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March 26, 2005
Lessons Learned
This from Tara, one of our traveling companions. Tara parted with us at the Hanoi airport to travel on her own to Cambodia. She just got home a couple of days ago....
What I Really Learned In Vietnam, by Tara Morris
I never did learn the words to that song, but...
I learned that Halong Bay means 'descending dragon'.
I learned that the liver is a horrible organ and must be punished.
I learned that dessert can come incased in a gelatinous goo.
I learned that a karaoke version of 'We Are The World' can bring TJ to tears, but a swim in a river full of crap cannot.
I learned that International Women's Day and Elizabeth Jackson's birthday are both week long celebrations.
I learned that visionaries aren't always warm and fuzzy, and that's OK.
I learned that a camera flash can cause pandemonium on an unsuspecting school yard.
I learned that 'Hello' by Lionel Richie actually sounds better as "Herro" at a Vietnamese karaoke parlor.
I learned from Lenah that a french manicure can still look great after a 250-mile bike ride.
I learned that I can tell what animal I'm eating by how chewy and salty it feels in my mouth.
I learned that Anna-Lou listened to books on CD while trying not to get killed along Highway One. Totally impressive!
I learned how to say 'you got mad crazy eyes' in Vietnamese, but I still don't know how to say 'yes' or 'no'.
I learned that Halong Bay means descending dragon.
Here's something you may not have known, but I learned that it took Hillary seven days to poop.
I learned that Kim has the best music collection on the planet.
I learned that Rich's giggle is more contageous than Avian Flu.
I recently learned that the "How to Get Fit and Stay Limber With Cuong" DVD is due out next month.
I learned that when Kien is not showing Yanks around his country, he's a well-paid cheek bone model.
Along with every Vietnamese child under the age of 14, I learned that Ed carries hand stamps.
I know I learned that you shouldn't wear matching silk shirts with your spouse but apparently that memo wasn't circulated through everyone.
I learned that Oren wore a Che Guevara button on the day he met Ed 40 years ago. Some people are just born cool.
I learned never to hit the 'format' button on a digital camera.
I learned, as did Stephanie, that cuticle oil and toilet seat covers will not be necessary in Vietnam. Can't have a toilet seat cover when there's no toilet!
I learned that caged dogs on bikes aren't out for joy rides.
I learned that Halong Bay means 'descending dragon'.
I learned that Steve is an incredibly brave man to return again and again to Vietnam.
I learned that Karalee and Webster's Dictionary have different definitions for 'undulate'.
I learned what a 'hand shandy' is and if you'd like to find out for yourself, just follow Sparky into an internet cafe.
I learned from Jan that snacking is really the proper way to get to know a country.
I learned that when Nancy accidently went into the men's room, she yelled, "So THAT'S a Vietnam dong!" (thanks Spark.)
I learned that starting off a week-long trip with a rousing "GOOD MORNIN' VIETNAM" to a group of strangers can really bomb.
I learned a lot about Minnie Ripperton.
I learned a lot, my friends. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
OK, so it's MY turn to be totally jetlagged and wired. Just arrived home about an hour ago, and it feels great to be back.
A couple of weeks ago, as I sat in a steamy restaurant on the Tonle Sap River in Phnom Pehn, I thought of all of you. Surely the waitstaff thought I was crazy as I sat alone, drinking beer (OK fine, a couple of beers), and laughed aloud as I scibbled in my journal. That's what I wrote.
I miss you a lot. I thought of you all the time. Where we goin' next?
I really hope to hear from you.
love
tara
Posted by ed at March 26, 2005 09:42 PM