Reconnecting in Vietnam

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After a couple of days in rainy Bangkok (we missed the worst of the flooding), we were so happy to land in Hanoi Vietnam. We were greeted at the airport by two very dear friends. One of our friends had a new baby since we were here in 2005, so baby Ha was part of the welcoming team. We spent the first few days in Hanoi checking out our old "hang out" spots, getting our ears tuned into understanding Vietnamese and trying to remember what we learned 6 years ago. It's amazing how much of the language has come back to us -- especially Jeff. The chaos and the traffic congestion in Hanoi has only worsened since we left, but all the same, we still love the richness of life in Vietnam's capital city.

We've spent most of the past two weeks in Thai Nguyen, 80 km north of Hanoi. This is where we lived in 2003-05. What a warm welcome we have received from past friends, neighbours, colleagues, students and even sellers in the market who recognize us! Jeff and I had the chance to be guest speakers at one of the English classes at the University - so great to be back with the students. I love their humour, zest for life, respectful manner and friendliness. Thai Nguyen has changed in a lot of ways: the university where I worked has doubled in size, there are more cars making the traffic hectic, students now wear casual western clothes (not the black dress pants and white shirts that they wore when we were here), everyone has a cell phone, and there are more trendy coffee shops and fashion stores in town. However, so much is still the same - the sense of community, the strong family ties, the life of the streets, the constant sound of honking horns, and the friendliness and t industriousness of the people. October and November is "wedding season" so we've been invited to a number of weddings.

We've been fortunate to be able to stay at the home of Linh's family - where we have been treated like VIPs. Jeff taught Linh's father private English lessons when we were here 6 years ago. We have the use of their motor cycles, so we can go exploring. The best part is getting out to the country-side to see the rice fields, tea plantations, water buffalo and village life. Lucas and Jeff are the drivers and Gemma and I just sit behind them praying that we won't get into an accident. Unfortunately, we were minutes away from witnessing a fatal accident on the streets of Thai Nguyen - a common occurrence here.

The weather has been perfect here in the northern part of Vietnam - one of the reasons we came this time of year. The days are sunny and warm with very little rain (approx. 25-28 degrees celcius) and the evenings are around 20 degrees. After a week in Thai Nguyen, Lucas decided to go traveling on his own to central Vietnam (Hue, Hoi An and Danang).....he's having a good time, but the weather in the central part of the country is quite rainy and he isn't getting the pictures he hoped to for. Jeff's on a 4-day coffee export exploration trip in the central part of the province, so it's just Gemma and I in Thai Nguyen this week. We decided to use bicycles for transportation -- as I'm too scared to ride a motorcycle in this crazy traffic. We're all going to meet up this weekend and visit Yen (a past student and dear friend) in her village which is about 70 km away.

We leave Vietnam for Indonesia on November 13th ........

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Comments

[Maureen de Camp]

Hi everyone, It's great keeping up with your travels Kevi. Thanks for making the effort as I know it's not always easy. Had to laugh when you mentioned Substance in your last email- I did exactly the same thing and, of course, coffee at the Mocha. What a great welcome you have received-just goes to show that we DO have some impact and the importance of keeping the conncections alive. John and I are also toying with the idea of spending a few days in Hanoi on the way back to break up the trip. Maybe we can get some colleagues and students to come up and join us for a bit of a reunion. We'll see. Exam hell is just around the corner and we're anxious to get it over and done with before John's brother and sister-in-law arrive on December 7th. Then we too we'll be commencing our travels. Two weeks in Bhutan and then it's off to Laos where the plan is to do lots of short trips and EAT EAT EAT! Return to Canada around the 23rd. Indonesia sounds very relaxing. How long will you be there? Heard that Kyla and Ralph are now thinking of Nepal. Would still love to meet at some point but let's see where our travels take us. Thinking of you, lots of hugs Maureen and John

[KeviJeff]

email for Maureen
Hi Maureen, so good to hear from you......only 3 more weeks and you will be off on your travels. What a treat to have John's brother and his wife visit you in Bhutan. Looks like we will be in Indonesia for a while. Gemma and I are volunteering and living at a Children's Centre in Bali (International Humanity Foundation) for two weeks - we are loving it. It's so much fun teaching children and not having to give them marks, etc. The only challenge is teaching in the afternoons when it's sooooo hot and humid with no fans or aircon. I am going to do some curriculum development for the Centre as well. After this, we will meet Jeff and Lucas on the Gilis islands and travel around Indonesia. We have a house booked in Ubud for 5 weeks (starting on Dec. 24th) to have some "down" time and routine, so we can focus on Gemma's school and do some of our own cooking, attend yoga classes, etc. The house is large, so if you can arrange a stopover that would be great. - we have lots of room and would love to see you both. We will rent bicycles and motorcycles and explore the island without the heaviness of our backpacks..........love your stories........keep in touch....sending love, Kevi

[Doug McBride]

Following your exploits
You are missing the first B.C. weather bomb of the winter. Well, perhaps you are not missing it in the least little bit. . . I hope your return visit to Viet Nam is everything you hoped it would be and more. Cheers, Doug McBride

[KeviJeff]

Email for Doug
Hi Doug, thanks for the email.......we're not missing the snowy weather in the least. My daughter and I are now volunteering at a children's school in Indonesia..the weather is so hot. I'm pouring with sweat when I teach in the afternoons (no air con of course).....will post another blog soon with photos