Buoy Don’t Float

Been a long time since I updated. Funny how my enthusiasm–and as i’ve noticed, that of most long time travellers–wanes so quickly and abruptly. Well, since the time I finished China and Hong Kong. I’m now in Hanoi, about to depart on the second leg of my stay in Vietnam: Hue.

Where to start summarizing?
China wrapped up nicely. At the end of our program, we did our final presentations. David and I soared through it, finally settling on the topic that would be easiest for him: Prostatitis. I was glad it was sort of forced upon because of a lack of common interest because it really is an interesting topic. So many men are affected by the “disease” yet there is no cure, only poorly researched treatment techniques. Biggest regret is not putting more time into it. Not that I was disappointed with our quality of work–the presentation went smooth and as planned–but rather i was disappointed because I felt I could’ve made something more of the research. Maybe I’m dreaming but I thought I would be able to write something of more epic proportions. Before I dozed off each night, I’d think of ways I could turn our research into an analytical paper and attempt publication. But that requires more than analysis I’m sure. Not to mention an advanced degree. I’m guessing a great deal of this fruitless dream was my wanting to do something, anything, to help David. I feel sorry for the guy. He’s always miserable about his circumstances and it’s definitely not like the US where enough complaining and exaggerating could change your teachers and everything else surrounding you. Hopefully he’ll have his day: a chance to study in the United States.

That was China. Trang, Berto, and I departed for Hong Kong afterwards. Few bumps on the way, but I won’t provide details now (battery is running low trying to charge ipods for the upcoming 13 hour bus ride to Hue). Although the train ride itself is worth talking about. The roughing-it-est of the whole trip so far. Sardines on a train. The aisles were so full it took 10 minutes to get to the end of the train-car in order to reach the bathroom. On top of that, the bathroom is locked half the time. It’s weird how they sell standing tickets for the lowest class seats on the train, especially when the train ride is 24 hours. I still dont know to this day how half of those people went to sleep that night. There was so much trash and junk on the floor–just because thats what Chinese people do: throw their trash on the floor–that I can’t imagine anyone even sitting down to rest. At least the three of us had seats, but imagine how uncomfortable that was. People are standing right next to you and even hovering over you. Not pleasant…

Hong Kong was amazing. i’d really love to return, maybe to study or just travel with a bigger purse, hopefully. The shopping is amazing, the food fantastic, the housing clean, and the public transit marvelous. Only downside is that the transition from mainland China to Hong Kong is tough because Hong Kong prices make it a nuisance to do anything more than eat.

Met Sky in Nanning, trained to Vietnam, met Evelyn in Hanoi, and then Nancy in Hanoi a day later. Travelling four strong now. Spent last two days in Halong Bay. I must admit, I wasn’t too impressed. Lots of little islands, lots of scenic uninhabited islands, and beautiful caves, but all of it overshadowed by torrential rain, thick fog and clouds, and lines and crowds akin that of Disneyland. Relaxing, but not worth my 22$. Although I learned my lesson: stay away from tours! Oh, how I dislike being herded around in large groups with inaudible tour guides that disgrace the english language. Go at your own pace: things are much more fun that way… Wish I had more time before shcool started to be more flexible.

Hue Hue Hue! Bun bo hue! Hue was awesome in the morning. Perfect vacation weather–you know that one you see in the movies where the sun hits the signs just perfectly and everything looks beautiful to the point that you just get energized just looking around. Rented some motorbikes. That was a product of the sun provoking my enthusiasm to take over. Crashed into a curb a bit early in the learning process. That was embarassing. Though I had it down but for some reason when I was trying to slow down I throttled. I believe its a result of video games because I swear turning up was to speed up and down was to slow down. But in actuality its the opposite so there I go uncontrollably into the curb with all the city watching. One guy felt bad enough for me that he took me to a nearby plaza where I could practice. Few scratches and a few laughs involved ends that story.

Got lost trying to pick up Genie on my newfound motorbike skills. However, my directional prowess was never that great. A should be 20 minute trip resulted in 1 wrong direction, one quadruply unsuccessful traffic circle, and 3 one way streets. Came out to a total of 1 hour 10 minutes, but I found her.

After some inevitable small talk we hit some interesting topics walking around. I told Genie I would write her biography one day; all of her evolutions would make for easy chapter divisions. It’s nice seeing her again. She looks more sophisticated every time we go out for a drink or smoke. This time in her curly hair. I always feel like I want to catch up to something about her, but I can never put my finger on it. She just always seems one step ahead of me in some way. Anyway, wish our encounters could be longer like they were back in high school. Our meetings are always so chance and ephemeral nowadays.

It was fun watching her and sky talk. They’re so similar: indo puppets.