Ed and Oren's Vietnam Bike Ride Blog: people Archives

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 09:42 PM

March 19, 2005

TJ and Deerfield wine in Dong Hoi

I think we were all surprised when sitting down to dinner at our hotel in Dong Hoi, as TJ Woosley pulled out a bottle of Deerfield Ranch Old Vine Zinfandel to share with the group of bike riders at our last dinner together. It turns out that the folks at Deerfield are family friends of TJ's and that they like to feature pictures of their wines in various locations around the world on their web site. The wine was delicious, and made the meal even more special. I know I'll be seeking out Deerfield wines for my own drinking. Thanks again, TJ!

Posted by oren at 07:27 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

March 09, 2005

A Happy 60th Anniversary!

Today, for some version of today, is my parents' 60th wedding anniversary. They've provided an inspiration to all of us in the family with a loving relationship sustained for what seems to us youngsters like a very long time.

Happy Anniversary to my folks from Vietnam!

Posted by oren at 07:53 AM

February 24, 2005

Our guides

We've already talked frequently about Karalee Woody, who conceived and organized this trip.

Here are the folks who are going to guide us:

Mark 'Sparky' Lindsey

Mark aka 'Sparky' was originally a teacher of outdoor education before becoming an expedition leader and freelance trainer.

Always the active type, Sparky was a member of the British Bobsleigh team leading up to the 1992 Winter Olympic Games in Albertville, France. Today, a great deal of his leisure time is taken up trying to master the acoustic guitar, a skill that, thus far, is proving to be elusive.

Sparky has guided and led ATD charity challenges to Australia, Bolivia, Nepal, and Namibia.

Nguyen Thach Cuong

Our local agent in Vietnam, Coung has been leading cycling tours for several years. He is an amazing historian and will delight all of us with Vietnamese language instruction during the ride.

Posted by oren at 06:26 AM | Comments (1)

December 12, 2004

Training ride with the gang

Yesterday Ed and I rode with Karalee Woody, who is the trip organizer, and Mary Vu Tripoli, who was on last years bike ride. Despite the forecast, which called for clouds and showers, it turned out to be a beautiful sunny winter day in Seattle. We rode down the lake to Seward Park and back - turned out to be about 27 miles for me. Not too long, but we were fighting a noticeable headwind on the return half.

Mary has a web site where she has her blog posts from last year's ride and lots of links to photos etc. I've also placed a link to it in the links section of the sidebar.

Here's some pictures from yesterday, courtesy of Mary.

Tne view of Lake Washington