Check out this link to get an idea of what it's like getting around in Saigon. It looks crazier watching it than being in it.
http://vimeo.com/32958521
I owe you all lots of backlog. It'll come in time. I need a new laptop, mine has nearly given up on me completely. Look for: the necessary Thanksgiving post, reggae fest, karaoke and goodbye parties, as well as the bittersweet end of my contract here.
Love to all <3
Thursday, December 8, 2011
Saturday, December 3, 2011
Good Morning... Singapore
Just doesn't have the same ring as Good Morning Vietnam.
The idea of Singapore is really wonderful - but the practice kinda sucks. I've been here for four hours and haven't met anyone. I know how whiny that sounds, but I guess Vietnam has spoiled me a bit in that sense. Plus, nothing is in walking distance and there's cars, cars, and more cars - but the city is cleaner than a shiny penny.
I've been wandering around this mall structure, trapped due to a downpour of lake-making proportions, thinking how lovely and western, yet so far from America it is. It might be nice to live here and shirk one more year of being a full-fledged American with American responsibilities and debt. Of course, it's only a mild escape because it's super expensive here (I just paid 13 Singapore dollars (just under 11USD) for a Kilkenny, but I certainly would never find it at "home", so I'll enjoy it).
It's so clean you could eat toast that fell jelly side down off the street, no kidding. Eating and drinking are banned in the streets, chewing gum is "forbidden" (as the Euros would say), and it seems you can't smoke any where, not just inside. Hefty fines come along with these and the police carry gun in hand (as opposed to Vietnam where it's just slung over one's shoulder). I wouldn't mess around.
The idea of Singapore is really wonderful - but the practice kinda sucks. I've been here for four hours and haven't met anyone. I know how whiny that sounds, but I guess Vietnam has spoiled me a bit in that sense. Plus, nothing is in walking distance and there's cars, cars, and more cars - but the city is cleaner than a shiny penny.
I've been wandering around this mall structure, trapped due to a downpour of lake-making proportions, thinking how lovely and western, yet so far from America it is. It might be nice to live here and shirk one more year of being a full-fledged American with American responsibilities and debt. Of course, it's only a mild escape because it's super expensive here (I just paid 13 Singapore dollars (just under 11USD) for a Kilkenny, but I certainly would never find it at "home", so I'll enjoy it).
It's so clean you could eat toast that fell jelly side down off the street, no kidding. Eating and drinking are banned in the streets, chewing gum is "forbidden" (as the Euros would say), and it seems you can't smoke any where, not just inside. Hefty fines come along with these and the police carry gun in hand (as opposed to Vietnam where it's just slung over one's shoulder). I wouldn't mess around.
Airport Sightings
Note: When travelling and passing through customs is required, always get behind the tourist group. It's very likely that the tour guide will be at the front to make sure the entire group gets through quickly without much hassle. Rather than waiting 45 minutes, I magically jumped ahead because I just happened to be in the right line.
Anyway, sitting in the airport terminal, I've got this whole travelling thing down to a science. I only have to wait 15 minutes to board! Pretty sure this is only useful in South East Asia and may be limited to Vietnam.
I just watched a mother run away from her child - it was obvious to me that she was coming right back, but he can't be more than five. He slowly broke down as she got further away, but he never made an effort to run after her, which was the most interesting part. When she finally started back, the biggest smile broke across his face. He waved like he hadn't seen her in a really like time and wiped his barely wet eyes. Totally broke my heart.
This is my first flight, let alone trip out of Vietnam since I've been here (ten months). I'm unusually sad about it, even if I'm coming back tomorrow. I hate travelling alone, but this experience has given me so much. I'm starting to miss it already.
Off we go to Singapore. Hey, if you need a new visa, what better place to go than the up and coming shopping capital of the world?
Anyway, sitting in the airport terminal, I've got this whole travelling thing down to a science. I only have to wait 15 minutes to board! Pretty sure this is only useful in South East Asia and may be limited to Vietnam.
I just watched a mother run away from her child - it was obvious to me that she was coming right back, but he can't be more than five. He slowly broke down as she got further away, but he never made an effort to run after her, which was the most interesting part. When she finally started back, the biggest smile broke across his face. He waved like he hadn't seen her in a really like time and wiped his barely wet eyes. Totally broke my heart.
This is my first flight, let alone trip out of Vietnam since I've been here (ten months). I'm unusually sad about it, even if I'm coming back tomorrow. I hate travelling alone, but this experience has given me so much. I'm starting to miss it already.
Off we go to Singapore. Hey, if you need a new visa, what better place to go than the up and coming shopping capital of the world?
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