Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Vietnam ~ May 28, 2010

Arriving in Ho Chi Minh City late yesterday was the first real culture shock I have experienced. The ride between the airport and my hostel was magnificent and frightening. The traffic was simply unbelievable and I can only imagine how many motorbike riders must die here. The rules of the road seem to be quite flexible and everyman/woman for themself seems the name of the game. Crossing the road while out looking for a beer last night was like an old school game of Frogger. And I love it!

The picture above was taken from an adventure I took with my beer to the top of a building. Naughty Naughty!

After a long and exhausted nite's sleep, I woke to a beautiful sun rise in Saigon this morning. I was even awake before the horns started honking on the busy streets below. Today I will explore the city and tomorrow I will venture into the Mekong Delta for a few days.

Unfortunately Tim was unable to secure a Visa for the trip and didn't join me... so it is just me and Vietnam. More photos soon!

One Night in Singapore ~ May 27, 2010

I arrived in the late afternoon in Singapore and had just enough time to shower before Tim and I headed out for the nite.
In true Timothy fashion we had a beautiful meal on the river and made our way to the clubs. As the evening began I worried that I would not have the stamina....oh but no. A couple of cocktails and a crowded, sweaty dance floor quickly changed my mind.
I experienced a couple of things to note during my first nite life adventure with Timmy.

• At one point I was in the loo at the StereoLab (you may have heard of StereoLab NYC) and over heard a conversation between three young Filipina women. I could not understand any of the excited words they said but one: "sex." It felt something like this.... dkfjg dsjlfja jsklr sex. Ddsrtl rjlasas saldkur SEX, askleur sex. Tosdk sajler jisjlkjrl soehrn lshjo SEX!! Very interesting.
• I met an aquaintance of Timmy's named Adele and can say difinitively that she will be someone I will stay in touch with. She is the first true Singaporean I met and she informed me about the ethnic and political history of Singapore. I will say only this; the West has a conception far removed from the explanation that Adele gave me. She also proceeded to give Tim a run for his money at 3am while we ate "ChickenRice" at a streetside cafe before we crawled home. It was a treat to watch a beautiful woman challenge Timmy's position on various topics; it doesn't happen often.

Other highlights: the 360 degree panoramic view from the New Asia bar set 70 floors above the city and when the DJ at StereoLab spun the Eurythmics amidst soul shaking house music and I danced like no one was watching.

Hong Kong ~ May 27, 2010

A thirteen hour flight. I gained consciousness somewhere above the Pacific Ocean. My feet are swollen and my toes look like sausages. All things considered, a very luxurious airline experience.
The air in Hong Kong reminds me of the Caribbean; a feeling that makes me quite comfortable. My skin is softening and my hair is forming ringlets from the humidity.

From this airport on its own island I can see Hong Kong in the distance. Tall conformist buildings nestled against mountains shrouded in clouds. The airport is filled with clean lines and corporate culture. And candy. Everything seems to be in it's perfect place.
A man sits across from me eating noodle soup for breakfast. He slurps loudly and makes a mess on the table. I find it endearing. I should be drinking more water.
Asian women... They are so beautiful. I have an attraction and a tendency to stare at the women who shine with the the look of the islands. I am not exoticising them...they are simply stunning to me; this makes me feel insecure in my plain-ness.

And now I board a plane to Singapore.

University of San Diego ~ May 25, 2010

This morning I flew into Los Angeles and promptly journeyed to San Diego where I will be beginning my Master's of Arts in Peace and Justice Studies in the fall. I will specialize in Human Rights as it pertains to women specifically in post-conflict situations. I had the fortunate opportunity to meet the Dean of my program today as well as many other distinguished individuals; including a Bishop visiting the Institute from The Congo. I can only say that I feel remarkably humbled by the experience. I'm looking forward to spending 17 months on this beautiful campus sitting on a hill above Mission Bay.

The Farewell Fandango ~ May 24, 2010

Saying goodbye to loved ones can be ever so difficult. I seem to like the way booze dulls the pain. Thank you so much to everyone who came by to bid me farewell last night, as you can see, I had a brilliant time! Why yes, those are silly feminists.

A Travel Blog

I am departing on a journey to South East Asia and will blog about my adventures along the way. I cannot be sure what the future will hold; I only know it will help me grow. Thank you for your interest in my frolics.
With Peace and Graciousness,
Tonia