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Vietnam 08

When Oranges are Green, Viet-Nam

October 19, 2008
Green Oranges

Vincent: “… But you know what the funniest thing about Europe is?”

Jules: “What?”

Vincent: “It’s the little differences. I mean, they got the same shit over there that they got here, but it’s just – it’s just there it’s a little different”

As many of you will quickly recognize, that was a bit of dialogue between Vincent (John Travolta) and Jules (Samuel L. Jackson) in the movie Pulp Fiction. How true those words ring for almost any traveler, and not just for Europe.    Discovering those little differences is part of what draws us to…

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The Face – Elderly woman in Hoi An

October 16, 2008
Vietnam

Her face is deep, hypnotic and riveting. Every line, crease and wrinkle in her face shows a history of war, struggle and suffering. It just wasn’t her face, but her rough hands and her thin, fragile frame that shared with every passer by her life story.  Still, there was still an intense cloud of mystery that hovered over her, hiding behind her weary, aged face. Who was she? What has her life been like? How much has she endured over the years? What has she witnessed and experienced from Viet-Nam’s war torn past?

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Pineapple peddler in Hanoi

October 2, 2008
Vietnam Pineapple Street Vendor

She is the memorable pineapple peddler in Hanoi. She stood out from most of the other fruit street vendors that we encountered because of her smile. Unlike many of the other mobile street vendors who were often older, rugged and worn from the toil of their meager lives, she was young, clear skinned, vibrant and always smiling. Her perfect set of teeth (which is often a rarity in ViệtNam’s poor population), warm smile, petite frame balancing two heavy baskets of pineapples and ease in navigating the congested streets had us mesmerized. “Quả dưá cuả chị…

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An American in the Family

September 29, 2008
Vietnam Street Vendors

Me at fruit market: Mangoes and Sweet Sop (custard apple, Viet cherimoya)

There was great anticipation in my arrival to Đà Nẵng because Cousin Diane was bringing home an American!  Just ask Little Su Hy (age 3) who had been telling all of her friends there is an American in the family.  Almost anywhere you read about Americans traveling to Việt-Nam, you’ll hear of tales of how warmly they are welcomed; the war a long forgotten and forgiven memory.  Our trip to Vietnam taught me that this welcoming isn’t…

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Return from Việt-Nam, fresh perspectives.

September 28, 2008
Ha Long Bay Vietnam

Vịnh Hạ Long Bay, Northern Việt-Nam

Whenever we return from a trip away our familiar surroundings, we are constantly reminded to remain grounded, sane and humble. Vietnam reinforced everything we understood about people, culture, society and cuisine. We both should never assume and teach that how we live and what we eat here in America is definitive of our backgrounds. Every reunion, set of tears, alley stroll, food stall, family meal, scooter ride, interview and conversation is a continuous learning experience.

Our stomachs were pleasantly nourished with different flavors,
Phợ (beef noodle…

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Heading to Vietnam

September 18, 2008

We’re heading to Vietnam for a much needed trip! There’s so much to visit, photograph , video tape and EAT! Our itinerary is taking us to the Northern mountain areas of Vietnam to visit the beautiful jungles, wildlife and waterfalls. Of course, visiting family will be a priority too, as well as eating and cooking plenty of awesome meals. We’ll be heading South to visit the central regions and finally on down to the Southern tip of VietNam.

While we’re away, we’ll be twittering from the trip so stop by everyday for an update on our…

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