Wanderlust

Saigon Christmas Frenzy

2010-12-12T18:09:00.003+07:00

After dinner Saturday night, Adam and I walked to the centre of town to check out the holiday chaotic festivities!!

Australia - Part 5 - Great Ocean Road

2010-11-21T17:10:00.006+07:00

Here we go down the Great Ocean Road!

Ta da!

Students in Australia having a kayak lesson...how nice would that be to have kayak as part of the school curriculum.

Great Ocean Road real estate

Beauty everywhere

Moonlight Head and what's left of a shipwreck

The Twelve Apostles

Obviously they've had fires come through here

Loch Ard Gorge

It was raining and cold

Bull Ants...and they were big!

Australia 2010 - Part 4 - The City

2010-11-14T18:00:00.003+07:00

Melbourne

Aquarium

Flinders Street Station

The Royal Arcade

We didn't spend much time in the city as we spent most of our time in the surrounding areas searching for wildlife. I will definitely have to go back to see more of what appears to be a great city!

Australia 2010 - Part 3 - Brighten Beach and Luna Park

2010-11-12T18:00:00.003+07:00

Here we are at Brighten Beach

The weather was warmish...but not warm enough to break open the beach hut and head for a swim...it's spring here remember!

Australian and Vietnamese beach huts (in colour anyway)...side by side!

And the biggest jellyfish I'd ever seen

The view of the city from the beach

Arriving in St. Kilda. It's a cozy, beachy town....very cute with lots of character

At the Palais Theatre, Pat Benatar was preforming.....there were a lot of people wandering around from the 80's....which as you might remember, is not a good look.

Decided to take a walk along the St. Kilda pier

Lots of kite surfing going on despite the fact that it was freezing cold....but the wind was good (note my hair blowing swiftly in the breeze)

We also saw Little Penguins...but we had to search hard for them as they were nestled in the rocks

Lots of sailers eager to brave the weather for a racing regatta....but this seems to be the only boat I took a picture of.

Australia 2010 - Part 2 - Arthur's Seat and beyond....

2010-11-10T20:20:00.005+07:00

From the top of Archer's Seat

We took a little time from enjoying the view to snap our photo

What a great coastline!!

The Blow Hole - Cape Schnack

The long walk down to the water

But worth the view once you get there

Soaking it all in!

Australia 2010 - Part 1 - Wildlife...just some of what I saw

2010-11-06T17:12:00.007+07:00

Kookaburra

Kangaroo....with Emu

Wallaby

Cockatoo

Kangaroo....posing for pictures

Lorikeet

Rosella

Koala and baby in the tree at Kennett River along the Great Ocean Road

I'm excited about the whole thing...all these animals, just roaming around Australia. Amazing!

Kangaroos at a local golf course

Hopping around

Magpies...waiting to be fed

Is That for Real?

2010-09-25T16:24:00.002+07:00

Here's a bunch of boxes with a motorbike underneath....and this is what it looked like after he'd already made three deliveries!!!

River Slums

2010-09-21T18:00:00.000+07:00

Saigon is under major development. The housing you see here is being torn down in place of new roadways. We stopped to grab a few pictures before it's gone.

Auscham Ball....flashback to the 20's

2010-09-19T18:00:00.002+07:00

Adam and I attended the 2010 AusCham Ball with a Roaring 20's theme on Saturday night. We got dressed up, had a few drinks and danced until our feet hurt (well at least mine did anyway).

Here we are before heading out to ball

The decorations were over the top and of course we had the signature "Jim Beam girls" and Foster's beer girls" to serve our drinks!

Food was delicious, but does gourmet mean super small portion size?

All That Jazz....jazz hands baby!

Aside from the people watching, dancing and drinks, one of the best parts of the evening was posing in this car. We really hammed it up!

A fun night to remember!

Sunday Drive

2010-09-18T18:00:00.000+07:00

Adam has been doing a lot of exploring in and around this city we now call home. He took me on a drive a few weekends ago to show me just some of the interesting things he found. We start off at this ferry crossing.

All aboard!!

Patiently waiting

The water was not looking very clean.

Back on dry land, we drove through many different areas of Saigon.
Saigon seems to become more modern everyday, but the traditional Vietnam still exists.

Cock-a-doodle doo!

Drying incense

Unloading of fruits and vegetables to be sold at the market

Colourful carrier

We really weren't very far from the city at any given point. The new Lotus Tower stands tall over everything else in the skyline.

Scheduled for completion this year, this tower is just one of many now under construction. Forever changing and evolving, Saigon is different everyday!

Is That for Real?

2010-09-16T18:00:00.005+07:00

String

Pugsitting

2010-09-14T18:00:00.002+07:00

Much like babysitting, Adam and I have found a pug named Claire who we get to pugsit. She loves Adam and has an obession with his shoes.

Face off

She has her own bed, but prefers to sleep on Adam's trainers and flip flops....dogs are weird.

Saigon Horse Racing

2010-09-12T18:02:00.000+07:00

Adam and I went to the races. It's not exactly the Kentucky Derby. I didn't wear my big hat and drink champagne. Instead, we got dirty and sweaty and checked out how the Vietnamese do horse racing.

Waiting around for race time

Some get bored and goof around

They get a hose down and big drink before they saddle up

Then it's time for new shoes

Say cheese....he likes his new shoes

Cell phones are always close at hand

The horses are then paraded around for all the punters to have a good look. The jockeys are usually kids...they look about 10 years old most of them

Checking out the competition

Studying the horses and previous placings. Minimum bet is 10,000 dong (or $0.50)...there are big bucks to be made here!! Place your bets!

Even I get into it!

In deep discussion and placing side bets

Wondering if he picked the winner

The race is set to begin

The crowd awaits....

They're off and DOWN THE STRETCH THEY COME.....

It's an intense race....but not exactly a photo finish. Some of the horses are practically walking by the end as it's about 35 degrees...I was melting and I was just standing around

After the race the jockey's trot the horses back to the stable to be cooled and brushed down...another race done!

A very interesting afternoon spent at the Saigon Racing Club. The punters (who were mostly men) were all very friendly and I counted all of four westerners at the races (two of those being Adam and I).

Definitely worth checking out, as it is a fun, unique and cheap way to spend the afternoon.

Hong Kong

2010-09-08T18:10:00.013+07:00

I flew to Hong Kong last weekend to do two things. See my Mom who flew all the way over from Canada and to check out a city that I had heard great things about....I was not disappointed.

The flight over was on a United 747 and I sat on the top floor.....oh yes, VIP!

When I arrived in Hong Kong, my Mom (and her friend Norma) were waiting for me in the hotel room....so great to get a hug from Mom!

We spent 4 days seeing many of the sights that Hong Kong has to offer...below are just a few of my pictures!

Skyline through the haze

Night skyline...amazing

Famous The Peninsula

Equally famous Star Ferry...takes you back and forth from Kowloon to Hong Kong

Ceremony for the dead

Escalators to mid-levels

Signs

Streets of Soho

Double Decker

Hilly Streets...we climbed a lot

You know it rains a lot when they start selling umbrella's in vending machines!!

A shoppers paradise...too rich for my Vietnamese salary....poor me!

At The Peak

View from The Peak during the day.....

And the same view after the sunsets...spectacular!

Hung out with some cartoon characters

Challenged a little waxy Bruce Lee...he looks very scared

And did my best Forest Gump...run forest run!

Visited Aberdeen and Stanley...the bus ride was worth it!

Saw two people on a strange looking motorbike, scooter, or alien space 2-wheeler?? Not sure what you call this

Drank a little Starbucks...oh the things you miss!

Had a fantastic time seeing my Mom again.

They even have blow up pugs! I love this city!

And a Mona Lisa made out of toast.....WOW, what will they think of next??
Definitley going back to Hong Kong!

While on the plane on my way back to Ho Chi Minh City, I sat right outside of the cockpit door talking a gentleman's ear off, spilled my guts about my mis-doings, teased him about being a Russian spy (because he talked with a russian accent), teased him about being a US Federal Marshal and then learned when he handed me a little something that he actually was....oh the things that happen to an "innocent" Canadian girl!

Scouts

2010-09-04T18:00:00.002+07:00

The Scouts are out in Saigon. They sang songs, played games, practiced knots, pitched tents and sat on the tiniest stools you've ever seen.

The Scouts look more like tweedledum and tweedledee to me.

Birds and Bees

2010-09-02T18:00:00.000+07:00

Adam and I visited one of the local parks this past Sunday morning (quite early in fact). We saw a bunch of people (mostly men) who bring there birds to the park. The people sit around drinking coffee, while the birds sing to each other and have their own form of "social" interaction.

Also saw some beautiful flowers.

The Old Sniff

2010-09-01T18:00:00.000+07:00

Checking out a strange flower

Wired

2010-08-29T16:39:00.001+07:00

I can never get enough of how amazing the wiring in Saigon is....fascinating!

Our Spin About Town

2010-08-28T18:15:00.001+07:00

Adam and I took the Vespa and Cub for spin about town!
Here I'm posing with our vintage bikes!!

Morning Traffic

2010-08-28T16:28:00.000+07:00

Roads have flags displayed - Thursday September 2 is Independence Day.

Antique Shopping

2010-08-28T16:12:00.005+07:00

Adam and I went antique shopping last weekend and we found some really great stuff....we didn't buy, but we wanted too.

Workers can fix or make anything you'd like.

Is That for Real/

2010-08-20T18:00:00.000+07:00

Notice how the driver has no peripheral vision...makes for amazingly bad driving.

Is That For Real?

2010-08-18T18:00:00.001+07:00

Fixing the electrical wires....while wearing your motorbike helmet. Why didn't I think of that?

Another trip to Vung Tau

2010-08-16T18:00:00.000+07:00

Adam, Karen, and Adam's friend Jeff (who was visiting from Melbourne) went to Vung Tau for the weekend on the Hydrofoil. It is a 1 hour 30 minute journey from Saigon.

We hadn't been off the boat 10 minutes and we were already stopping for a meat pie lunch!

We rode around on rented motorbikes to take in the scenery....and I certainly was making a fashion statement!

We went to the beach to see how the local Vietnamese like to have fun...about 4 million of them!

We went to the dog races...I didn't win. Come to think of it, I think the most anyone walked away with was 5,000 VND ($0.25) or enough for a bag of fresh caramel popcorn.

We went swimming one afternoon and I even climbed on some of the local wildlife!

A good weekend was had by all!

Sunday Roast

2010-08-15T16:08:00.002+07:00

Adam and I went to a delicious Sunday Roast at Jaspa's and stuffed ourselves silly! We're here with friends Ly, Angus and Karen.

Is That for Real?

2010-08-06T18:00:00.000+07:00

Beer delivery

Is That for Real?

2010-08-04T18:00:00.000+07:00

No Ipod required here!
Carry, play and sell music on the move....Service with a smile!

Is That for Real?

2010-08-02T18:00:00.000+07:00

Training for the Tour

2010-07-31T18:00:00.003+07:00

It's too late for the 2010 Tour de France...but I think this rider is gearing up for 2011. Take notice of the fashion socks, sleek positioning on the bike and protective helmut.

Is That for Real?

2010-07-29T18:00:00.001+07:00

We don't have chip trucks in Vietnam...we have pototo chip delivery motorbikes.

Is That for Real?

2010-07-27T18:00:00.000+07:00

Need a water tank?

The cub gets a tune up

2010-07-25T18:00:00.001+07:00

The cub (aka Gordo as we fondly call him) went to the mechanic to have a few things checked over. He needed an oil change, engine check, wheels aligned and some of the electricals looked at. He was then given a soapy wash and blow dry....all for a amazing $5 and two hours of my day!

Smiling, Stylin McPosers

2010-07-24T15:57:00.004+07:00

This guy turned the cart around, so I could get a look at what he was selling and then he showed me his best red carpet pose.

Happy, smiling friends!

Bowling...Saigon Style

2010-07-20T18:00:00.001+07:00

Ready....

Set...

Bowl!

Check out the technique.

We are both seriously terrible bowlers!

I think I've even pulled a few muscles, but it was something to do while waiting for the rain to stop.

Other fun games...

Stylin McPosers

Raining on Shoe Street

2010-07-18T18:00:00.000+07:00

It's not actually called shoe street, but it is the main item for sale here...hence the name.

Running for cover....it just wouldn't let up!

Footy

2010-07-12T18:00:00.001+07:00

Aussie Rules. On the football pitch anyway.

Adam and I went to to a footy game on Saturday. Vietnam Swans vs. Jakarta Bintangs.

The Swans won by 8 points!

The teams are made up of expats from all over, but mostly Australian since they know the game best!

I've become a fan of Aussie rules footy. I even follow a team in the AFL (Western Bulldogs). It's a fast game, a lot of running, tackling and awesome plays.

Is That for Real?

2010-07-11T18:00:00.003+07:00

Cover up every part of yourself so your unrecognizable. Wear a jacket even though it's 35 degrees outside and throw your dog in the basket....Sunday drive anyone?

Pugs in Saigon

2010-07-09T19:45:00.005+07:00

We've been invaded by a pug. A super cute, cuddily, funny, snoring, spanish barking, beautiful puggy named Claire.

She made herself comfortable quickly. I think she liked us as much as we liked her.

After our brief visit from Claire, she was returned to her Mother, but we look forward to her visiting again soon!

I think I'll keep my day job...

2010-07-04T18:00:00.000+07:00

Is That for Real...moving day, but not for us!

2010-07-03T18:00:00.000+07:00

In the Rain

2010-07-02T18:00:00.000+07:00

Is That For Real?

2010-07-01T18:00:00.000+07:00

This is one way to do it

2010-06-30T18:00:00.000+07:00

I might have used ramps, but pushing your digger onto the truck is another way I'd never considered.

While waiting out the rain

2010-06-29T18:00:00.000+07:00

Waiting out a rain storm in front of a bridal shop....anyone looking for an orange wedding dress, let me know!

Have you cleaned out your ears lately...

2010-06-28T18:00:00.000+07:00

...and with a smile too!

Panorama view of Phu My Hung

2010-06-27T18:00:00.003+07:00

View of Phu My Hung, overlooking The Crescent

Is That for Real?

2010-06-26T18:00:00.000+07:00

Is That for Real?

2010-06-25T18:00:00.000+07:00

You know you've got a lazy man's load when you can't even fit onto the bike, so you have to ride beside it and push with your foot!

Heli Pad

2010-06-24T18:00:00.000+07:00

Not every city can brag that it has a building with it's own helicopter landing pad sticking out of the side! But in Saigon, we have it all!! (Except McDonald's...we don't have that!)

My First Rainy Season

2010-06-23T18:00:00.000+07:00

Striking a pose in the rain...I'm not sure why I'm wearing a rain coat, since I'm already soaked!

Is That For Real?

2010-06-22T18:00:00.002+07:00

If you look close, you'll see a human foot poking out. Yes, there is a driver!

Is That For Real?

2010-06-21T18:00:00.001+07:00

Is That For Real?

2010-06-20T18:00:00.001+07:00

Is That For Real?

2010-06-19T18:00:00.002+07:00

Day Tripper

2010-06-18T18:00:00.002+07:00

A drive in and around Saigon is never boring or typical as you may have guessed. A few weekends ago, Adam and I crossed over the river and went for a bit of a drive.

We started with a ferry crossing where we saw military ships and huge barges. The ferries are crammed with cars, motorbikes and people. It's hot, humid and doesn't always smell good, but it's an experience.

Is That for Real?

2010-06-16T18:00:00.000+07:00

Is That for Real?

2010-06-14T18:00:00.000+07:00

On the Side of the Road

2010-06-11T18:00:00.002+07:00

By now you've realized there are a lot of interesting things on the backs on motorbikes, but there are also interesting things on the side of the road. Check out what we saw!

Wood crates

Jeans

Kites

Cranes

Dead (and flattened) rats

Fish farms

Tires

Sunglasses, helmets, belts, masks and shoes. The things we see most while driving that has fallen off a motorbike are shoes (usually flip flops, and usually only one)....I guess when a shoe falls off, you go to the shoe drive-by shop, buy another and carry on your way!

Is That for Real?

2010-06-10T18:00:00.001+07:00

Oh come on...they're hardly trying....they could squeeze one more person on there...easy!

Is That for Real?

2010-06-08T18:00:00.000+07:00

This thing had to be 10 metres long

Is That for Real?

2010-06-07T18:00:00.001+07:00

Is That for Real?

2010-06-06T18:00:00.000+07:00

Is That for Real?

2010-06-05T18:00:00.000+07:00

Is That for Real?

2010-06-04T18:00:00.000+07:00

Feet in the basket and off they go!

Our Apartment

2010-06-03T18:00:00.002+07:00

This is our apartment complex made up of 5 buildings (Blocks A-D). We have a great place with 3 outside areas (including a huge terrace) and good view....and we even have parking!

I promise to someday soon send pictures of the inside of our apartment, but we're still decorating!

Buildings in Phu My Hung

2010-06-02T18:00:00.001+07:00

We have a lot of interesting buildings in our neighbourhood including the Paragon shopping plaza and the offices of Unilever...and more continue to be built everyday.

Is That for Real?

2010-06-01T18:00:00.001+07:00

Anniversary Dinner

2010-05-31T18:00:00.000+07:00

Adam and I celebrated our one year anniversary on Friday and after much debate, we decided to have dinner at Ming Dynasty. It's a beautifully designed restaurant that focuses on Chinese food.

The restaurant is located less than a 5 minute drive from our apartment and would be a great spot for a party (but I'm sure someone else has already thought of that).

The lobby area features Terracotta warriors (no, they are not the real thing) and if you look closely at the next photo, you'll see that it's me walking through the middle.

Bar Area

Adam is enjoying a glass of wine

It certainly wasn't busy, which meant we pretty much had the entire place to ourselves! It was a romantic evening and we both had a really good time!

Market Morning

2010-05-30T18:00:00.001+07:00

While on my way into work everyday, I've noticed a small alley way that has shops on either side crammed with stuff. I wondered where the alley went too and what was in it.

Well, on Saturday, Adam and I decided to check it out. As it turned out it did a full loop and ended up by the river and it was a full market that had everything from bowls to frogs!

When you enter the alley from the street, the stalls are stuffed with housewares stuff. Kitchen and living everything is available in glass, plastic or stainless steel.

Then we meander through the first food and beverage area. Sticky rice, regular rice and crackled pig, plus spices and an array of all sorts of other stuff.

In the fresh meat and produce area we get a mix of things. There are lots of ladies who like to compete with each and keep asking me who is more beautiful. They also loved having their photos taken.

There were kids who followed us around from start to finish and some who were just too lazy and preferred to lay down and only give us a smile!

The meat is prepared how you like it and it doesn't get any fresher than this!

You can even pick up an Over the Shoulder Boulder Holder in a variety of sizes, shapes and colours!

Fresh fruit, vegetables or... pants???

In the fresh seafood and fish area we saw all sorts of interesting things. Snakes and frogs were the two things I hadn't seen much of before.

She's descaling the fish.

Shrimps

Snakes

Frogs

Crabs

Adam is trying to find out information from the locals that were sitting around and they are really into trying to figure out what the heck he's saying.

This market is only a 10 minute drive from where Adam and I live. It amazes me how quickly we can be in the "real" Saigon.

Another morning at the market and after all that, it was time for us to take a coffee break!

Neighbourhood Friends

2010-05-29T18:00:00.000+07:00

I visit these two guys at lunch sometimes. They fight for my attention and are super cute!

Monsters in Saigon

2010-05-28T18:00:00.000+07:00

Two little Monsters - Angus and James

Are you afraid?

Where I work

2010-05-27T18:00:00.002+07:00

Sun Wah Tower

115 Nguyen Hue, Saigon

VinaSecurities Reception area

My desk....and the cutest desktop picture ever!!

This is where I spend my days now!

Adam's Exhibit

2010-05-24T06:58:00.004+07:00

Over the weekend, Adam hung ten of his amazing pictures at Le Pub in Saigon. They are expected to be on exhibit for at least 2 weeks.

A bunch of us turned out to support him and celebrate with drinks!

If anyone would like more information about Adam and his pictures, let me know or check his website http://www.asianimages-adammartin.com/

Is That for Real?

2010-05-18T18:00:00.001+07:00

Fish Market?

Is That for Real?

2010-05-16T18:00:00.001+07:00

Coconut Traveller

Is That for Real?

2010-05-14T18:00:00.000+07:00

The Water Boy

Honda Super Cub

2010-05-13T18:00:00.001+07:00

It's arrived. My Honda Super Cub.

It's been re-built and custom ordered in blue. Honda began making the Super Cub in 1958. There were over 60 million of them made and it is the best selling motor vehicle of all time.

Getting it's first fill up.....cost me a whoping 34,000 Vietnamese Dong or $1.75.

I'm about to go for a spin near where we live. Our apartment complex is in the background.

Parked next to Adam's Minsk. The cub is so cute!!

Ice - The Old Fashioned Way

2010-05-12T18:00:00.000+07:00

Ever wonder where the big blocks of ice come from or how they transport them?
Well, here you go!

Mui Ne - Part 4 - Sand Dunes

2010-05-11T18:00:00.000+07:00

Mui Ne is famous for its sand dunes. We went just after sunrise (around 6:30 am) to see what they were all about. A lot of other people in the area had the same idea.

You can slide down the dunes on plastic sleds or pieces of cardboard

or you can grab a refreshing beverage and something to eat from one of the local vendors

or you can have your wedding photos taken

But I think the best thing to do is just to wander around with your shoes off and feel the sand between your toes!

Slums

2010-05-10T18:00:00.001+07:00

Everytime you turn a corner in Vietnam, there is something new. We came upon what seemed like slums to us the other day while driving home from District 1.

In spite of the fact that they are surrounded by garbage, people are enjoying the day by flying their kites! They even have an advertisement for Phu My Hung, which is where Adam and I live.

Mui Ne - Part 3

2010-05-09T18:00:00.000+07:00

Further along from the fish market there was an area where we stopped to watch ladies sort and clean fish. They were very friendly, smiley and very hard working. It was extremly hot and humid working conditions!

Fish on ice

Ladies head back to the water to pick up more baskets with fresh fish

These two women might have taken a break from working, but they were in some serious deep thought!

Check back for the final Part 4 in Mui Ne

Is That for Real?

2010-05-08T18:00:00.000+07:00

I don't even know what to say about this...you'd think I'd be used to this stuff by now, but I'm not!

Mui Ne - Part 2 - Fish Market

2010-05-07T18:00:00.002+07:00

Mui Ne has an active fishing community. Every night, men go out fishing and the next morning deliver it to the coast so it can be sold. It would be the same routine, day in and day out for 365 days of the year.

Preparing fishing lines in the basket boat.

The fish market vendors meet at sea level which is at the bottom at a very steep embankment.

The fisherman arrives to deliver his catch

The ladies wade in to meet him

Here they sort through what's been caught

After picking up what the they can sell for the day, the ladies carry it up the steep embankment to begin selling the fresh caught fish and seafood to locals.

Some take it all in stride and relax with a swim

Others sit and contemplate the day ahead....

Check back for Part 3 in Mui Ne

Red Bridge

2010-05-06T18:00:00.000+07:00

Adam and I are enjoying beer on ice while watching the sunset by the red bridge.

Mui Ne - Part 1

2010-05-05T18:00:00.000+07:00

Adam and I visited Mui Ne beach over the long weekend. Three days of sun, sand and surf!

Mui Ne is famous for its sand dunes and is becoming well known as the kite surfing and windsurfing capital of Vietnam. Most resorts are new and it's a great place to getaway for the weekend when living in Saigon.

On our first afternoon in Mui Ne, the clouds rolled in and we had a rain shower.

But the following morning the wind picked up a little, the sun came out and Adam went windsurfing. The water temperature was like having a hot bath.

The conditions weren't ideal for windsurfing as the wind wasn't consistent which was frustrating for Adam, but he certainly impressed me!

Check back for Part 2 in Mui Ne.

Is That for Real?

2010-05-03T18:00:00.001+07:00

Birdcages

Is That for Real?

2010-05-02T18:00:00.000+07:00

This guy takes air conditioned vehicle to a whole new level!

Is That for Real?

2010-04-30T18:00:00.000+07:00

Is there a driver or does this bike drive itself??

Is That for Real?

2010-04-28T18:00:00.000+07:00

Gives a whole new meaning to Mobile Office

New Construction

2010-04-27T18:00:00.001+07:00

The new financial tower in District 1 of Saigon, located just around the corner from where I'm working. Shaped like a lotus flower.

Is that For Real?

2010-04-26T18:00:00.001+07:00

Shirts a go-go

Is That for Real?

2010-04-23T18:00:00.001+07:00

Flip Flops will travel

Bridge...not just a game

2010-04-20T18:00:00.003+07:00

Adam and I live in District 7 of Saigon. Otherwise known as Phu My Hung. We have a brand new bridge that just opened and we decided to check out the view from the top!

This is where we live!

Is That for Real?

2010-04-19T18:00:00.000+07:00

Oops!

Saturday in Saigon

2010-04-17T21:00:00.003+07:00

Adam and I spent all day Saturday driving around a few of our neighbourhoods. Check out what we saw!

Busy streets with traffic that never ends

Dan Sinh Market, a place where you can find almost everything you could ever imagine. It's the Vietnamese version of Home Depot.

Kitchen appliances, lights , drills, bolts and other stuff

Napping on the job

Hard at work outside of the market picking up trash and selling goods on the street

Is That for Real?

2010-04-17T17:13:00.000+07:00

Hangers on!

Toronto - A great Visit Home!

2010-04-12T03:46:00.016+07:00

My visit to Toronto has come and gone. Three weeks sure does fly by. I had the chance to see and do everything I wanted to and more. I spent lots of time with friends and family and for me that was the main reason for the visit.

The pictures below are the highlights of my trip!

At the beginning of April I am enjoying a beautiful, warm, sunny Saturday afternoon with Dad, Mom, Janet, Roy, Chloe and Daisy

Pug bums!

Cuddles with Mom

Sitting down to turkey dinner....it's so delicious

Canada Life Tower

The view from the Hilton Hotel looking up University Avenue

A trip home wouldn't be the same without a visit to Canadian Tire

along with Roy....and then to Starbucks, of course!

A fish and chips dinner with Roy and Janet at Times Square.....our friendly neighbourhood restaurant!

Dinner also gave us a chance to visit with Helen....who always knows what we want to order!

Raking up the lawn....Daisy was helping

But instead decides to catch some rays in the sunshine

I stopped in to see Helen and Bert...here I am with Helen who's holding an upside down picture of us

Daisy gets a bone before she had to have 11 of her little peg-like teeth taken out at the vet. It pays to brush!

Having my 35th birthday dinner with Mom and Dad at Teddy's Restaurant

And my birthday dinner with the girls, including Bella (on the floor in front of the wine fridge) and William who's asleep on the bench

Drinks with Doug

Riding the subway to Bloor Street

The Streetcar

Sherbourne Street and King Street...my neighbourhood

St. James Cathedral and the Park

Downtown office towers

The Eaton Centre...a shopping destination

Hanging with a sleepy William

CN Tower and BCE Building

George Brown College Campus

The Flatiron Building

Having my final night in Toronto dinner with family and great freinds!
A special hello to my Little Adam and William!

Mom and I

Dad, Me and Mom

Before I knew it, I was checking myself and my overweight/oversize bags in it at the Toronto airport...time for my 24 hour journey back to Vietnam!

At the airport...saying good-bye to Janet and Roy...two of the greatest friends ever!!!

I had a wonderful trip and look forward to my next visit soon....I can't stay away too long, because Daisy would not be impressed!

Phu Quoc - Sun, Sand, Surf

2010-03-27T17:11:00.008+07:00

I might be in Canada at the moment, but just one week ago, I was on the Island of Phu Quoc. It is a beautiful place that is part of Vietnam and takes less than a one hour flight to reach from Saigon.

This was our little resort...just two rooms.

This was our room

And this was our view....not bad!

We met lots of cute puppies

Spent time in our hammocks

We strolled along the gorgeous white sand beach

Had fun in the clear blue water

We enjoyed sunset massages on the beach before heading to dinner...all of this and our feet never left the sand! Can`t wait to go back.

Daisy Greeting

2010-03-23T08:08:00.005+07:00

Check out the video of the greeting I received from one very happy pug when I arrived at my parent's home!

I'll be coming around to Canada

2010-03-19T07:00:00.002+07:00

Wanted to let you know that I'll be coming back to Toronto for a 3 week visit. I'll be arriving on March 20th and leaving again April 10th.

Hopefully I'll be able to get together with many of you and catch up on all the things I might have missed.

When I get back to Ho Chi Minh City in April, I'll be a working girl again. I just signed the papers to start a job at VinaSecurities as their new Manager of Customer Service in the Brokerage Division. It's a new position that I will be creating...so anything goes!

Travelling with Adam of course is still part of the plan (including the last 4 days I just spent lounging on the beach on the amazing Phu Quoc Island - an hour flight from Saigon), but first I need to make some money and then I'll be off again. There are countless places I need to see and we've already started a list of places to go for short trips around Vietnam! My adventure might be on a new course at the moment, but it certainly isn't over. Renting an apartment and working in Vietnam is adventure enough for now.

Stay tuned!