After getting away from the bus we walked thirty-six seconds before locating a sign stating, "Daily cooking classes" shrugging we went in to learn about the class. We were told it only happens in the evening and the guy wasn't sure about anything more than that. But he did hand us the menu to look over then stated they only cook about half of the menu since its "low season." We thanked him and began wandering up the street again stretching our legs. Pulling out the LP, I gradually flipped through to the bookmarked map for Mui Ne, reading hotel names as we wandered down the strip trying to figure out where we were in comparison to the hotel we were staying at. Every hotel we found wasn't listed in the guidebook. "It's worthless. Great paperweight ... read more

Sitting on the corner of D Le Thanh Ton & DL Hai Ba Trung is a street side restaurant with five tables spread out along the vacant wall. Each table has five to six twelve-inch children stools beside them. If we were in a restaurant there wouldn't be chairs, we'd be sitting on the floor. It looks familiar but the sounds, smells and aroma pull us towards the tables. Earlier in the day we spied the three main dishes served. Fried rice with two eggs and a pile of meat, probably pork. A bowl of noodles topped with vegetables and meat. A skillet of fried potato, meat and egg. All served with a plate of tomatoes, cucumbers and lettuce. Each person is given a baguette, chili's and limes, too. We've watched others exchange small dollar bills ... read more

Weaving in and out of traffic we scrambled back across DL Nguyen Hue as we reached the opposing side Shauna spotted a coffee shop, her senses heightened after eating lunch. "I just want to check on prices," she says pulling open the door. Thirty- four seconds later she returned. "They're about the same but I think they are smaller cups." We continue walking down the road then turn right down D Huynh Thuc Khang. "Two blocks more and we should be at the old market," I state. "What is it with markets and you?" She inquires. Without another word I pause in the sidewalk digging out my camera. Across the street two men are prying away at the end of a drill. They stare at each other, as I ponder how they got the drill into ... read more

We've located the driver. Walked to the car. Tossed our bags and ourselves inside. The road out is smooth until we reach the city. Horns are blazing. Brakes squelching. People nodding. Traffic moves without traffic lights. Vehicles go off in every direction. People are crammed 3, 4 and 6 deep on mopeds. Mopeds veer in and out of cars, taxis, vans and trucks. Buses whirl past at break neck speeds slamming on horns. Driving in HCMC is a nightmare. Our driver says, "There are 5-million mopeds in Saigon." Crazy... is my only thought to this as we drift through traffic. Twenty-five minutes later he pulls up to the curb outside the Spring Hotel. A doorman reaches out gripping the door handle opening it while greeting us in English. "Hello, we are happy you have arrived," his ... read more

After the raging debacle at 3:23 in the morning with the film crews on campus last night. We are packing our bags and trying to get ready for Vietnam. The two of us have gathered up all the information we possibly can about Vietnam and what it will be like for 2-weeks. At this point our itinerary is vague but we are both very excited. Shauna just how excited are you about going to Vietnam? I don't know yet but I'm not packed so I am nervous (laughter) and I don't have my clothes packed yet. And I am trying to concentrate so leave me alone. She's talking out loud to herself 'take what I need, not what I want.' Ain't that the truth. Actually, I'm fairly certain I know just precisely what I am taking ... read more