We board in 10 min., but just saw some free internet (go Singapore).

For me, this is the start of my real travels. I’ll be in Vietnam for a month, and I’ve always had mixed feelings about this. Ever since my sabbatical was within reach, I had said I want to spend it all in Vietnam. To submerge myself into a culture of which I am so proud, yet, never really quite experienced on my own. One month isn’t enough time, but it’s something for me.

So, I am so excited to see my Ong Noi (grandfather  who just turned 97), eat the food, see the countryside, rekindle my childhood Vietnamese speaking skills, and just be there with Ben.

But the lifestyle there is so different from mine. I like fresh air. Cleanliness. Exercise. Being left alone to enjoy my surroundings. Hence our love for the hiking and New Zealand life. Now, I have to be ready to be accosted, to bargain, try not to get ripped off (though it’ll be like $1 US), use weird looking toilets…all the little things that would make one notice, and probably miss home a bit.

I do miss Portland! We’ve been gone for two weeks now (not including the preweek of Christmas), and it feels like forever. At one of our B&B’s in NZ, there was a sheep that slept up aganst our glass window door. Reminded me of Oso. We miss our roomies Chippy and Tara — it’s weird not talking to you every day! But I do love all the comments and updates on flickr — thanks Chips.

And I’ve hardly had time to read up on all the comments, facebook messages, and twitter updates to know what everyone has been up to. Sasha and Cameron got engaged: congrats!!! Cookie is sending pictures and videos of her soon-to-be-born baby, I cannot wait!

I recently started this thing (soon to be come an obsession) of using the internet to keep up with everyone, and it feels like it’s working. So for the first time since I was 20, I long for a computer! I’m always keeping an eye out fo free internet, or a chance to log on, just to say hi to everyone. Never thought that would happen on my sabbatical.

Anyway, I’m rambling here and should board soon. I’ll let you all know what I think of Vietnam. I’m sure I’ll love it