Alisa

This will probably be my last post for a while... it's not that I'm giving up on the 'travel blog' world, but since the last time I was travelling it was to Phan Thiet to be fitted for another maternity dress, I think I ought to be realistic with myself. I'm re-locating to the following address: alisagreenwood.blogspot.com Thanks for checking me out over the past year, for your kind comments and words of encouragement, discouragement and support! I hope to see you all soon. ... read more

To quote the great Gandalf, a wizard is never late, he always arrives precisely when he means to. If I was a wizard, I would throw the whole wizarding world off kilter for sure. It's been months since I've last updated my blog. Sure, I could say I've been busy (cause I have, a new job, a new house, etc.) or I could go into more details like, "with my new job it's harder to find the time or the internet connection to update my blog regularly". But neither would be the truth, and I don't want to be un-truthful anymore. This blog has gone un-attended to for so long because of some MAJOR changes in my life, that most of you reading this are already aware of. First, my most recent post is from the ... read more

It's been an interesting past five months. I've learned to like myself more... I've learned to like dentistry! Cockroaches and Rats don't scare me anymore. Don't get me wrong, I am not going to jump at the chance to sleep with one in my bed, but I don't jump as high. I have learned to communicate without speaking... and understand someone even though their words are foreign to me. As a 'nguoi nuoc noi' (foreign person) who stands out because of her curly hair, I've even learned to love the people who look at me strangely, and smile back.. because I'm to terms with the fact that I'm as curious looking to them as their beliefs and customs are to me. If I can gawk and stare, they can gawk and stare. Sound fair to you? ... read more

My mother sent me an e-mail the other day... and she commented on what I am doing with my life. She said, it seems very exciting and that there never seems to be a dull moment. I have been thinking about this and have came to a conclusion. I think it's impossible for there to ever be a dull moment. If you pick any moment in time... RIGHT NOW for instance, and you really think about it, this exact moment and every consecutive and previous moments before have been experienced by each and every person in the world at the same time. That thought alone, that people all over the world are all having amazing experiences RIGHT NOW... like their first love or a broken heart or their first breath or their last breath. This is ... read more

I have been putting off updating this blog because of too much craziness at work, and trying to figure out what my grand plan is. (stay or go? live or love? eat or drink?) Sometimes it's hard to think about the big picture... there are so many little pictures. However, alot of people have messaged me since my last 'introspective' post, and asked if I was feeling okay... if I was sad or lonely? Rest assured, of course I miss Canada... but while family, friends and the feeling of curling up next to a warm and sentient being when I got to sleep at night (YES I MISS YOU YUKON) is lacking... I am truly happy here, and truly love my friends here and the feeling this country has. From dire poverty, to obsessive wealth, everything ... read more

The following words are exerpts from my personal diary. March 15th 2006 In the distance a stray or kept dog barks steadily, seemingly guarding against the encroaching enemy. The parallel between rats, cockroaches and humans is begging to be made by someone. All three capable of survival under the most dire circumstances with their habitat consisting of cement trees, paved rivers and the odd oasis of a rubbish pile doubling as lunch or dinner. Even monkeys need trees and fresh air. Even the birds need a body of water to satisfy their thirst. What satisfies my thirst? What is it that soothes and apeases the humans thirst when they are parched? A satisfying career? A rewarding and fulfilling job? Having good friends or a loving family? A tasty meal? True love? Is it all of these ... read more

Today Former Deputy Prime Minister John Manley to Maple Healthcare for some treatment. He is in HCMC on business and we spent 25 minutes talking in the lobby while his wife visited the dentist. Imagine, traveling to Vietnam to get your dental work done... Word has apparently spread about how high quality but cheap it is. Anyways, very interesting guy (Ottawa native, graduate from Carleton, Deputy Prime Minister etc.) We talked about his career, he asked how I ended up here, and he even gave me an update on canal conditions during Winterlude 2006 back in the Capital. So, despite the fact that I keep posting all of these party shots or updates from me off on another beach vacation or at some festival, you'll see that I still manage to do may share of schmoozing. ... read more