When we woke up, we had already packed all our stuff, so it was just a matter of putting it at the concierge and then going for breakfast. I had waffles. Yum. Bacon. Yum. Cereal ! Yum. Haha. Then the car came and off we were !

First we went to the Marble Mountain. This was a mountain made entirely out of marble and there were lots of mining going on as well. As we neared the mountain, you could see many shops full of little marble carvings but right at the bottom of the mountain, I was truly amazed. There were huge marble statues everywhere, from small garden sized ones to ones which were as big as a truck and three stories high ! We walked along and then reached the entrance to the stairs. These stairs make the stairs at Batu Caves look really easy to climb. There were of varying widths and angles as they had been hewed out from the rock itself. They were also quite high and far apart in some places and could be slippery especially where the moss grew. Fortunately, with the experience of Mount Oberon only a few weeks ago, I think it was not too bad. At least we got to the viewing post quite fast, in about 20 minutes.

And it was breathtaking ! The view was fantastic as it was the only mountain around and you could see miles and mile of flat plains and rice fields. Also, you could see the sea shore and how the waves pounded the beaches while you were shrouded in fog and mist, since it was only 8 am still. Up on the mountain, there were also many tiny temples and pagodas. At some points, I felt as if I was going to bump into some fairy, or Monkey God, or at least a talking mushroom. There were also caves to go into, and people provided you with torches. This, at least was almost the same as Malaysia. Temples in caves. Though we could see doors right at the back of the cave, we decided it was not worth it to go exploring. Who knows, we might just fall into a hall into the middle of Marble Mountain and never be seen again.

Finally off the mountain after an hour, we were back into the car to Hue. Hue, is supposed to be the Malacca of Vietnam, as in the start of the civilization here. As it was about a two hour journey I nodded off, only to wake up at Lang Co Pass, which is a mountain pass right in the middle of Vietnam and you have beautiful views all around. It was really high up, and really pretty the way the wind moves all the trees on the hillsides below.

Finally when we reached Hue, from a distance we saw a hulking citadel made of stone. It was really awesome. We crossed a giant moat and were greeted by a humongous block of stone. It was just like the sand castle built at Wilson’s Prom ! It had a huge flag on a really tall flagpole and there was a big square where one could imagine hundreds of soldiers lining up and saluting the flag. Then we walked across a second moat with many small bridges. Once again, my brain exploded with images of two opposing sides fighting and with many soldiers killed and then falling over the sides into the moat. (watch too many movies…).

Once inside, it was magnificent. Imagine the Forbidden City in Beijing, and downsize a bit, but keep the structure. So there will be a huge moat, and then tall walls around a big area, and then a second moat, and then there will be all the buildings. Palaces, King’s court, concubine’s palace, dowager’s palace, and so on and so forth. Whoa. There were also huge gardens and there was a theatre and temples and ponds for relaxing. Walking around the whole place was quite tiring ! We also saw any old artifacts, including the furniture, costumes, giant bronze bells, and even statues of animals and guards.

Then we had a little stop for a little lunch at a little shop behind a restaurant in a lane behind a street next to the river. I would never have guessed that there would be something there if we had not been given instructions to reach that place. But the place was really good and had really cheap food. 3 of us ate food which costs a total of less than USD2. Crazy ! And it was a lot of food and drinks too.

After that we visited the Khai Dinh and the Tu Duc tombs. These are tombs of former kings and queens and their concubines and their families. Most were located in huge parks and memorials which were left to run a bit wild. It was great. Sort of like running around ancient parks and stone mazes and from time to time you will come face to face with a tomb, and inscriptions and giant obelisks and explanations of big buildings and their meanings. I think the best part of these tombs is that they are really nice, because they are located in huge areas, with lots of trees and hills and butterflies. The landscaping of the place is done really well with lakes and islands, and gentle slopes with marvelously carved staircases. I promise to put up some pictures when I get them.

Lastly, we visited a memorial on top of a mountain. More steps to climb! Crazy. But at the top, was a really great view, with a memorial of one of the kings. A lot of history to read, and artifacts to see, sort of like a mini museum. And of course at every one of these places, there would be the local people who try to sell you some of their souvenirs and stuff. Nothing too different from what you would usually see though. Finally it was time to go back to Danang.

But as it was still only 5 pm, and our flight was at 10 pm, we decided to go for a massage. Again. This time at a place that the driver recommended. It was on the fifth floor and looked very nice. Marble floors, marble bath tub, and each room even had a mini sauna. At this place, after you strip (strip again…seriously damn a lot of Vietnamese people saw me naked wei !) then close you in the sauna and pushed me in again when I came out for some fresh air after a long time, and finally allowed me to soak in an ice cold bath. The massage after that was not particularly great, but it felt comfortable because I was aching in my arms and legs after walking everywhere for a whole day. Climbing staircases and walking around in citadels can do that to you.

Our dinner was at this huge seafood restaurant that was right beside the sea. That being said, there were a lot of them , but we went to the one recommended by the hotel. It was right at the side and we were seated outside, so you can imagine the strong winds that buffeted us as we ate. We had about 6 huge prawns each, some special fried rice, and something that GANay wanted to eat when he saw it on the menu. It was called “Crabs full of Fat”. *Faint. They were huge, and two of them weighed more than 1 kg ! But I must say they were very good, and very fat. FAT. Now I am full of cholesterol. Total price of the meal ? Less than USD20.

Feeling really stuffed and smelling of crab, we went back to the hotel for some games of pool before going to the airport. Remembered that it was SailorJeow’s birthday and called to wish her. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! At the airport, we had to wait for an hour before the plane would take off, and just watched some football on television. Fell dead asleep on the plane and reached HCMC and the hotel at about midnight. Fuh. Dead tired. But it was nice to be able to get away from the city for a while, even if I did end up spending a lot of money.

Damn poor now………………

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And so, I had a totally wonderful weekend. It is good to be able to write about something other than work. And also a good change to be away from HCMC.

The place I went to for the weekend was called Danang. It was voted one of the top 5 beaches in the world by Forbes magazine, and you could see exactly why. I flew there after work with GANay on Friday, so we arrived at the place around 10pm. Obviously, the restaurants were all closed by then, but we were not really hungry. We got shown into the rooms, and it was a fantastic room. Big, and spacious, and very tasteful. Everything was wooden and brown and had a very luxurious feel. It should be luxurious though, since we were paying USD145 per night after a super discount, room upgrade AND special prices. The room had superb mini bar (to look at, not to touch) and also a great patio, where one could feel the sea breeze, and also step down to a huge garden with a pool. This pool was odd shaped, with bars and stairs and seats everywhere hidden among trees and large bushes. I called this pool the garden pool. This is to separate it from the main pool which was on the other side of the building right in front of the lobby which I will talk about later.

We put our stuff down, (the toilet has a huge window to the bedroom, so technically it could be very kinky). Haha. We were walking around and our first stop was Paradise Club, which was located just outside the lobby. It is NOT a dodgy place. Basically it was a bar, with very luxurious karaoke rooms (USD 15 for 3 hours) and a slot machines room (decorated exactly like the Crown VIP room). Us being us, we looked around the karaoke room, checked the songs, looked at the bar, and then walked into the slots room. Woohoo ! USD10 minimum to play. *Faint. But !! as we had only about 30 minutes to the end of Friday, I decided to take a chance. I played a poker game slot machine. I was down to about USD3 and then made a killer bet and went up to USD15. I pressed pay out straight away. Seriously, one should be happy to get away from slots at break even, so a 50% payout is very good. By that time, I already had free drinks and a lot of attention from the attendants, so I felt it was worth all my time. And I was the only patron in the room anyway.

Then we went to the bar and got a drink each with some really fresh and well cooked calamari rings. We relaxed and read all the English newspapers there, before walking towards the Big Pool. This pool is huge and is split level. Meaning, there is one big rectangular pool, and then a ledge which water falls over into a lower level pool. This is a great place, as from the ledge, you have an ocean view. While behind, you have an unobstructed view of the whole main hotel building with lights and the fountain. Very nice. Then, we walked down to the beach.

Wow. That was a great experience. It was midnight, and the wind was strong and the beach was deserted. We walked down to the cool water’s edge and looked at the big waves. Then (my idea) we made wishes on the beach, and the stars. And just totally enjoyed the breeze and the sound of the waves. I usually prefer to stay in the city, but whenever I go out into nature, and listen to the sounds of the waves, or the jungle, I feel really good inside. Yea.

After the beach, we went back to the Garden Pool and swam around until 1.30 am. It was so brightly lit by the stars, and it was a totally private pool, since no one else was around. Fantastic. Finally, we left the Garden Pool and swam at the Big Pool before going to bed. I think we fell asleep watching Fashion TV. And although we planned to look at the sunrise at 5.30 am, we ended up sleeping till 9. After a breakfast at the coffeehouse (fantastic spread !!) we took the shuttle bus to the nearby town of Hoi An.

Hoi An is a world heritage site and you can see why. It is a whole village of very talented artists and you can go goggle eyed at the amount of fine art there is. If I had money, I would have bought so many pieces. There were loads of handicraft and silk pieces and art, and lanterns. Very beautiful. To walk around the place was like going back in time. There were small cafes here and there, which were very westernised, and you could order refreshing sorbets or fine French pastry. They were like the watering holes for the tourists and you could see them trickle in and out, looking for a rest from the excruciatingly hot sun.

We also took an hour long boat ride along the river to the sea and it was like Venice! Because now is still the monsoon season, there were whole parts of the city that was under water and the river flooded its banks, so you could see river side benches underwater ! Many of the houses and buildings also obviously expect it every year so they each had jetties and boats tied up as well. It was very interesting, and we could see villages, forests, cooking classes and classy hotels, also fishermen, kids floating in baskets, and other tourists on a variety of river transport. After that boat ride and some souvenir shopping, we headed for the beach to catch the last of the sun.

Unfortunately, by that time the sun was not too strong (I felt) and I doubt that any tan will be apparent, and so the suntan lotion that we bought in anticipation of freakingly hot sun was a waste. We still had a lot of fun running into the waves and flipping around. In fact, I cannot remember the last time I spent so much time in the sea water. After an hour or two, when I was filled up with sea water, I retired to the beach to lie and sleep while GANay went to play beach soccer with the locals. Then we had our showers before going for……….massage. It costs more but then again, it is a 5 star hotel. Verdict – Not worth the price which was about 3 times the normal price. But relaxing enough to make me want to fall asleep after that. However, after a light dinner of some hot oxtail soup, garlic bread and ice cream, we went to the Games Room and played 14 games of pool. The great thing about the Games Room was that they had mahjong tables and mahjong sets, but obviously there was no on to play with. Then it was beddy time as we had to wake up by 6 for breakfast and a tour of the town of Hue.

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Sometimes she feels faint, and the doctor says she lacks blood. Her glucose level is also low and she just eats candies and chocolates to keep it up. That worries me. She has also lost a lot of weight and is probably weighing only 45 kg now. I am worried. Is she stressed? Or is there something that is worrying her, keeping her awake, making her unhealthy. I know she has some frustrations with career and her job. And also that she has to study really hard for her CFA in a short while’s time. Hmm. Why do I get so worried for her? I mean, we have already talked it out. At least three times by now, and we have already decided that there will be no ‘us’. So why? Maybe I am worried just as a good friend? Because now that we have decided just to be good friends, even the time option thing has been discarded (lol…thinking back, the time option was a great joke) am I able to be satisfied ? Just being a good friend to someone you love is hard. But if you love someone, does that mean that you must own them? Is it enough if you know they are happy? Hmmm. Worrisome. But then again, maybe that should just be the case. History is filled with tragic love stories, and what can one say but to think that somewhere somehow, someone is sadder and has lost more? Because they do exist! Maybe one can hope and pray, but how long can one do that before realizing that it is just not feasible and that it is time to move on? I think that that is exactly one of the hardest lessons that I have to learn. How to move on. Because so many of us get stuck in our comfort zone, comfort country, comfort relationships…we have to learn to move on. That is hard for me, being someone who puts a lot into everything that I enjoy and love. But yes, it could be time to move on…..

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I am so bored of studying !! AHHHHHH !!!

Though sometimes it is a nice surprise to go through a chapter which I sort of know, and I can just flip through the whole thing....

AHhh..... !!

Impending Doom. Got hints that I might have to stay in this place till January ? With monthly flyhomes.

Mmmmmm....................

Cross that bridge when I get to it.

Yay and Congratulations to YapBear again for passing his CLP exam and getting a job in the city ! Yay. Another working friend !!

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After being turned into a giant rice paper roll, I was today turned into a huge piece of salted fish.

Basically I opted for a salt body scrub, after overdosing on body massages. I thought it would be a good change.

They took me and stripped me off (really fast they must be used to this !) and then slapped me onto a table. So there I was, a naked piece of meat. And then hands started massaging salt into me. Rub rub rub. It was quite rough and hurt a bit sometimes, but after a while got really used to it. And even started to feel sleepy after a while. The thing was I could have chosen between a rice scrub (good for skin) and a salt scrub. I chose the salt scrub because it would tighten the skin and absorb moisture out from the body.

Wah it was really good to feel the skin stretch and then tighten ! It really works !! After an hour, I was caked in a layer of salt, and felt like a real salted fish ! Then I was showered off, towelled down and dressed. Felt like a prince ! And was told that I was really handsome by the giggling girls (hehehe......wonder which part of me they felt was 'handsome' ? hahahahhahahahhahaha.....just joking) but well, I really enjoyed that remark. Tell you why later. Woah, and then I kept on touching myself (on my arm la !!! dirty minded people) because the skin was so smooth all over ! Hehe.

I loved it, and might plan to do a facial here as well. The place is called JustMen, and is catered only to men, for haircut, manicure, pedicure, waxing, shave, eye brow trim, facial, all kinds of massage, even bikini waxing. Woah !

Anyway, the reason why I like that these masseusse people call me handsome is because I have been trying really hard to lose some weight this 2 weeks, and I hope it keeps on going and it gives me more motivation to go on when I get praised. Tee hee. Lol.

Anyway, work is going really well this week, as finally I have loads of work and this is where I can do well. Rather have loads of work than no work at all.

And I finally got internet at work ! Yay !!

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Things I did during the weekend.

1. Played nine holes of golf. Gosh I am so crappy. As expected though. Sun was blistering hot but learnt some tips from my caddy.

2. Watched High School Musical 2. Woohoo !!

3. Studied a lot to get back on track of schedule.

4. Walked around in Chinatown.

5. Had a gigantic Aussie Burger. Yum...!!!!!!! And the place was great too. Really Australian atmosphere.

6. Ate a baguette sandwich made by a woman who kept cockroaches for pets on her shoulders. Ew. Will never eat there again.

7. Watched Miss Congeniality 2.

8. Had great naps and lots of sleep. Yay.

Not very interesting after all right ? Hahaha. Except for the cockroach.

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Massage 1 : Huong Sen Hotel. Went alone to this big old hotel on a corner. Went up to the 7th floor and was greeted with a oldish locker room with wooden lockers. Dodgy ! ! But, braved self, stripped and went on. Massage itself was good, and could have gone into hot bath for a little more money. Pressure was good, and the experience itself was alright. Felt a bit cheated as later found out that massages should not cost that much, but was actually cheap compared to Malaysia for the service. Was clean, and bed was comfortable. Cost : USD30. Will probably not come here again.

Massage 2 : His Salon. Accompanied MrNM for a haircut at an exclusive men's salon and was surprised that they offered massages as well. Did a half hour head massage but in fact included shoulders, back, arms and chest as well. Was alright, except done with clothes on, and in front of television, sitting up, so was a little uncomfortable. Also, was done in the hall area, where people were getting hair cut, so not too private at all. Nevertheless, felt great after the head massage which though mussed up my hair, was very soothing. Cost : USD10. Mm. Stick to real massage places for a massage next time.

Massage 3 : Saigon Star Hotel. After a night of karaoke with the whole department went to Saigon Star hotel for a massage. Was touted as top notch and proved to be so. At top floor of a hotel, with hotel rooms for massage rooms, was treated to tea, before led to steam bath and spa. Was brought to a huge room with magnificient view of the city. Beheld bars on the ceiling and realised that it was for the masseuse to hold on to when standing up. Also lots of mirrors in the room, full length as well as normal sized. Stripped and was given a great massage. Wonderful pressure, although was a bit talkative I felt, as I usually liked quiet massages. Nevertheless, felt like a skating rink when she skated around on my back. Felt good though. Though am very glad that was told that I was the cutest customer of the night and had my dimples counted. (If I had any....). Anyway, were all ruses to get a tip, which I must say worked. Flattery gets you everywhere. I think I got conned. But still, massage was ridiculously cheap as Cost : USD20. Ridiculously cheap for the view and the room. Definitely a place to return to.

Massage 4 : Jasmine Massage. Probably the best of the lot. Saw it in a magazine and booked an appointment for after work. Was welcomed with hot tea and candy. Was led into a room as big as my bedroom and as equipped as the Beaubelle ones at Starhill. Stripped and was lying peacefully on the bed when felt hot liquid on my legs. And then it travelled all the way up. Felt like it was hot wax and actually looked around to see what was happening. It was some black paste with berries and flowers and was being applied with a big brush. Felt like a piece of meat about to be marinated. Marination went on and on, with a big brush poking everywhere to make sure the meat was well coated all over. And then turned around to make sure the front was well plastered as well. Then the most surprising thing of all ! Was wrapped in a huge sheet of plastic like sheet and left to marinate for real ! Seriously, I felt like a giant rice paper roll, or rather I was a big piece of meat plastered with marinade and vegetables, in a rice paper roll, and was being left on the plate, while the oil was heated to fry me into a giant spring roll. There was some chemical reaction and soon it began to feel hot, and I felt really drowsy. But then was woken up, and at first thought was gonna be fried, but was told to wash off in a shower in the room and was wiped off, and then stepped into the steaming jacuzzi. Almost fell asleep again and then was given a really nice towelling off, and then back to the bed. Well and truly pampered with a hot stone massage, and then some aromatherapy oil. Felt like a kitten, in a basket. Was really sorry to find out when it was over. Was clothed, and this is the first place I have been to in all my life, where they towel you off, and take off and put on your clothes for you. Real pampering. Cost : USD35. Most expensive massage but also most pampering and also lasted almost 90 minutes. Will come again, maybe once more.

Ahhh. Feel all comfortable. Massage is really good to relieve stress and be pampered. Feel like going for a facial too.........just once.

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I am utterly and truly exhausted.

Let me recap the Saigon weekend..

First thing on Saturday, I walked about 5 km from my apartment to the city centre. I wanted to know the roads around better, but I did not count on the sheer amount of motorcyclists and people on the road even on Saturday. It was crazy. The weather was also pretty humid. As I walked along the main road, you could see all the shops and buildings that lined it. I walked past some schools, churches, many clothes shops (without going in..I am getting better at this), food stalls, hardware stores and even a fruit market. I walked past the French Embassy, the US Embassy, and several great bakeries with wonderful smells. I bought a coffee bun and it melted in my mouth. I walked past a gelateria and almost walked in to order a triple banana split....Walked and walked all the way up Hai Ba Trung.

I turned left on Le Duan, and started going towards the War Museum. How was I to know that it was closed for lunch ? The zoo was next door and I was thinking whether to go there instead, when a little oldish man beckoned to me. Initially I just smiled and turned away, having heard enough stories about how weird people carted you away, and cheated your money, or at least chopped off your legs and arms and made you beg in Bangkok.

After a while though, I walked over to him. He introduced himself as Chanh and he showed me pictures. He was half Viet and half American, and he used to be in the Naval Service before retiring and coming back here. Then he offered to take me around the city since the museum was closed anyway. I thought, alright......and then he showed me his motorcycle.... Now, again I have heard many stories about how these people brought you to dodgy places and forced you to pay large amounts of money or at least stripped you in an alley and raped you.

Somehow, my risk aversion was really low that morning and I said yes. After all, he was offering the ride for only about USD4. That I thought was really cheap. And on I got, disregarding all I heard about HCMC's 2 million motorcycles and how 30,000 people died a year because helmet wearing was not compulsory, and the traffic is crazy. He did not wear a helmet either, and I think I put a lot of faith in my FCUK cap. Off we went, and I soon realised that riding a motorcycle is a bit like riding a horse, back straight, and try to stay balanced, and hold on to the reins, in this case, the guy's shirt tails, since I did not really want to hold his waist or thighs, and NO ONE else in the city was holding anyone else's shoulders. We zipped around, me trying not to close my eyes, as we frequently went on the wrong side of the road, got caught in a mass of hundreds of other cyclists, or nearly get mowed down by huge buses and tankers. Seriously, it was a bit crazy. But I enjoyed the wind in my hair, the sun in my eyes, and I also thought about kicking the rider next to me more than a few times.

He brought me to the Ngoc Hoang Pagoda, and there was a huge fish pond with many fishes all around. And tortoises too. And big huge lanterns and joss sticks and incense everywhere. I walked upstairs onto the balcony and was surprised to see that it actually was quite big, and the four French girls made me take a picture for them. It was quite dodgy and I still get that creepy feeling whenever I walk into those really old temples. And then it was time for Chinatown, except halfway, the motorcycle sputtered..oh oh. He made me drink a coconut while he walked across the street to get it fixed. The coconut was really sweet ! If not because it was chopped up in front of me, I would have thought that there was sugar added. Anyway, the bike fixed, onwards we went to Chinatown.

And on the way, I lost my cap. Or rather it flew off. I guess I really should have known better, but I was still a bit shocked. Chanh laughed and told me to get a new one at Cho Binh Tay, or the Chinatown market. I laughed it off, for what else could I do, there was no way to turn back with a sea of cycles all around. Still, sorry SQBear, I know you sent it to me for my birthday in 2005 all the way from Adelaide. I did really love it and it was probably the cap that I wore the most in my life. Chinatown looked just like any other Chinatown except that there were Viet words everywhere too. The market was great, and looked exactly like one of the old palaces in China, except of course, inside looked like a night market. But if you walked onto the balconies and looked over the roofs, it was really beautiful. I bought a cap, that he chose. It is bright red, and had a picture of 2 crabs on it. Really ugly. But I guess that it was sign that I should take it since my horoscope is Cancer. Lol. And I got conned into buying a top. Not really conned, but paid more for it than I should have, though I still think it was cheap. It was a red silk top and I thought I could wear it for Chinese New Year next year.

I am telling you the motorcycles here are really great. There were people carrying chairs, tables, huge pices of glass, toys, on the bikes and I even saw one that had 6 people on it. Haha. As Chinatown was at least 5 km away from the town centre, we took some time to get there and back but it was really a nice ride, and there were many big avenues with huge trees on both sides. It was really beautiful and peaceful. Dropped by the War Remnants Museum and it was really horrible to see pictures of the war, though the bombs and tanks were cool. We also visited the Thien Hau Temple where I sneaked into a tour and attached myself to listen to the guide talk. It was a temple with several goddesses and one was a mermaid and the other granted love wishes. Hehe. I made a wish. Then another pagoda, called Xa Loi Pagoda. By this time I was a bit tired of pagodas and temples. Which was good, because next stop was the Reunification Palace, and then the Notre Dame Cathedral, which has exactly the same bricks used to build the one in Paris. The very same type of bricks. And then I finally arrived at the History Museum.

By this time, it was drizzling, and there was rain in my eyes. Not looking so glamorous any more. In fact I looked like a real tourist as I had been forced to wear the Chinese style top and cap all the time by Chanh. But it was still fun to be in the rain though I prayed hard that I would not get sick. I was certain by this time that I understood why girls liked to ride on motorcycles, it is pretty liberating....to zip around. And Vespas look really nice too. In the History Museum, more tanks and airplanes and bombs and pictures. But much more. Rain fell like crazy. Read a few more years of Viet history, and looked at more ceramic and pots and coffins and mummies and carvings and stone age weapons and again stuck to a guide to listen for more information.

Finally it ended and he dropped me off at the City Hall with his number so that I could call him again if I wanted to go for more trips. I paid him more than he asked for, since it was almost 4 hours, and it did get me around the city really fast. Then it was time to look for dinner, and I walked around the city centre again before deciding on Vietnam House which was on a list that was recommended by MrNM. Pho was good, and I had another coconut. On the way home, I bought a coconut tart. All these led to my downfall, as I felt my throat going sore even as I was eating it. Coconut Overdose !

I slept early, because I had my trip booked for the next day, and I fell asleep watching The Mummy on television.

SUNDAY ! I woke up bright and early, and took a cab to the Tourist Centre. We set off, myself, two old teachers from Sydney, and a party of 5 elderly people from Singapore. I would take about 3 hours to reach our first destination, so I took a nap, as somehow I was really sleepy. The road was seriously bumpy and the reason why it took so long was because the bus could only travel at a max of 60 km an hour due to the condition of the roads ! We reached Cao Dai temple in the Tay Ninh province. This is really a weird place, because the temple and the grounds are about 1 square kilometre big. The religion itself, you should google because it is super weird and is made up of Buddhism, Catholicism, and Islam. Their three saints are SunYatSen, Victor Hugo and a Viet Guy. The Viet guy is their god's third messenger after Moses and Jesus. Super weird. Everything is blue, yellow and red, one colour for each, and then normal practitioners wear white. And their altar is a huge globe with a giant eye. I wonder if this has anything to do with Illuminati ? Since all the windows are made of the eye in a triangle with light shining forth...Hmm. Conspiracy theory !!!

Then it was lunch time and we had some yummy 10 course Viet lunch, and I will not go into too much detail, except that it was a lot like chinese food but slightly different. Like the people like to say here, "same same but different...." > < """" How can something be same but different ? I think they want to say similar ..By this time, people were getting used to each other, and the eight of us were talking to each other well. And then the highlight of the trip, the lady boss of the restaurant said I was very good looking and was I one of the other tourists' son. And then they were saying that I was too good looking how can any of them be so lucky. Hahaha. This was all said in Mandarin and as they thought I did not understand Mandarin since I did not say a word in Chinese but was talking in English all the way, especially with the Australians. Haha, but I could not stop smiling though !! As I said, flattery will get you everywhere with me......I tipped her. Probably got conned.

Then we took another 90 minutes to Cu Chi Tunnels. The tunnels are a whole network of underground tunnels where the VietCong stayed in during the Vietnam War. They would pop out of the ground and attack when noone expected, there was a labyrinth everywhere, and you could crawl from the Saigon River to Cu Chi and then to Cambodia !! We were shown bomb craters and entrance holes and wells, and breathing holes. And then they showed us a section of the tunnel where we could crawl in and come out the other side. I thought it would be fine. But the tunnel was so small and cramped we were crouching the whole way. And there were no lights so we had to feel with our hands. At one point, some of the Singaporeans stopped to take photos and I was squatting in the tunnel as I was the last one, I wanted to scream at them to move on !!! Because it was so hot and sweaty and dark in the tunnel, it was lucky that I was not claustrophobic. These crazy inconsiderate people ! And we only walked 30 metres. There was an option to go on for 50 metres or 100 metres or as our guide joked, you could walk all the way to HCMC or Cambodia. I wanted to faint. How can anyone stand to be inside ?

Finally it was over. The whole tour was so exhausting. By the time we got back to HCMC it was 7 pm. And the Singaporeans started to get really chatty and talked about Mahathir and durian and education and work and Standard Chartered and pho and lots of other random stuff. By this time all I wanted was a hot shower. My throat was killing me by this time, and got a few Strepsils and some cookies. Wanted to get some noodles too, but remembered that there was no hot water at the apartment.

And then now am back and blogging about the exhausting weekend. Will fall asleep soon, I swear. This weather is not good for me, I have two pimples. Crap.

Have to work tomorrow.

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Wow.

Another day of work and everything went so smoothly it was crazy.

I got a lot of work done really fast today, and it was quite amazing. Seriously, it is times like this when I am afraid. I have always secretly wondered how come I am as 'successful' in my work as I am, and I still do. I have not done anything particularly amazing or wonderful or great. I just do what people ask me to do, sort of. And if I do mention some things, or ask some things along the way, I do. How come people think it is so amazing ? Lol. I am not trying to say I am good or praise myself, I am just as puzzled why I have not been fired already sometimes.

Went for lunch with the CEO, a Senior Guy, Head1 and Head2. Head2 talked to me before lunch and she drank my drink and ordered me another one. But she was impressed that I was there at all. Head1 actually interviewed me for this job last year on January 4th and still remembers it, (so do I) and he remains healthily impressed, just like MrPhan. Yay ! Senior Guy knew about my position and was impressed with what I told him I had done. Good. Best of all was actually the CEO. The Indian policeman guy. After all that talk about him being seriously strict and all that, he was alright. I think. We had lunch in a 6 star restaurant, PHEW ! Crazy expensive. By the way I learnt that land in that city area part of HCMC (Ho Chi Minh City) was about USD60,000 a square foot. That is crazy. Anyway.

My conversation with him ran pretty much thus. In university I decided that I wanted a job that could bring me joy and be fun. And my job has given me the best chance. After working for almost 21 months, I have only spent half that time at the Malaysian office. (I was really surprised after counting that). I am quite proud of that statement. Only half the time in office ! And that where I worked was really a place to grow and go places. Woah, you should have seen him smile. Add on to that Head1 told him that I was the best GA of my batch. Free publicity. He invited me to watch Vietnam's growth story. I think I could get a job here if I really wanted to. But do I ? Well, it is always good to have options.

That is that. No more work for now. At least for this weekend. This weekend I need to explore HCMC, as MrNM has gone to Hanoi for a holiday with his girlfriend. Explore ! This sort of reminds me of my early days in Shanghai where I was exploring everywhere. This is quite dangerous, as although it gets very exciting, I get really emotional as well.

Sigh and that is when I dream a lot. And think a lot.

Anyway !!!!

Still missing Melbourne !! It was a fantastic trip and I am very glad and happy I made that trip. I swear, those memories, I will treasure forever.

I have returned to my Heart of Greed series, with my spare time. I should be studying, but I have to finish this. Maybe by this weekend. And you know, it is so terrible. .....

I think of you whenever I watch the series. Whenever I hear that song inside. Whenever I say the word terrible, which I do all the time now. Whenever I play mahjong. Whenever I ..... a lot of things...OK ANYWAY. I do not usually believe in signs, but you know, your song was playing in the shop the other day. And then I heard someone say the word so terrible. And then I met someone with your name. And the site where I watch my series, the series was uploaded by a guy called KiwiFruit. Ok anyway like I said I do not believe in signs. But, I miss you and I dream of you.

This is turning out to be a really long post. Just as long as yesterday's. Or even longer. OMG. Episode 36. I swear, this sub story of Heart of Greed which really has no reason to be in the show at all, is really my inspiration.

ANYWAY !! OMG>.... I think I am growing old...memory keeps slipping and typing nonsense stuff. Hehe, no can do, just yesterday I was saying that I felt really young.

ANYWAY...there is really too many anyways in this post. Let me log off.

I love you.

I think if we could raise our kids in Melbourne quietly, then I would not have to be mega rich. I would be content.

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Xin Chow !

It really feels a bit weird to be in a 3rd country in 3 days. Just Sunday morning I was still in Australia, and now I am in Vietnam. Yes Vietnam. Country of the blue dragon. Country of Pho, and sweet rice rolls.

On first glance it is like Shanghai. Cheap food, cheap clothes, cheap everything. Crazily expensive rent. Only instead of bicycles, you see a lot of motorcycles. Same crazy hooting taxis. Never in a thousand years would I have thought that I would have have a chance to be in 5 different countries in the same calendar year. And yet I am. It has been a crazy ride so far and for now I hope it does not stop.

After I got back to Malaysia and unpacked, it was all about getting myself pumped up for work again. It really takes a lot of effort to get back in the groove. Fortunately, it was made easier when I was unfortunately landing in a whole load of work. I actually expected a very slack two days but heaven knows best, and one of my customers defaulted on 40 million dollars. Paperwork, stress and hellfires. Those words describe my days. I also had to pack up my place as I would be leaving for a new department when I come back from Vietnam. So back went all my things into two boxes. I have been sitting here for 7 months now, since March. It is also my third cubicle on the same floor. Goodbye little corner seat.

And then Vietnam. Oh excitement. Really ? I guess there was a little. Packing went by really quick. I am very proud and glad to say that I do not mind living in a suitcase at all. As long as once in a while I get to change all the clothes I put inside. I am also very proud to say that I am a much better packer, and now I can travel lighter than I have ever been able to do before. No longer do I have the urge to put every piece of clothing I own into the bag, for fear of not getting the right style or look. I can decide, and actually put back clothing into the wardrobe. I am stronger than that shirt. I am.

Flight only lasted about an hour and a half. No entertainment, though I was very impressed by the lunch served. It was 3 sandwiches, an apple, some chocolate and a glass of water. All packed into a nice box. It was like unwrapping a Christmas present. Very nice.

Taxi was easy to get, and off to the apartment. I will be staying there with MrNM. Great guy. Anyway, then went to the office and the CEO was there from Hanoi, (I am in Ho Chi Minh) and he reminded me of those old Indian movie style policeman. Balding, with a big moustache, short and very fierce eyes. Had to impress. Then met some of the people around who I would be working near and with, and then had a very short time to realise that I would be working in an all new environment, in an all new department, with all new stuff, with an all new language with very tight deadlines. Ah, the challenge. Can be exhausting.

Dinner was with one of the managers who I will call MsF. American bred, born in Vietnam. Came back to work, for only a month so far. 32 years old. Divorced. No kids. Haha. Anyway. MrNM and myself walked around the city, he showing me a lot of interesting shops and little eateries and big massage parlours, and colourful minimarts and dingy looking furniture stores....till we met up with MsF with her boyfriend and two girlfriends at a little Restaurant called Goldfish. (It was opposite MNG). Everything had a goldfish on it. We had goldfish soup. Which was actually cream of chicken. But branded goldfish. And some other random food. And wine. Which I learnt that the people here are quite fond of. When I say people, I mean the expats. Ms F and her boyfriend are both American, and her two friends were Korean who have been in Vietnam for the last 7 years, aged 25 and 29. So these people had wine with food. Obviously, so did I. And we talked. And adjourned to a nice little wine bar where we had another 2 bottles of wine and talked some more. Mind you, the Koreans knew fluent Vietnamese but not much English, so we had a lot of fun learning little Viet slangs and phrases while the wine kept slipping down.

Work the next day. By the way, MrNM and I have separate bedrooms and bathrooms. Good. We can each take our own sweet time. At the office, got a lot more work. So it was good. Because otherwise I would have fallen asleep in the office. Viet people are very polite, soft spoken and friendly. Lunch time, we visited Diamond Plaza. Which is basically a shopping department store. I am telling you, Ho Chi Minh, or Saigon has more branded shops than Malaysia. It is really a big shopping centre and playground for the expatriates here who number more than 100,000. There are 15,000 Koreans alone. And then there are all the VietQs, who are basically really rich Viets, who are elite, and have studied overseas and speak perfect English and look like they stepped out from MTV Asia. They get paid a lot. And refer to the other Vietnamese as locals. Lol.

Anyway, work work work. How interesting can it be right, to tell you about it ? Well, I found it really interesting, which was good, since it was completely new stuff to me. So that was good. Kept me busy and we also did a lot of laughing in the office as we showed off our new skills in Viet language. Especially when we were saying things like "You are infinitely beautiful" and "You are achingly beautiful" and "You give me a cavity when I am near you".

The plan was to go to this gentlemen's barbershop for MrNM to get a haircut and a head massage while I got a SIM card before meeting up for dinner but we bumped into MsF, who was looking for an apartment. We followed her down an alley, and waited for her to inspect it. When she was done, it started raining cats, dogs, hippos, lions, and snakes. We ran through the rain to a nearby restaurant, called Alibi. Which is a pretty famous place in Ho Chi Minh. Just look it up and see !! And we had cocktails and waited for the rain to stop with some burritos and salmon billinis. As the rain did not seem to stop, soon we were joined by more expats, from India, US, and around.

Anyway, we soon realised we were the youngest people on the table. Then next youngest was probably MsF who was 32. The other people on the table were investing in Vietnam, and had some clubs, jazz lounges, a real estate firm, and advertising firm and there was even one lady who was working with social organisations. But after 2 hours more and some food, I realised we were really out of our depth. These people had money and had experiences. They were discussing separation, divorces, businesses and one of them even had a son who was older than myself. And they were discussing how many years it had been and the pain, and how they moved on and things like that. They were discussing how to invest their next million, and which clubs were good to go to, which wines were good and which car was good. They had iPhones, and cars and drivers, and careers and love life. And they were all well travelled and had been all over the world and had so many experiences and so much knowledge. I felt so insignificant. And young. And humbled.

But it was a great time. They did not act condescending to me. And we were able to carry on good conversation, even though I listened a lot more than I talked.

I think this people are what I want to be like in the future. They travel around, and learn so much and enjoy the world. No baggage, nothing to tie them down. Friends around the world. But can I manage to achieve this ? With a lot of hard work, I am sure I can.

And I want to.

And you guys out there, make sure you are somewhere around on this world, so I can visit you.

I love you and miss you all out there.

Serious !!

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And I did finish my work ! The whole book was finished and I did not expect that. Then I went for their Banking lecture which was on Derivatives and almost fainted from boredom. Lol. The lecturere was not very good. Running away after two hours, we went to a Korean restaurant down on King Street for dinner with some of the others. It was very good, and myself, WoobyBear and SabBear shared a bottle of Soju. Later on we decided to catch a movie at Melbourne Central and me, JinBear and NiqBear watched Hairspray while all the others watched Rush Hour 3. It was sooo good ! I was singing in the cinema and later when all the other people left, the three of us were dancing in front of the big screen. It was really a fun movie. Getting back to IH, I met OmarBear and he took me and JeanBear out to the great Kebab trailer on the other side of Royal Park. Food was still fantastic and I ate one even though I was not hungry at all because it was soooo good. We also talked a lot and it was great to find someone so passionate about his job and life on the whole.

The next day, woke up walk in university, after which I walked to the city to do some errands. Went into the State Library for the first time in my life, and also managed to get JinBear's birthday present. It will take about two weeks though so she would have to collect it herself. (YOU BETTER TELL ME IF YOU LIKE IT!). Then walked a lot around the city before going to meet up with CCBear and KeeBear who had a mega assignment due. It was decided that we would all eat dinner at the Verve and have a mega assignment session too. JeanBear and VeronBear came for dinner too. And the work began. I got so sick of the assignment and it was not even mine and I did not really do anything too ! So glad I did not do any marketing in university. With a mix of assigment, DS, TV, we spent the night there.

Next morning they finished up and finally we went for lunch at Melbourne Central at the Japanese place next to the Crepe place. Then it was Mahjong at Verve where we finally tallied all the accounts...(not too bad, lost 5 dollars in 3 weeks..) and then I was picked up by FredBear to go to Collingwood to pick up SherBear to go watch the SINGALONG HAIRSPRAY at the Jam Factory !! It was so cool ! Basically they had all the lyrics for all the songs at the bottom of the screen so that you could sing along like a karaoke session. It is a really good concept...Went back to the Verve where CCBear, KenBear, KeeBear, DanBear and DamBear had all prepared to go to Seven again. So we went. And it was windy. We got in, and did what people do in clubs and finally left around 3, I think. I remember some fries and some onion rings at Hungry Jacks because they were out of soft serve, and then walked over to Chilli Padi. Bumped into RaeBear who was on the way to get some fries from McDonalds. Hehe. So funny. And then met the rest of them up there. Had some diet coke before OmarBear picked my up along with some other people from IH for some breakfast at 4 am before they start fasting for Ramadan.

It was funny because we were there a bit late and the Afghan food took a while to cook so with only five minutes to go, they starting getting some of the untouched food from nearby tables. Because if they did not do that, they would not be getting any food at all. Then the food came, and people started eating really fast, and debating on the proper time that the deadline was. Tired out, went back to shower and catch some sleep. CKBear came a knocking around 8.30 as he had to go off so had to say goodbye then already. Then slept on off a bit more, and finally managed to get DaveBear to come pick me and my luggage up and go to Seasons. Thanks JeanBear for letting me stay there ! Lugging up the stuff upstairs and then went to Uropa where there was a planned surprise party for JinBear. It was funny and lots of fun really. Probably the last ever group birthday celebration for me with these guys. Lots of food and lots of cooking and some Articulate! later, went down to see IzyBear and buy some chocolates for the workplace. Then loaded luggage on to the car, and then we went off to High Street for dinner with SoBear, RaeBear, FredBear, SherBear, JinBear, RachBear, DinoBear and NiqBear.

FredBear, SherBear and NiqBear accompanied me to the airport and the line was CRAZY long. But we managed to check in, and then had some coffee and mocktails at Hilton before going in.

And then I got on the plane.

Phew.

There.

The holiday is finally over.

But I have had so many new thoughts and revelations on this trip. Which I would/should be blogging about soon.

It is the end of another era....I call it entering my 7th stage of life...

And therefore, truthfully, yes, I did cry on the plane. And it was weird, because I was looking at all the lights in Melbourne and was thinking that it was very nice that they were so nice and straight. Lol. And it came without warning. It just came.

Luckily the lights were all off.

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I am seriously at a lost when I try to think about what I did for the last few days. In fact, I wrote this post from Wednesday backwards, because then I could at least sort of remember what I did before each day. And still I got Sunday and Saturday confused....now it is alright...

Friday night, I seriously forgot what we did. Or rather what I did. Oh wait, had Korean dinner where I was introduced to something called Popcorn Chicken.....Hahahaha. Then walked with DanBear to RaeBear's place as we were supposed to go Seven again. But in the end, it was too late to go, and I walked home.

Saturday. Am pretty sure I had lunch with HarvBear. Also walked around the city discovering some new bookshops. Then It was GRAND FINAL ! Went to the Verve to watch it, and KeeBear feel asleep after taking a mug of Cooper's. Poor boy. We had plans to go out later but first I went for dinner at Westlake. FredBear was in attendance. Haha. Though we did have some confusion over the venue and time due to miscommunication. Watched the table opposite us who ordered lobster and could not finish it, and we were hoping that they would send it over to us. It did not happen. Then I went back to the Verve, since we were planning to go to Market Hotel for an eye opening experience. We did not go out in the end, and played several hours of mahjong though at 2 am I went to Lions to look for RaeBear and SharBear. Found them at Equinox instead where met ZBear and DanBear as well. Ended up at Chilli Padi and then took the cab home.

Sunday. Slept. And then went to the library to study with JinBear and KaiBear. As Kai did not have lunch, accompanied him to KFC where I was tempted to buy Wicked Wings. AND I DID !!! I stupidly bought 10 wings in a moment of lust and stupidity and had to eat them all. Yum. But after that ew....I did not feel too great. Study Study Study and also managed to read a few chapters worth of Greek mythology. Had dinner at Universal, where I fell in love with a fantastic chicken avocado pasta. Bum. Hahaha.

Monday. Met up with GeneBear and YuBear for lunch yumcha at SharkFin. Joined by SharBear. Also bumped into XXBear in the city on her lunch break. Convinced/Forced SharBear to join me walking around in Smith Street, where I saw a lot of shoes, and then met up with SherBear for dinner at home with her sisters. Great home cooked food, an episode each of Home and Away and Australian Idol later, it was talking time and we ended up camwhoring with ShayBear's camera. Ended up at Seasons bumming around till it was time to go home.

Tuesday. Got really lazy in bed and finally woke up to a really bad hair day. Took 20 minutes or more to get it in some sort of shape. Missed the tram and had to walk to university to meet up with JeanBear and EugBear for sushi at the Concrete Lawn. Lying in the sun on the lawn is something that I hardly did even when I was in uni. Then walked to Seasons, and played DS while CCBear did her assignment. Until finally managed to convince her to go for a quickie shopping spree on Bridge Road. Hehe. Sorry KeeBear. Only saw lots of shoes and clothes that I wanted to buy. Also bumped into ChenBear there. OMG ! Stopped in the city on the way back to have dinner with SherBear, XXBear, SarahBear, KimyBear and BuckBear. It was a load of laughs and fun and gossip sharing. And even business card sharing since all of us are now working. I think this dinner was fun, because it was a dinner between working people so we could connect really well. Conversation did not stop at all and it was really a nice dinner at Meshiya. These people I could catch up with even after 10 years and it would still be fun. Then BuckBear and I picked up TasBear and we went for drinks at the Rooftop Bar. Joined by SharBear later, we talked about loads of stuff, including one of the girls at the bar who was basically wearing a white blouse with a belt. And the wind was blowing really hard since we were on the rooftop. Lol. Then we moved down a couple of floors to another bar, where they had little cubicles to sit in. They had screens so that you get some privacy but people can still look in. And we saw this girl on her back being fingered by a guy. .... >_< " .... Back to Dooby's apartment where everyone did some assignments and I watched some television and fell asleep.

Wednesday. Which is today. Woke up around 11 to go for lunch at Genzan Sushi. Sushi was good there, and it reminds me of a sort of Rakuzen but cheaper and more accessible to everyone. Located at GPO at Bourke, wonderful place. Then we walked over to Hopetoun, bumping into AkinaBear on the way. At Hopetoun EVEN THOUGH IT WAS ONLY 2 PM, they ran out of scones. So the mission to have scones was still a failure. Then RaeBear and SharBear went shopping in the city while I decided to go to Monash with JinBear and WoobyBear. Right now typing this in the computer lab. And will be here till 9. Hopefully I could finish studying Book 3 by tonight.....

By the way, a very small portion of my trip pictures are on my facebook at http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=55816&id=867830334.


Things to do....

1. Meet OmarBear. And CharBear ? YvBear, StephyBear ?
2. Say Goodbye to KKMBear, and MIA people like CKBear and IzyBear.
3. Talk to FredBear. LOL !!!
4. Get pictures of trip off people.
5. Agonize over the shoes on sale......
6. If possible, meet JeffBear and NickBear ?
7. Go to Vic Mart.
8. Pack up. And prepare to go back to work.....

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