My Travels

I have to say, I like Saigon the most of all the places I've been. Architecturally different. From my understanding, the government allows only a certain amount of square footage to a family so all the houses essentially like alike...narrow structures that go deep, like SF Victorian houses (without the character). However, in Saigon, there is a little differentiation, not huge but some. I think it has to do with the European influence. Today, we went to Vaun Tang.....very unimpressive. It is the nearest beach to Saigon and it was a generic beach. I wonder why it was part of the itinerary. Came back and ate at Pho Pasteur...it has a good reputation for pho and my father remembered it fondly. It was good...not fantastic but good. Meat is a little tough. In general, I've found beef to be very tough in Vietnam. Pork = good, fish = good, chicken = good, beef = no good, fruits = can be deadly but good. After dinner, went to visit my aunt. She's the oldest on my fathe...

Am continuing my battle with food sickness. Had a brief spell of lucidity in Hoi An and was able to order an ao doi, traditional vietnamese dress. Was kind of cool to be able to order something at 10 pm and get it the next day handmade. My youngest brother also ordered a suit and my sister ordered a two piece skirt outfit. Them's some nimble fingers. Got to Nha Trang a couple of days ago and found it unappealing. It is Vientam's answer to South Beach in Miami or Gold Coast in Brisbane. Either way, not really up to my tastes. On our first night we were shuttled to the wrong hotel and ended up staying at a 2 star hotel for a night. Not a big deal, right? Well, the hotel was also a pimp hotel and I saw alot of guests with "companions" that night. The next day we moved to the right hotel and I promptly became sick again the next morning. I think it was bad karma to move.... The picture is the outside of the cheesy and equally inadequate facilities of an aquarium. The whol...

Ever since leaving Hanoi, I've come down with a bad case of food poisoning. We leave tomorrow for Saigon. Hopefully, I will have recovered enough to leave my hotel room. If you ever want to lose weight, food poisoning is the way to go...haven't really eaten in the past four days and haven't stayed awake much either. Today's hotel is one of the nicest we've stayed at....it also has one of the hardest beds I've ever slept in.

I'm currently in Hue, the Middle Kingdom. This is where the capital was located when Vietnam was ruled by royalty. Saw a couple of temples today...men were hella short as evidenced by the actual size statues. Visited the tomb of the last king. Pretty ornate stuff, man had an ego. My mom has a theory about the king. She thinks he was gay. The reason being that he was known to have several hundred wives but no children and his demeanor was flamboyant. :) Sort of died on the plane and am slowly recovering. Before I continue, I am going to regress a little. Came back from Ha Long Bay and it was quite lovely. We were able to have a huge ferry boat to ourselves and the people were very nice on the boat. There are villages floating in Ha Long Bay (land is too expensive) and we bought some seafood to cook on the boat for lunch. Pretty cool. Also, there are some natural caves in the area and we were able to walk in. Conservationists would cringe at the Asian take of displays....

Made it to Ha Long Bay after a 3 hour drive. It was a pleasant enough drive. The one thing that caught my eye was a motorcycle (the biggest engine possible in Vietnam is 150 cc) with four LIVE pigs strapped onto the back. Amazing what people will do to transport things. The city itself is pretty small. A lot of contsruction. Apparently, the area is trying to develop itself as a resort town given the number of hotel construction and a "pier" area. The closest thing I can think of is that the city is trying to create a Santa Monica pier feel. Sigh, the progression of capitalism. Tomorrow, we're suppose to go on the boat and see more of the bay. Hopefully, the natural landscape will be more appealing. We're staying a relatively new hotel with views of the bay. My parents have the pimped out room while us children are relegated to normal size rooms. Considering how empty this place is, I think we should ALL get pimped out rooms. The one good thing I can say is ...

Met up with the parents and siblings in Hanoi. My uncle and grandma also came over a week or two ago. After dumping our stuff at the hotel, went to vist a cousin where grandma/uncle were staying with and met my other uncle and his kids. (Mom's side) Afterwards, went to the hotel and met up with an uncle (father's side) and his kids before going to dinner. The second day we went to my father's hometown two hours outside of Hanoi. Visited the family grave sites where great great great grandparents to grandmother was buried. Also met a bunch of cousins and uncles. Was pretty cool to see the little town where everyone lived before the war scattered everyone. I also saw my family tree for the first time. There are some incomplete parts where recent marriages and births weren't documented. I'm going to bring a copy home and fill out the missing holes. My particular branch needs a correction as well....as I've been named "Petit" Vu. Even my own fa...

I went to Chatachuk (sp?) weekend market. The place, like the rest of Bangkok, is intense. I want to say it is the "South Coast Plaza" of swapmeets. Anything you can think of to buy, it is available. From puppies to candles to furniture, all can be had in one place. The place is so large that vendors are categorized into certain areas. Even with the map, I was still lost. The weekend market was more impressive than the Melbourne miles of stores. Afterwards, I went back to the hotel for one last massage appointment. There was a 20% discount for all massages in the midday. I am not suprised that most people aren't in the hotel during those times and a good way to drum up some business. Had the best aromatherapy massage....or maybe I was just that tired. :) Bangkok seems to be a city of commerce. Everyone is always trying to sell something and I was determined to see what other variation the city can conjure. My final foray was to the Sualum (sp?) Night Bazaar. ...

I realized I had forgotten a package at the airport and decided to take mass transit. Word to the wise, do not get distracted by all the taxi drivers hanging around the airport trying to get you into their taxis. The BTS Skytrain is fairly easy and quick. Faster and nicer than the L in Chicago. Unfortunately, they haven't completed the connection to the airport (2008 according to the literature). There are several airport buses at certain Skytrain terminals and I took one. Oddest thing, they give you little bus tickets but you can't transfer. I think it is for a return trip but I haven't figured it out yet. By the time my airport errand was over, I was back at the hotel around midday and decided to chill at the pool. Hotel is pretty nice as it sits along the river (Chayra River -sp?). My plans for going to the night bazaar was waylayed by my laziness. Wanted to take a nap and ended up falling asleep and waking up at 5 am the next day. There goes my plans for the night bazaa...

I feel like I've walked at least 10 miles today. Left the hotel at 9 am and didn't return until 7 pm. I only felt lost a handful of times. I consider that a good thing considering I had only a 'tourist' map and going by my Fodor's descriptions from memory. I've learned a couple of things today while sightseeing Bangkok. 1) The internet access at the hotel seems arbitrary. I can access most websites but I can't access my webmail or yahoo messenger. Is this censorship? 2) Hustlers are everywhere in Bangkok. 3) The amount of traffic congestion in Bangkok can be attributed to 3 groups - tuk tuk drivers, taxis, and buses. Half the time the tuk tuks and taxis seem empty. Makes you wonder why there is so much traffic if no one really needs to get anywhere? There are also ALOT of scooters. 4) Asian drivers developed their bad driving habits at home and bring it to other countries. No one pays attention to lights nor possesses any driving etiquettes. 5) Food handling...

So I made it finally.....Although I've heard about Suvarnabuam (sp?) airport is new, I find the new Bangkok Airport fairly cold and uninviting. Maybe they'll work on it some more..... I also fell for the lamest scam ever. In my confusion of getting out of the airport and looking for public transportation, I fell prey to the taxi drivers who wait outside the arrival terminal. After seeing a sign for a private limo for 900 baht, the offer of 700 baht seemed like a decent deal. Afterwards, I found out that most taxi rides cost around 400 to 500 baht including the tolls and airport surcharges. There are airport shuttle buses that will run 150 baht or you can take mass transit for 70 baht (combination of BMTA and Skytrain/subway). I've officially crashed. Made a quickie massage appt and am going to bed at 10 pm. :) Royal Orchid Sheraton is very cool. Apparently, this hotel is one of the nicest in the city. The US Dollar travels far. Used to travel farther pre-Bush. R...

Finally made it to Singapore and only one more leg to go. Had a stop in Taipei but it only lasted an hour. Enough time to walk off the plane, go through security, and get back on the plane. I guess someone could have snucked something into the airplane again?? Grabbed a quick shower in the Singapore Airlines lounge. A good thing - I probably stink to high heaven after sitting in a plane for 20 hours....

It has been a whirlwind of activity these past few weeks. Blazed through Hawaii after Thanksgiving and am now preparing to leave for Bangkok today. I'm going to totally butcher Thai words.....

I promised a friend a picture of Malibu's coastline. The famed Pepperdine view from campus....

The TV show is better than the city, I think. Although downtown Cincy is alot better than downtown LA. Am staying at a Westin (recently converted from a Le Meridien, I think). The cool thing about downtown Cincy is that all the buildings are connected through skywalks. I guess the weather here is bad enough to warrant such a thing. It has been raining cats and dogs since I've arrived. Although, now that I'm leaving, the rain has stopped.

Had a quick trip through Boston before heading to NYC. Quaint hotels are the fashion ... which means very small rooms for expensive prices. My first poster bed ever...in the Sheraton Commander. Of course, one of my colleagues decided on a culinary detour when in Cambridge. We went to the Summer Shack for the infamous lobster corn dog. However, it was a seasonal item we just missed. After seeing the disappointed faces of my companions (as I don't care for shellfish), the waitress talked to the cook and the cook was nice enough to make some out of season. In addition, our request made it to the Lunch Special Blackboard.

I've trekked up to Madison, Wisconsin. The campus is nice, I wonder if I could live in Madison.

Spent some days in SF and am now in Chicago. Checked into the Conrad-a relatively new property in the Magnificent Mile area. The living space has moderate size and the bathroom is large. I like the separate shower and bath component of the room. I like the entertainment touch. A plasma TV - about 36 inches - with a Bose surround speaker system.

Am in the Le Meridien in North Miami and I am very impressed. Most of the rooms are designed almost like 1 bedroom apts with full kitchens. I have to be impressed with the kitchen design. Full fridgerators and dishwasher. I'm contemplating baking a cake in the oven. The rest of the hotel room ain't too shabby either. More tomorrow when there is daylight I'll get in some more pictures of the views.

Am currently on the western shore of Florida. I have to give the #1 award of best view at a fair at USF-St. Petersberg. Also, the #1 award for worst drivers in America goes to Florida - definitely central Florida. When you have truck drivers cutting off other truck drivers going at 80 mph, you've got some serious cases of road rage. And the speed limit is 70 mph. Sheesh. Finally, the #1 award for serious homes on public beachfront property goes to Naples. After my event, I had some time in the early dinner hour to check the local beaches. I have to say the homes are GINORMOUS and very impressive as you walk to the public beaches.

I'm leaving Orlando today. Just wanted to show the pool area. The arch actually is streaming water down. Pretty cool if you're sitting underneath.

I've been remiss and have been busy travelling around. Obviously nothing much to talk about since I haven't posted anything. I just checked into the Sheraton Orlando North. I must admit, I'm very impressed with this hotel. Barely a month old, the hotel is pretty empty and I hve most of the hotel to myself. I got a room with the treadmill inside...the Sheraton Workout Room, I believe. Very nice decor and a 36 inch LG plasma...

Returned home to LA. St. Lous was a pretty nice city. The downtown area is ok but I definitely liked the area around Wash U. Even did some real estate shopping with my friend. In comparison to LA, it was pretty affordable to live around the University area. I have to admit that Wash U is a gorgeous campus with many modern amenities.

Got into St. Louis yesterday. Never been and am visiting my friend who works at Wash U. Seems like a very nice city. Very humid. The homes around Wash U are amazingly large.

Update: complaining via email does work. Sent United an email regarding my flight delays and received an electronic certificate. Sent Hilton an email about the lack of certain services at the Capital Hilton and got a call from the General Manager today. He was kind enough to give me his contact information for my next visit to the hotel.

Finished my workshop at Howard Law School. I don't know the history of the campus but it seems like a nice enough location and facility. Although I didn't see any students.... Since my lunch wasn't really that palatable, I ordered some room service. Had a grilled cheese and "Smiley" fries. If you haven't guessed, I ordered from the kids menu. Anyways, before I polish off my meal, I wanted to remember the fries.... so cute!

Back in DC. I often try to stay at the Capital Hilton because of the location and room configuration. I feel like I'm in a studio when at this Hilton. At times I wonder if it is better to stay at the Hilton Washington near Woodley Park because the rooms are suites. However, it is somewhat out of the way in terms of dining and nightlife. And for some reason, the downtown area is the cheapest in DC.

Had excellent Thai food in Greenwich Village, Boyd Thai. Afterwards, I lost my wallet in the NYC cab and have gone into government administrative hell trying to locate the cabbie. As I tried to figure out how to get some money into my hands and a way to get past airport security, I checked out Columbia University. The building is the administration building which was the original library for the school. Definitely a different vibe when you walk onto campus.

True to form, my trip to Atlanta had some bumps. What was suppose to be a 2 hour layover became a 5 hour layover. Barely had time to catch up with a friend for dinner and a drink with a colleague. Suprisingly, the area around the airport isn't as seedy as most other cities' airports. A view out of my room's window... For those interested, Michon's is near Delta HQ. Very good smoked meats/bbq.

Ok, today is my last day in DC for this conference. I've decided that it wasn't worth getting up at 8 am on a Saturday to make a showing for a brunch. Sean and I decide to meet up and walk around the Mall area. As I watch the tourists whiz by, does anyone not walk anymore? Luckily, the weather today was in the low 70s and breezy. An ideal day to walk around. So, I saw the typical stuff. Capitol Hill, Washington Monument, Jefferson Memorial (from across the lake), WWII Memorial. But I did catch an interesting statue.... I have no idea what it is suppose to symbolize but I found this ginormous rose in the Federal Triangle area. I have to say, DC keeps alot of artists employed. The only annoying thing about DC was that alot of construction was going on and sidewalk closures were everywhere.

It is a beautiful day in DC. Weather is good about 80 degrees. No real humidity, a real pleasant day to walk around. Although you still sweat if you're in work clothes.... From my understanding, Chinatown DC is pretty scuzzy...until the "gentrification." This is the most westernized Chinatown I've ever seen. Chains like Hooters, CVS, and Benneton sit in the heart of "Chinatown." I guess the Chinese translations on the sign and pagoda architecture makes it ethnic. Don't get me wrong, there is still some great little hole in the wall restaurants but it is overwhelmed by the bigger players in the area. Had lunch at Butterfield 9, corner of 14th and F. I liked the baked alaska - sponge cake and pistachio ice cream. So far Sean has approved of all the eateries we've been...gonna try my luck with the Peacock Cafe in Georgetown. We'll see how I fare.....

I'm in DC today. Flew into Reagan. Haven't done this in a long time. The airport reminds me of a nicer version of LaGuardia Airport. Had to fly through Denver and experienced a slight delay on the tarmac. I'm staying near the convention center which is also near Chinatown. I found this really good Thai place - Kanlaya Thai Cuisine, 740 6th Street. The absolute best best sticky rice and mango dessert ever!!! http://www.kanlayathaicuisine.com/

The Annual Meeting. This time in Toronto! Many members are disappointed with the location, although I think it is fun. I know, I know, no beach or pool for the East Coasters. Water and sun is overrated anways. Although the conference hotel is in the Fairmont, I have decided to stay at the Hilton. Hee. I do know there is a group of hardcore Marriott whores staying at the Renaissance nearby. The only cool thing about the Renaissance is that it overlooks the baseball stadium. I think the Red Sox played this week. I didn't get in touch with my half-brother, Jimmy, in Montreal. So we're gonna see if we can see each other in Toronto. He lives in Ottawa but his fiancee, Elise, lives in Toronto. Kill two birds with one stone. Elise is very nice and sweet. I'm glad my brother found someone. Toronto reminds me of Chicago. Very big, very clean, and lots of people. I've been told it is the "civilized" New York City. Had great food at an Indian restaurant called Trimurtu ...

So I went for a week in May to Montreal. It was for an International Educators conference. I had two purposes. One - professional networking and possibly move into another part of higher education. (For those who know me, I'm always looking :p ) Two - my half sister lives in Montreal. Now, this is going to be confusing but she is also Betty and I will refer to her as SM from here on out. SM stands for Suong Mai - her vietnamese name. The only other common trait we share besides our name is the fact that she doesn't like to have her picture taken. There were many attempts to get this shot....here is an example of a failed one.... Anyways, I was at the Hilton. Suprise, suprise. Nice hotel in Old Montreal area. I liked the TV. I'm impressed that they've upgraded the TVs to flat panel. I had a passing thought about stealing it but I didn't think I'd make it past customs. :) I found the oddest thing in the hotel lounge area. Whipped honey. I always thought honey was ...

I stayed at the Aladdin on the strip. I like the convenient location and it is part of Starwood! My alternative was the conference hotel which was the Flamingo. Nothing wrong with old Vegas but the Aladdin is a far better hotel and less cheesy. Unfortunately, Aladdin is converting to the "Planet Hollywood" hotel. Gag, gag, gag. Sigh, another hollywood venture. Anyways, the best part of the room is the view and the bathtub!