thing to do; or even impossible at times. i landed last night on saturday evening from a week long trip and immediately fought my way to the first taxi home; meanwhile my blackberry buzzed none stop. just you know, i am equipped with a laptop, blackberry and iphone; pretty much i have no excuse to connect with anyone and anytime. my clients are quite comfortable to plan meetings on saturdays and even sundays, as if it is normal.

so this morning, after a long run by the river i am sitting home soaking my foot in ice and a bowl of oatmeal . . . and just let my thoughts flow.

“these oats are from australia?” a thought runs across, then “yet there is a bit of ginger in here. is it from australia too?”

“wait, let’s check the weather in australia in september when i get there for the marathon. hmmm, it will be in the teens celcius and dry”

“who do i know in sydney? my hotel is right at the center of the city, cool!”

“again, i am thinking about trips again! i need to stop this”

this is pretty much my life at the moment.

below is my view from the office which i don’t spend that much time there. it faces southeast so all the built up clouds out from the sea are coming at me, then it pours every afternoon. i am told that as the rain will shift to morning toward the end of the season. often time i have to travel to remote places where it floods this time of the raining season, which makes my job even more fun.

friend . . . mate . . . copain . . . amigo . . . ban be . . . vriend . . . 친구 . . . 朋友 . . . kaibigan . . . prijatelj

2010-08-21T21:26:00.002-04:00

sorry i haven't written much (actually not at all), but that doesn't mean i don't have anything to say. as the contrary i have so much to say, and all the amazing stories as well; just that settling in a new city is not quite an easy task, especially when i have to fly 4 days of of the week to different cities. at the same time, i meet so many great people (as well as bad ones =), but there are something genuine about the people who are willing to step out of their comfort zone of their homes and live in a foreign land. our monthly foodie club dinner is taking place again today after only 3 weeks, it's back by popular demands.

food = friendship

2010-06-23T20:37:00.002-04:00

like many foreigners before me coming to china, i had a taste of the unforgettable welcoming. one of my colleagues once told me that he would eat italian food every chance he had cause he didn't know what his next meals would be in china. and that includes all sea creatures to wildlife . . . like monkey brain.

i am in china. . . and in front of me . . . raw craps in wine . . . and i am hoping that this sea urchin would just crawl off my plate.

and here everyone at the table is looking at me =)

flying high

2010-06-10T09:54:00.004-04:00

so you think flying is fun?

think again! most people often see me having a glammous job flying to places . . . it is not! just the delays after delays, and sometimes cancels of flights are enough to get on your nerve. and you come home to your house and discover that water has been cut off cause your landlord hasn't paid the water bills for months. i had to use my drinking water for a sponge bath, then laid flat on my couch to discover my cable was cut off as well. . . and on and on!

ok, my good people . . . you just caught me on one of my bad days when i could barely keep up with my work and flying schedule.

i really hope it gets better soon! (but then again i am off to hong kong, shengzen, gounzhou, saigon and bangkok in the next 2 weeks. woohoo!!!!!!

plenty of kids

2010-05-31T10:43:00.002-04:00

once upon a time, there was an american couple from texas, who decided to adopt a vietnamese kid to raise together with 3 kids of their own. at the orphanage in the village of southern part of vietnam, they received a little girl with a great need of eye surgery and brace for her left leg to help her walking. they got back to dallas as one big happy family; but their hearts ache every time they thought of the kids who were still in the orphanage.

then one day they decided to move to saigon, and help out at many orphanages around saigon and its adjacent provinces.

please google "tiny hearts of hope" then you'll see why i feel so blessed to be part of this sunday outing and many more to come. . . .

part of building a community and making myself a home here. . . . i am out there once again!

+++

plenty of fish

2010-05-31T10:35:00.001-04:00

ok it is not a dating website that you hear . . . it is actually fish that i am referring to; and they are out there to feast on the skin of your feet. =)

more later

+++

thought my challenge was big?

2010-05-22T20:07:00.001-04:00

Unthinkable - Scott Rigsby

+++

childhood

2010-05-14T21:57:00.003-04:00

it is really how you see things in life. one may say that vietnam is a developing country with a dying heritage as people are embracing the popular culture of the west; others may just stuck in the definition of a third world country where all the economical progress exist in the top 5%. whatever it is i am here to experience it and capture it.
work has been super challenging culturally and professionally; and on top of everything i am trying to build a little community of my own. i call it a third world community, because we don't really belong to anywhere, here or back home. my friends in the usa seem so far away and forgotten; it is just a reality i suppose.
this picture is in hanoi taken by the notre dame cattheral where my grandfather's mansion was; now it is an apartment with 10 families and 4 food stalls in the front yard.
at times i feel like a little child out there by itself and not knowing that someone is watching over me.

+++

AN OLD MAP

2010-05-03T04:49:00.004-04:00

absolutely beautiful! i definitely have a thing for old maps and old friends.
today i got to have lunch with some old friends from l.a. in vietnam. how cool is this? i hugged them both a bit longer than necessary; and they didn't mind cause they felt the same way.

people say "blood is thicker than water" . . . and i don't disagree. nevertheless, there is something with friends with same mindset. we talked for hours and ate tons of good food; or the food just tasted better with great company.

. . . oh dear, i just need to make new friends in this city!

and thanks to my brother who sent me an old map of saigon, but it is so old that i doesn't include once a swamp, and now a new city called saigon south where i live. look at the very bottom to your right below district 4; that is home for the next 3 years =)

+++

it officially sucks

2010-05-02T10:19:00.003-04:00

ok, some of you may be shocked at the title and wondering what's going on with me . . . let me explain . . . or perhaps not.

i was warned by my new friend/HR personnel in my office of 18 people that there would be days in the next 6 months when i just wanted to scream asking why the heck i came here for. well, the days have come!

it has been constantly in 100 degrees (38 degrees celcius) and up even in the early morning. saigon or hcmc, also known as the world's capital of motorbikes is celebrating the 35th anniversary of the unification of the country (aka the fall of saigon) with blocked streets for parades and lines of black mercedes for high officials to travel in the city; i ended up had to walk in the heat for 10 blocks to get to the office in the morning traffic. the door man at my building asked if someone sprayed me with a hose while i walked across the construction site full of dust.

welcome to VN!

other than that, i have been enjoying my brand new place across the river (in a new developed area with shopping malls like in the states, my morning run along the river, newly found restaurants, and a golf course - 9 holes near by.

yesterday, i checked out a foot massage place where they have these little fish to "gently" eat off the dead skin off your feet. some people go for the whole body experience; my 3 minute try on my feet make me laugh so hard; nevertheless i am coming back for a full 30 minutes.

well, it's life in VN for ya!

top five

2010-04-11T01:46:00.002-04:00

i've made the top five!!!

http://www.wildatbelly.com/2010/04/top-five.html

wow

never eat alone!

2010-04-10T11:37:00.003-04:00

even in the middle of the chaos of the political situation in bangkok . . . people still got to eat; and i am one of them among many people. i am making new foodie friends in bangkok . . . and ohlala the food here is so amazing.

+++

food fest continues!

2010-04-10T11:32:00.002-04:00

dinner club

2010-04-01T11:07:00.003-04:00

"everyone's got to eat!"
no matter where you are in the world, you eat! sometimes on the run, we do . . . but for the most part we sit and enjoy a good meal . . . and why not eating with someone for a good conversation as well.

it has been 2 months in bangkok; i am heading to hcmc. yes once again i am moving. and the sad part (and the good part as well =) i am just beginning to make friends . . . friends who want to eat with me . . . aaaaaaaaahhhh what am i doing moving again? then yet i notice the ability to make friends i have; it is no secret! everyone's got to eat, why not eat with someone?

+++

eat, pray and love

2010-03-28T09:02:00.003-04:00

ok, i don't really know what this movie is about. . . my sister says the book is awesome, and the trailer, not sure, but julie roberts is in it, then it must be good . . . =)

and for me, well i am living or making my own movie out . . . loud. everyone should try it! this week, once again i am moving to another city hcmc. not sure what's there awaiting me . . . a bit excited, anxious and everything in between.

ayutthaya

2010-03-21T09:17:00.001-04:00

off with their heads

2010-03-21T09:04:00.003-04:00

so far i have tried just about every sort of transportation in asia . . . in thailand alone, from tuk tuk, taxi motor bike to taxi boat, and today i went to ayuthaya to see the ruins from the 13th century i had to take 3 sort of trains from underground modern subway to old and open window trains like you saw in bollywood movies, then more tuk tuk.

i really miss my mini cooper =(

+++

phuket

2010-03-14T11:27:00.002-04:00

i will be on the road for another week . . . so a quick upload from my trip to phuket where i celebrated my birthday early. i was surrounded by everything green to mark the special day!

+++

coming to mall near you

2010-03-09T09:09:00.004-05:00

as americans tighten the belt on spending (well at least that's in the news), asia are learning to spend. on a monday evening marks a grand opening of a first GAP in bangkok; thousands show up for the fashion runway in the one of the many malls of city. . .

or perhaps people are like me . . . hiding from the heat in the mall =) it is getting hotter and hotter as we come to april, the hottest month of thailand.

i am going to phuket for a long weekend! YAY!

++++++++

SWEET BASIL

2010-03-06T10:33:00.005-05:00

unlike the media in the usa tells us the rise of the unpopularity of america, here in this part of the world . . . anything comes from the usa, being perceived as the greatest (and in this case, people would flock to buy these glasses cause of sarah palin???, btw, i don't think she knows she is helping with the sale =) hence the picture below.

but this week me coming back from vn after a series of meetings . . . i have a chance to recuperate and process the events . . . (over my few favorite drink SWEET BASIL + pineapple smoothie =) . . . that how i was received here in asia and specially in vn.

i feel like a bit like a rock star, cause i am from the states . . . hmmmm

anyway, this drink is amazing! ($2)

lazy sunday

2010-02-28T01:46:00.004-05:00

as the people of thailand are torn in conflicts with the thaksin’s matter and in the streets to voice themselves this weekend. i am sitting in a french cafe in bangkok reading the news from the states. let’s see brad pitt and angelina jolie’s relationship is in trouble. . . . and next page . . . “who wore it best? is it taylor swift or shakira?” marie osmond’s son committed suicide???

wait? there seems to have been a streak of the rich and famous, and celebrities’ death in the news. what is going on? i am so out of the “in the knows” like i was in l.a. . . . or am i now?

this is how people think of america? we have too much, yet we are not “happy”

this past week, i had lunch with my big boss, the senior vp of my company, who has been living oversea for 30 years since his 20’s, he was graciously giving me some advices with a very french expression. “know who you are . . . and stop converting what you spend to u.s. dollars, and you will know where you are . . . that's how you make it in asia”

i have lots of to think about . . .

+++

the price of food

2010-02-23T09:51:00.002-05:00

when it comes to eating and drinking. . . my personal philosophy is that it should be an event or definitely more than just a physical and bodily need. but being here in asia, food has taken a whole new level of entertainment for me.

for $1.50 US, you only have a perfect shaken iced green tea with milk, but a performance as well. people gather for this spectacle and of course the prettier the girl is, the bigger the crowd. again i have to watch out for all the sugar and coconut milk i have been consuming. but hey what a single guy got to do to stay in shape. =)

trying new things

2010-02-23T08:58:00.005-05:00

ok, it is a coconut, not that new a thing. but it is repaired with the juice and coconut flesh all blended up with milk, and served on a hot and humid day. it is to die for; or just gaining unwanted weight. i have to be really careful, since i haven't been able to do any long distance run like in california.

other things to try are like watching an australian soap opera on tv, taking a water taxi up chao phraya river, and eating at street vendors on the side roads.

i am told that the raining season is coming; but right before that is the hottest month of the year. . . what? hotter than this?

i guess i just have another frozen blended coconut then =)
and friends from the price of food blog . . . this is less 75 US cents at an open market, but in the air conditioning restaurant it will be $2 US.

lost

2010-02-16T10:09:00.002-05:00

songs do speak . . . and some song just speak to you . . . this one to me on this Vday. . . at times i feel a bit lost in this city; and the taxi drivers are not very helpful, some are mean.

btw, check out NPR music . . . bob mollen is so funny.
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=123564323

CYN - Bangkok too

2010-02-14T09:21:00.002-05:00

so here what you do when you are in southeast asia . . . street food and foot massage.

yes, and why not today . . . chinese new year!

this is how i kick off the new year!

go tiger! (my high school mascot=)

CNY - bangkok

2010-02-14T09:19:00.002-05:00

birthplace

2010-02-14T09:03:00.004-05:00

probably you all have had opportunities to visit your parents' birth place; but not in my case. after vietnam was divided in the early 40's, even my parents didn't get to come back to their own birth places. so all i had, was just a bit of imagination based on my dad's stories. i had pictured in my mind a hazy day (sepia tone) and in a french colonial setting with white buildings, and ladies in white dresses smoking long cigarettes . . .

voila, just as i imagined it to be. . . this past week i was in danang, hoi an and then ha noi for work . . . this 5 stars hotel is fully restored to its 1920s glory and more. and of course all ladies were dressed up for the evening in the dinning room for dinner. . .

i got goose bums. . . . late in my room, i closed my eyes and thought of the 20's.

COLORS TOO

2010-02-08T09:22:00.003-05:00

COLORS

2010-02-08T09:12:00.002-05:00

wat pho, the biggest temple of bangkok with reclining buddha . . . i decided not to get in cause i didn't want to chance my shoes to some theft which is rather common. next time, i will wear slippers. . .

a little traffic in bangkok

2010-02-08T08:34:00.002-05:00

so you think you have traffic problem in l.a.? think again!

the good, the bad, and the ugly

2010-02-06T09:36:00.004-05:00

in the middle of a city of close to 18 million people, one could get a bit overwhelming. my journey of pursuing the calling to be in asia continues to bangkok where there are about 0.05% christians and the majority are buddhists and others; so it is quite isolate and taunting at times. besides, it is known for its amazing beaches, food and friendly people, thailand is also with the biggest sex industry in the world. . . from movies, magazines to strip bars. people from all around the world are flocking to bangkok to have a taste of this pleasure.

so am i to do? prayer walk that is . . .

luke 19:9 "today salvation has come to this house, cause these people too, are children of Abraham"

"suite" life in bangkok

2010-02-01T10:20:00.004-05:00

hopefully you have been caught up with all my latest events since i accepted a new position in asia earlier this year. between saying good bye to friends and family in california, and stopping by hong kong for a few days within 2 week time, then i suddenly found myself in the middle of another foreign city . . . bangkok. i am going to be here for at least a couple of months for training before heading to hcmc.

it is way hot and humid for a california standard . . . and all i can think is when i can get to the pool or the beach. luckily i am accommodated in high rise with a roof top pool and an incredible view of the city; so till i get used to the heat and the city, then i will explore more. but for now i stay by the pool.

since my company operates hotels and resorts . . . my first day at work is all about services of hospitality. it is interesting to know what is behind all the glamour of the business. nevertheless, i am pretty comfortable at one of their property in bangkok. and funny enough, the place is called chateau de bangkok. my old roommate kids me that i’m gonna live a king in southeast asia. to some extend, it comes true.

i promise more interesting pictures coming soon!

RAIN, RAIN, RAIN

2010-01-22T18:41:00.002-05:00

who says it doesn't rain in southern california? it has been raining for days. and for our standard of this dessert climate that we are in, we've gotten more that our yearly average in one single week and a bit more. only if we can save some for summer days of drought. funny, eh? people often say "we save for rainy days." hahaha!

yet i have a feeling i will experience lots of days like these in another part of the world where i am heading, monsoon season in southeast asia.

with a few days left in l.a., i scramble to get all little details of my leaving the u.s.; this time i won't get a luxury to head back very soon till christmas. hmmm, what will i miss most? family, friends . . . of course all my favorite food.

i will have to battle the rain and go for a food hunt!

it's the cheese!

2010-01-20T00:03:00.004-05:00

sometimes you just have to laugh . . . so here it is!

LOL

but the lesson for me . . . to find the strength within. in this case it is the cheese! LOL

happy new year!

2010-01-01T12:00:00.003-05:00

many wishes and blessings to you and yours!

a couple of years ago i spoke with a therapist on depression; and the first question he asked was "how's your daily bowel movement?" . . . "excuse me?" i asked.

but it is true . . . your happiness lies with what you eat. and my secrete to you is "eat a rainbow ever day!"

below is my little new year celebration with some friends in l.a.

CHEERS!

+++

fruit (of asking)

2009-12-28T01:39:00.004-05:00

besides all the commotion of christmas, winter in california is also time to enjoy varieties of citrus and clear sunny days in 50 degrees . . . i am not so much a rural person per se, but i have been taking scrolls down the orange groves a couple of times where our friends reside just north of san diego. the sense of the fruit just brings such rejuvenation and relaxation which i much need these past weeks. right after my exams, i came upon the rush of holiday shopping and traveling . . . and it doesn't seem to end soon. i am heading to miami this week for a job interview. more to come when i get some time to reflect and process.

wishing everyone a fruitful time this holiday season!

ASK!

2009-12-08T15:29:00.004-05:00

wow, i could never ask for a better weather than like today, a day after a huge storm in southern california with wind in 40 miles per hour and over an inch of rain. then behold, i woke up to a morning like this. wow!

speaking of asking, i have a funny story . . . last night i told my little niece of 6 years old after doing her homework that she could have an ice cream break, but with permission of mom and dad of course. she looked at me with bambi-eyes and said “dad would say to ask mom, and mom would say ‘no’ . . . so . . .” basically she wanted me to decide . . . and to ensure that i would do so, she said “pleeeeease” with her darling smile. and basically you all know how it went after that =)

this topic of asking has been on my mind since my visit in dc where i got to hear one of a great sermon at my friends’ church . . . asking and answering are the fundamental and essential foundation of every relationship; one can likely exam the relationship of people based on their behavior of asking and answering to one another.

months after the loss of my mom years back, my dad asked me if i needed money or anything as the matter of fact, because he said that he would often be told by my mom that i needed money. now, there wasn't any communication between us. that was how it was with my relationship with my dad who was some way a distance provider, a good provider . . . but distance emotionally. so it was hard or even unthinkable to approach my dad with my needs and wants without my mom.

so listening to the pastor in dc on this sermon . . . i had to face with the question whether my relationship with my heavenly father the same way i did with my dad. it is not so much of what, how, and when i ask God, but rather what kind of relationship i have with Him on the daily basis.

this morning i woke up to a great feeling of the new dawn . . . remembering that the neighborhood church held a morning prayer at 6:30AM, so i jogged down to the main sanctuary (which would sit about 3000 people on a typical sunday service) . . . there i found rows and rows of empty seats scattering with a few people, 25 at most.

what’s about all the people who are hurting . . . where are the people who are struggling to make ends meet in this economy . . . where are the lonely ones?

millions of thoughts flashing in my mind as i was sitting there in silence . . . “don’t we need anything at all from our God? do we believe that He would and could give us if we asked? is God listening or even care?

or are we asking?

......

the new dawn

2009-12-04T14:40:00.001-05:00

i woke up this morning, having a joyful thought mixed with a bit of sadness; then i looked out the window thinking "oh, it is my last day in nyc. the brilliant red dawn hinted a cold day ahead, and it was true that the temperature stayed in the 40's high for the most of the day. catching a quick breakfast with my friend in tribeca, we walked and talked in this quaint neighborhood which i began to love.

this past couple of months, i got to ride along the east coast and see all mayor cities and learn their american history. every city has lots to offer in culture, arts and beautiful people. "wow" i was thinking "there is a whole other world outside california!"

and it is true, there are so much to see and discover . . . but the grand question is where is the next place for me? or is it california after all?

stay tuned, good people! say i.

....

dream

2009-11-29T21:11:00.009-05:00

there was a time when i would dream and let my mind wonder till i fell asleep every night . . . then as a grown up, i fall asleep every night from exhaustion of the day and work. whatever happened to that time? whatever happened to fairy tales and fantasy?

i know that it is all a marketing scheme that shopping and vendors get you to buy stuff . . . but i couldn’t help but being reminded there was more that the day to day stuff to worry about, when i saw people of all ages marveled at these window displays. something in all of us scream out that life should be more.

it is that time of the year in nyc . . . after thanksgiving, then it is all about christmas. i am indulging myself a bit with window shopping and browsing on fifth avenue to soho area. not sure what exactly i am learning from this experience, beside seeing fabulous window display and design. and surprisingly it has not getting me down by the fact i can’t afford anything . . . on the contrary, i am glad to see the world still goes round.

it reminds me that the world is not falling down, but just me leaning.

big bird day

2009-11-28T20:54:00.002-05:00

at times i feel like i have a portable family wherever i go . . . and this is one of these times. i am thankful for all the adopted families around the world

pre turkey day

2009-11-25T15:47:00.003-05:00

the weather people promise a sunny day on thanksgiving itself . . . meanwhile i am seeing winter approaching from the 32nd floor in jersey city; and snoopy is gonna get so wet in the parade.

...

daily reading

2009-11-24T12:08:00.003-05:00

not quite there yet, but i’ve finally made it to the book of revelation. once i was asked by a saudi man in hyde park london if i’d ever read the bible front to back; and my answer was “no.”

now, i can proudly answer “almost twice.”

this summer, pastor oh shared his experience of becoming a christian in his early 20s and believing that every disciple of Christ should read the bible 10 chapters a day, which in a year one would finish the bible three times. so i began to read for the second time (the first time was after the london trip in 2000)

one of my friend told me that it’d be easier when a person didn’t have a job, family, commuting, so on and so on, hence time to read the bible.

“was that the reason i didn’t read the bible before?” i wonder.

....

eating alone?

2009-11-22T14:05:00.003-05:00

like they say “you don’t know what you’ve got, till you lose it”.

my motto has always been “it’s a crime to eat alone” for years; i’ve never gotten how people eat by themselves, while everyone has to eat one way or another. then i ask “why not eating with someone?”

then fate has its humor, here i am on the road and often end up eating by myself. not just that i have to eat alone, but most of the time i eat out in a restaurant by myself.

thanksgiving dinner is coming up; and i know a good number of people are fretting over coming home for this meal which occurs once a year. is it the food which they don’t like or the people? either way, i think we miss the intention of the holiday which is to give thanks and celebrate with the people who are at times at war with you (as with the indians and the pilgrims in the old days)

today i called up a couple of friends over for dinner . . . i am so excited to cook again that i decide to do a slow cook, so i can enjoy the time and the process. not cooking for me, it is like for you in los angeles not watching movies and those in hong kong not having a foot massage or a gucci bag. here is a little cassoulet from southern france (minus the duck fat and duck confit =)

cheers to cooking and eating with people.

(this has been cooking for the last 3 hours . . . and 3 more to go . . . by then the pork just gonna pull away=)

Beacon Hills, Boston

2009-11-21T21:56:00.002-05:00

GSD

2009-11-21T21:43:00.003-05:00

like all my friends have been saying . . . it is the best place to be =)

then i am standing there asking "is school the answer?"

i visited harvard GSD . . . really loved it.

....

tea party

2009-11-21T21:30:00.005-05:00

i have only been in nyc for not quite two months, but i feel at home already. being away from this city this last two weeks from up in new england - boston to down washington dc, i’ve gotten a glimpse of life in the east coast. it is full of history, and memories for those who were born and raised in this part of the country. for me, it is a realization of what i’ve learn from schools and history books from the american civil war to the first american ever walked on the moon. one of the highlight of the trip in dc was when i stood in front to the lincoln memorial and listened to m. l. king’s “i dreamed a dream” speech. other interesting tours i took was the freedom trail in boston and the liberty bell in philadelphia. you may wonder why i have such interest in “freedom and liberty” stuff; i have to say part of it is i am here in the states . . . and much of the contrast from this past year i lived in asia. while i was visiting the liberty bell and its display of other famous visitors in the past including dalai lama and president nelson mandela from south africa; beside me a group of tourists from china talking. i had no clue about the content of their conversations, but definitely there were some excitement and emotion, which could be interpreted as anger or disgust. who knows, but i do believe good teaching begins with a good discussion.

what i haven’t told you about, which truly excited me on the trip was all the self tour of city architectural exploration that i walked miles and miles. i love the colonial domestic architecture of the 17th and 18th centuries before the revivals began. i spent the whole day walking around harvard square (visited harvard and its GSD) and neighborhoods of beacon hills in boston, along the charles; and the historic district of philadelphia . . . yes this is where it all began from the first american scholastic ideology, boston tea party to the first draft of the u.s. constitution (which btw is the oldest constitution in the world). looking around at these old towns, i do believe us, architects have every part in making history; it is in us to set inspirations and reflect ideologies.

other observation on this trip is that all the friends i visited are all married people, and some with kids and others with pets; but they all are homeowners, established and stable. they are more than kind in hosting, feeding and caring me. beside being so grateful, i am processing all this.

my sister came to visit me in nyc for a couple days . . . we tried some of the best recommended restaurants in nyc and shopped in fifth avenue. as her taxi to the airport pulled away, my sister look out the car window seeing me heading to my bus stop with two backpacks (one on front and other on my back) and a little carry on in one hand; she felt a bit squeamish (later she told me)

so folks, that is where i am at . . . i hope and try to see and learn everything i can afford timewise and financially.

....

liberty!

2009-11-17T19:45:00.004-05:00

i can't help it. . . so i have to post one more picture . . . i have been learning so much about american history this week =) this is at the liberty hall where this nation was basically born. . . as the tour guide explained to me "this is where people began to think of themselves as americans"

and as they say it in boston where i am going next. . ."give me liberty or give me death!"

so here i go. . . heading to boston tomorrow