Vietnam Part I

A communist run country, a land ravaged by the Vietnam War, images of conical "paddy hats" these were really the only hints of what would await me on my trip to Vietnam. Sure, I probably should have known more about this small country; or at least about Uncle Ho's connection to the VietMien and how the "dragon shaped" land houses the world's 13th largest population. But I must have been asleep in those history classes. However, the normal internal upset of uncertain things was no where to be found as my AirAsia flight bustled onward toward the old capital of southern Vietnam. The only feeling inside was sheer joy and anticipation as thousands of streetlights illuminated the vast cityscape of Ho Chi Mien City that lay outside my plane window...

What did I find you may ask? Well, let's start with the first item on the agenda (after sneaking through security to snag cash and slide back into the "transit zone" to pay my visa toll), which was to make it to the meeting point. One cab ride, a few hundred moto zooming by and a screaching alley cat later I met up with the daring and adventurous Toddy. Quickly we made our way to Phu Quoc, a small island off the coasts of Vietnam and Cambodia.

In Phu Quoc there were scooter adventures, beach burns, scrumptious food, tropical rains and the sweetest condensed milk coffee. Daily walks lead to abandoned hotels, statues of mermaids in the sea and dozens of mosquito bites; and beach watching saw only clear blue seas dotted with fishing boats. Touring around on dirt roads, over rickety boarded bridges and past the sandy garbage strewn shores made me fall in love with Southeast Asia all over again. The people...skin darkened from toil under the blazing sun; the food... made to fill for the day to come; the coffee... to sweeten your outlook on life; the dirt... that reminds me I am but a simple human who came from the dust.

End Part I.

August before vacation

August of this year was unlike any other I've had. At this time last year, I was getting excited for my journey to Thailand, saying goodbye to my family, my friends and the simple Harbor life. Now this August, I am already thousands of miles away from home, another year older, and a college graduate. Life will never be the same... and though its not always easy, it is a wonderful adventure.

August marked the beginning of my 3rd month in Korea. After three months you would think something would have changed yet I still feel quite disconnected here. (I say this knowing that many people have had entirely different experences then I have had here.) The Korean people are quite welcoming but you're on your own after that. For Korean Americans, it is a different sort of experience. Having the look and the language are sure advantages, but for a blonde, curly haired, blue-eyed gal ...well lets just say, its not so easy to blend in. Therefore I have began calling Korea my "halfway house." Here I am halfway between childhood and filling this unwanted and unwarranted role of adulthood. Here I am halfway between the Western world of "home" and the grit and grime of the Southeast Asian countries that have stolen my heart. Halfway fitting in with the expats here and halfway making the shell of a "real life" (meaning I have an apartment, job, and friends here). My halfway point...

Possibly its the culture shock that is still set in that has made this place feel so strange, that I'm "half in, half out." Or maybe its simply not knowing how to say the correct phrases or how to act in a given circumstance. One thing is certain, the daily oddity of a this land has given my heart a frost of isolation. (It could also be the rapid pace, the pursuit of beauty, and the surface level conversations that have left me with a glimpse of winter weather this summer.)

The deepest connections here are phone calls from family, letters from handsome people, skype calls from soul friends across the Pacific, packages (that make it feel like Christmas) and yes I hate to say this, but facebook updates. These things have kept me sane here. I write this not to inspire pity, for I chose this Korean journey for myself, but I write it to remind you all that home is a simple comfort we often overlook. Sometimes it may seem dull or get boring in its "daily grind" (Seattle coffee drinkers yes, there is a slight hint at that morning roast) nevertheless it is home sweet home. Its comforts will always help you to relax after you have been away for awhile. So thank you all who pursue contact with me from miles away. Your love is what helps me endure. :)

A simple and pleasant memory of home. Photo by Julie Siemens Pace, edit by Tj Drew.