I wish they would just kiss and make up...

I just got back from watching X-Men: First Class with a bunch of really cool people from the firm. (okay, I have been lazy on this post so I started this on June 25 - Saturday).

NOTE: I don't know if the trailer showed whatever I am going to discuss. But just in case, this post may contain content that will spoil the movie for you if you have not yet seen it (and why haven't you?). So beware, and tread carefully.

 I must say, even though Matthew had told me it was a blah movie, I was not disappointed...in fact, it was AMAZING (though this may be due to the fact that I honestly know next to nothing about this franchise...but I've watched the other movies, does that count?) and a real tear-jerker...I definitely cried although I tried my best to keep it in. I just couldn't help it!!

Before I get to why I thought it was so good and why I was so touched by it, can I rant a little (or maybe a lot)? Well, ever since I first saw the trailer for this new X-Men movie, I really wanted to see it. I don't care much for watching movies at the theaters; for one thing, it's more comfortable at home, maybe under covers and half-naked, and you can be as loud as you want. But to my point, on one of the first few days of my arrival, Elliot and I were trying to get to know each other better. He asked me what kinda movies I enjoy watching or want to watch. Of course my answer was: "X-Men: First Class is coming out and I really, really wanna see it..." His response: You like watching kids movies, don't you?" This was the start of his rhetorical questions and continuous poking at my immaturity. So what if one of my favorite movies is The Lion King? So what if I know practically every word to Ariel's A Part of Your World? So what if I enjoy watching X-Men and maybe cried a little? I don't think it means I only enjoy kid movies...and sometimes, kid movies have deep meaning (i.e. Toy Story, Cars, Meet the Robinsons). Bleh...I'm done with my rant regarding my immature taste in movies...

On to my rant about how Elliot thinks I like all things Asian only. When I'm listening to my ipod, his comment is always something of the sort: There you go again, listening to your Chinese songs. And when anyone talks about movie/TV genres that they enjoy watching, Elliot is quick to mention that Ia loves watching Korean dramas. And sometimes, just sometimes, he'll simply state: Why do you only like Asians? I know he's joking (or somewhat at least) and I generally don't mind, but what bothers me is that it's not the truth.Okay, I've got nothing more to say about this...

Okay...X-Men...oh Charles and Erik, will you please, please set aside your differences (maybe come to a compromise) and kiss and make up. I don't know what the terms would be, but you two are just too amazing to fight one another. I'm aware Prof. X is - in The Last Stand, but let's pretend that didn't happen (because we all love him so dearly). Well, what made the movie SO good? Despite the cameo of a disappointingly not-as-hot-as-usual Hugh Jackman...and the introduction of some partially uncool young mutants...just about EVERYTHING about this film was AMAZING.

I loved, loved the script! I have no clue whether or not the storyline was even close to being accurate...but I don't mind the long one-sided love that existed between Mystique and Professor X...or the sincere care Professor X had for each and every one of the characters, especially that between him and Mystique and unforgettably that between him and Erik (I will forever associate Magneto with a Hitler-ish figure...so I can't refer to the guy in this movie that made such an effect on me). It was these two relationships that made me cry...every beautiful moment in the film led to tears. When Charles and Raven first meet in his kitchen..the bond that develops between them...the one-sided love Raven has for Charles...I inched ever closer to crying because I knew that she does not stay by his side forever...or for long even.

didn't they look so happy just like this?

='[

The same goes for Charles and Erik...except, to me, their relationship was deeper and more beautiful...even if it was short-lived. I had no idea that such a beautiful relationship existed between the two...and it was heart-wrenching to watch them slowly drift apart..and very reluctantly as well.

 Ahh, their love was deep.

And every moment where they showed affection towards one another moved me closer to tears because I knew that, one day, they would be against each other simply because of their different experiences that led them to have different views on the relationship between humans and mutants. Damn the horrible historical events that led Erik to be so hurt and distrustful of people. Damn Hitler. Damn Shaw. I always hated Magneto. That was because I never completely understood his misery. And now that I've seen it, all I can do is shed a tear, as Charles did when he too first learned of Erik's past experiences, and I can feel nothing but sympathy towards Erik who has good reasons to distrust humans, to not justify the horrendous actions of individuals simply because "they're just following order," to never again let those who are different be collected in masses, imprisoned, and murdered. But I cannot move away from Charles' hopeful, though naive, belief that humans and mutants can co-exist. I, too, will continue to hope and believe that such a future is possible.

My favorite scene...the most beautiful one of the film:

I never knew how Professor X got stuck in his wheelchair. Well, now I know. And it's the saddest of the saddest back story ever. Is it true? Who knows. Regardless, it was beautiful.

As the movie is coming to an end, and Charles, Erik, Moira, and the "first class" were stuck on a beach, surrounded by Russians and Americans and realizing that in the midst of the Cold War, the two super powers had gotten together to attack the mutant "race." Oh, the truth was blinding and Erik was not going to let that happen. As he was returning the missiles being shot at the mutants on the beach to the humans, Moira, the CIA agent that had first contacted Charles, decided she was going to stop Magneto by shooting at him. Well, of course, you idiot!, Magneto effin' controls metal!!! So duh, he's getting shot at, he's gonna protect himself AKA ricochet the bullets. Sadly, one of the bullets hits our beloved Charles who falls to the sand in agony. OH NO!! *tears*

And within seconds, Erik is cradling Charles in his arms!!! BEAUTIFUL!

Erik blames Moira for injuring Charles but Charles corrects him: "It's your fault" (or something of the like). And it's then that the two go their separate ways and Mystique also leaves Charles' side to join Erik.

Two great love stories ending simultaneously...what more reason is needed for uncontrollable tears..

*sigh*

so now, let me go a bit beyond X-Men...just a tad bit. I was disappointed at the beginning of the film when Erik grew up to be this total stud and Professor X (whom I adored the most) was, well, not such a stud. Granted the actor definitely looked better as Professor X than he has in the other films I have seen him. But he was still nothing compared to all the sexiness that Erik (or the actor, Michael Fassbender) was.

oh, Magneto never looked so good..

wow...just...wow..

look at that perfect smile..

looks great with facial hair...

and without...did i mention his eyes are just worth getting lost in?

and his hair...i'd love to run my fingers through it...

and he was once (and might still be) one of the 300 men with the best bods in the world...

Ahhh... I love eye candy...and maybe because of him, I love Magneto..err, Erik...a little more.

okay...this post was a bit boring..and it has been sitting on my "saved" and "edit" post pile for some time..so i will finally post it...without pics...but i promise, the next post will be loaded with pics that you'd quickly forgive me for such a blah update for now....

till then..

=D

I'm FAMOUS!!!!

...or almost...but it's prolly the closest I'll ever be to becoming famous. So I'll take it!

What am I talking about? Muah-haha-haha!! I'm not telling you until sometime later in the post. I should unload the more boring stuff first...(but I guess there's no way for me to prevent you from scrolling down to the good stuff. I'll just have to believe in the principle of "good faith." - haha..law reference..) But if you wait...the anticipation will build...and it'd be awesome when you get to it.. (or you'd be greatly disappointed)..but well...here we go!

Firstly, about late Wednesday last week (June 15th), Elliot and I were given an assignment - writing a memo. Now that seemed easy. On US laws. Piece of cake! On tender offers. Tender what?! Tender offers...hostile takeovers...shares purchasing...securities...It was the worst researching moment of my entire life (thus far, because I'm sure law school has more in store for me). Elliot and I spent days researching, rereading, discussing and we really got nowhere. We had no idea what the issue was or what was being asked of us...and securities law, I realized, was dense and confusing and headache-provoking. Of course, all law seems to be this way...but securities law is sooooooo much worse (or maybe just because I had to do a "real" thing with it).

Anyway, today (it's Tuesday June 21), Elliot comes in and was like "I've got all the answers!" And so he basically wrote the memo up himself today. He did send it to me to look over, which I have yet to do, but it's not like I will be able to add much to it. And even if I was, I'm sure he would just brush my thoughts and suggestions aside. Why do I think that? Well, if you've been reading my blog, you wouldn't even ask that question. But an even clearer answer: Today I looked over his shoulder at the memo, saw his "question presented," asked him how he knew that was the question, and then finally told him that I had told him and the senior associate who passed the assignment to us from one of the partners what the answer basically was. Of course, at the time I told them (which was last week sometime), it wasn't a good enough answer. I asked Elliot why didn't they accept what I told them regarding the "question" we were supposed to answer. Ii had given them the answer already; they should have told me that it was the answer to the question that was being asked (which for the longest time Elliot and I could not grasp and the guy could not clearly explain to us). Elliot simply replied: "Because no one trusts you." OUCH. Was it because I was a girl? Was it because I was Asian? Naw, they're not that dense...maybe it was because it's apparent that I have no idea what I'm doing...I mean, Elliot had told me that it was clear I had no idea (to him at least), but I had thought he was joking. *sigh*

This only adds to the ever probing question - "What the hell am I doing in law school?" Or more generally, "what the hell am I doing?" And well, I'm just bummed. Yeah, sure, "don't let Elliot's jerk-off personality get to you, Ia." But it's not as easy as that. I already doubt myself; now it's clear that others doubt me too. I guess I won't dwell on this issue too much. Moping won't get me anywhere. And I'm not going to be angry at him...for speaking the truth. If I want to do something, I could work to prove him wrong, right? That's what you're thinking. I wish I thought like you. But I'm not so easily motivated. And so, I will just look elsewhere for a little bit of comfort...for now...for as long as I can...for as long as I need to.

*ahem*

Yesterday (Monday after work) Tuyen went along with me to get my hair cut...just to shorten the bangs and to trim the rest. It turned out to be pretty good, although I did not think so right afterwards.

the night of the cut

 The hairstylist (a guy) suggested I layer my fronts as well because it would make me look younger. Fine. I used to layer my front to frame my face, anyway.

one day after

 All in all, he did a pretty swell job.. =]

after a shower and with my awesome shirt

Then we went to go buy a belt for me. I lost my lovely black one suitable for dress pants and (maybe I have been losing weight, as one of the female associates told me today) and my dress pants weren't staying up as well as they should. I purchased one, but I think I may need to purchase a thicker one.

After belt shopping, we went to Kichi-Kichi, an "express rotary hotpot" place. It was delicious!

 And we ate a lot...or I sure did.

And we continued to build our bond...I'm glad she's around; it makes being here more enjoyable (which, for the most part, it is).

See how stupid my hair looked right after being cut...yuck! Must've been because the guy used a round brush and sorta curled my bangs...but I like 'em better straight.

It felt like a Friday night. Sadly, it was only Monday night, and the beginning of another long week of work. Bleh!

Okay, enough of the boring stuff. Even I'm tired of blogging about it. I'll save the other boring stuff that's happened for another time...when, let's say, I do other interesting things and get more cool pics to induce you into reading my posts...teeheehee..

Well, this past weekend (the 17th and 18th basically), I went out to a club or two with Elliot, Khanh, and a few others. It was a pretty fun weekend...and I slept in a whole lot. Let me fill you in on the nitty gritty.

Thursday (I know, that was the 16th...but it's where it all kinda starts):
Elliot desperately wanted to go bowling and had been asking the people at the firm to go for a week or so. However, everyone's so busy all the time, there's never anyone who is able to go on the weekdays. So I reluctantly joined him in two games of bowling, followed by a game of pool. My bowling skills are nonexistent. And so are my pool skills...but I'm proud to say I got the 8 ball in and Elliot and I won the partner game against a British gal, Emmi, (half-Japanese half-white, of some descent) and a French dude, Gigi (I cannot spell his real name to save my life). They were also with an Estonian guy named Markus. Markus and Gigi had met in Australia doing some work and then they met Emmi only a few days prior to meeting us in Vietnam.

Afterward, we went to eat at the first place we ate with our colleagues when I first arrived, Hoa Vien. It's a Czech place that brews its own beer but I don't have a taste for beer so I can't say if it's good or not...but others seemed to like it...and Markus, Gigi, and Emmi were no different. It's also Elliot's favorite place in HCMC. Then I quickly left because well, I had to get my sleep in (after skyping some) and wake up for work Friday.

Friday night, Elliot and I met Khanh, Markus, Emmi, Gigi, Dap (this Vietnamese girl that Elliot had met on his own some time ago - we've dubbed her the "Party Queen") and a few of her friends at Cafe Zoom. We ate dinner, Elliot and I had TWO beer chugging competitions (we may have tied on the first try, but it was unanimously agreed by the others that I kicked his ass the second time - next time think before you open your mouth about how it's lame I don't drink!!!), and then we headed to Lush, to help ring in the club's 7th birthday.

Hold on to your seats..this is where it gets exciting.

The place was small (well, bigger than any clubs I've been to in America, which aren't too much) but I'd still consider it small since I expected it to be bigger and it was packed. Oh, the Vietnamese know how to party...and they look good doing so (well, I can say this about the girls...the guys, on the other hand..let's just say, I spent most of my time dancing alone..or checking out the girls..). I was definitely underdress; I didn't pack any clubwear nor heels so I wore this pink thing I had purchased for some cheap amount at some stall somewhere.

But it was a really, really fun night..and I was pretty sober throughout...but not that I really drink that much anyway...


So the highlight of this post...my becoming famous...

While I was dancing by myself and enjoying the music (hip-hop all the way), I get tapped on the shoulder by the guy who is photographing the occasion. Sure, I'll pose for you, why not. And that was that.

Today, at work, I get sent a link from Khanh...and bam!

I'm on the cover of the album for Lush's 7th birthday on the website that let's anyone in Vietnam know what's happening and what's happened! Okay, so I'm NOT famous. My name's not published, it's a terrible picture (one of my worst prolly), and only a miniscule percentage of the world population will see it (prolly only a handful of people in Vietnam as well) but eh, it's better than nothing...and, again, prolly as far a step towards fame as I'll ever take. Ahh, fame, it tastes good. =P

And then Saturday, after sleeping in, I went out to eat dinner with Khanh and Elliot at some Mexican place (Black Cat?) and we were off for a few hours of salsa! This world famous DJ (for salsa music) was in town and he was performing at La Fenetre Soleil. So a few boys from the firm and I went to the place and although I had no idea how to salsa, Elliot dragged me onto the dance floor after downing some alcoholic beverages and advising me to do likewise. I didn't, but I must admit it was pretty fun being thrown around the floor by Elliot. I didn't bring my camera, however (because Elliot gets a bit prissy whenever I pull it out), so no dancing pics (which would have super cool).

But as I was browsing that website, there was also an album for the salsa event. I didn't make it on the cover this time...but Quang, the colleague who invited us out to salsa and who takes salsa lessons, and I did get a picture together...and it was in the album..BOO-YAH!

After salsa, a few of us ventured to Vasco's (a bar with a separate room for dancing - here the DJ reached out for my hand and it was good though short night of dancing). Then we headed to Apocalypse, a two-story club where you can find a bunch (and I mean a whole bunch) of older men (white, Asian, whatever) draped over and dancing with young Vietnamese girls (I'm assuming they are Vietnamese, but there's no doubt that they're Asian). Of course Khanh had warned me of this so I simply danced away with the music blasting, dodging people walking past because it was super duper crowded in there (there wasn't even enough elbow room, no exaggeration!).

Ahh, it was a pretty fun weekend and I slept in and did absolutely nothing on Sunday. The best way to spend a Sunday...

I hope this weekend is as memorable....

Oh, so was the anticipation just killing you? Was it worth it?!?! Heck yeah it was!!! =D

lazy cat...

that's what Tuyen calls me when I tell her I've slept in or I've just woken up from a nap...it's rather cute. And quite true. I am too lazy to write a real post at the moment, although there has been a number of fun things that have happened (but no pictures so is it really worth a post?)...but I've got some more photos from the Vung Tau weekend so I will post them. Waiting for them to load takes forever so let's just say that the wait time has exhausted me and that is sufficient reason for not giving you a real post. Good enough?

so..here are more pictures...although they may just seem like repeats...I've got nothing else for you at the moment.. (sorry)

at the seaside restaurant

group picture in the cabana (minus elliot)

strolling on the beach...after catching the crab..and it's QUAN

us girls

relaxing at the pool

ly looking cute

waiting for the bus to transport us to another port on sunday morning because the waves were too strong or too high or something

showing off the old-school bowls at the cute little restaurant where we had lunch after returning to HCMC

and that's it for now, folks...

Final Note: When I was writing the previous post, I was watching some "Vietnamese" TV (the Hollywood movie channel) and it was showing "From Paris With Love," which is a fantastic movie and though I had watched it before, it was still as good as it was before. John Travolta and a young hot dude..oh the "main" girl is also quite pretty...but you know, I didn't care for her much. It was a good action movie with a pinch of romance (but somehow still very deep and beautiful) and I'd watch it again and again anytime. I should prolly get a DVD copy so I can replay it over and over again while studying for exams or something....ahh, mentioning exams...my grades for 2nd semester of law school were horrendous. I'm not as bummed as I prolly should be, but still...makes me think I should step up my effort...hopefully I feel the same way when the fall semester starts. *crossing fingers*

On Being White

I never thought I would write something regarding my “being white.” All my life I’ve never been “white” or even come close…although I guess some people may consider me white-washed, but that’s something else. And just because I’ve grown up in America does not necessarily make me white-washed, does it? Okay, the real point of this post – my “being white;” white –skinned, that is. Only in Vietnam (or other like countries/places). And even here “being white” carries with it some privilege, the great ol’ “white privilege.”

Now it’s obvious that I’m not “white” as we often think of that term. When I first visited the firm the second or third day I was here, one of the girls at the firm asked me “where are you from?” Well of course I answered the question as any American would – “From America; the US.” What surprised me, and even made me laugh quite a bit, was her response – “But your hair…” – and I understood that she meant my hair was black, I definitely was Asian, so I had to be “from” somewhere else. I get it. Even in America when you  (the generic “you”) talk about “Americans,” more often than not, you mean a “white” person. Well, we all laughed at the firm and then someone asked the more appropriate question, “What is your origin?” Ahhh…well, my parents are from Laos (is it supposed to be pronounced without the “s”?) but they’re Hmong. Ohh…clarity. At least it all made sense as to why I “looked” Asian. To a few of them I looked Vietnamese, “but a very pretty Vietnamese girl.” Hmmm, I’ve seen a whole lot of pretty Vietnamese girls; a lot of them are pretty actually. But to them I was “Laos,” though technically I’m not.

In fact, I’m pretty sure the majority of them were still quite confused as to my ethnicity because, as Tuyen explained during lunch one day at this vegetarian place where we were meeting a former associate who would be returning the following day, they “had seen Laos people but none as cute as me.” See, I told you they were sweet to me. But again, what she really meant (or this was how I understood it to mean) was that they had never seen a Laotian with skin as white (or light) as mine. This explanation came as a response to the new guy’s failure to guess what my “origin” was. His first three guesses, in the order that he gave them, were China, Korea, Japan. After getting a hint that I was, or my parent actually, were from a country that Vietnam is very friendly with, he followed up with Thailand and Cambodia. No, no, no! My parents were from Laos. I am Hmong. But things regarding my ethnicity remained hazy.

Until…Thursday night at dinner, a male associate that I had not really had the opportunity to talk to or hang out with asked again about my origin or my parents’ origin or, as I like to call it, my ethnicity. After a short discussion, and a lot of Vietnamese being thrown around, the cloud seemed to have lifted and my being “Hmong” though “from Laos” and an “American” was clear. Crystal clear. There was a Vietnamese word for “Hmong” – “H’Mong.” No joke. The “H” is pronounced! I’m not sure if that’s how they spell it, but now it all makes sense why Lonely Planet Vietnam talked about H’mong and where one could visit them and all that jazz. Wow. So all those people all my life who said “Ha-mong” weren’t technically saying it wrong, they were just speaking Vietnamese! Does that make it wrong for me to correct people?

So now they know what I mean when I say I’m Hmong but my parents were from Laos and I’m from America. But it’s not just them that were or are confused when I answer “America” in response to the so often asked question “where are you from?” I get that from people everywhere. The night I went to Acoustic Bar with Tuyen, for instance, I was in the ladies’ room and could not figure out how to turn on the faucet. The girl who was fixing her hair or make-up in front of the mirror helped me. Turns out you have to turn the handle (which looks like a typical long handle that you would push upwards to turn on the faucet) to the right. Boy did I look stupid struggling to push the handle up. But to her, it was clear that I was a foreigner (from my failure and probably also my white skin) and she asked me where I was from. America. “Oh, you look Japanese; I thought you were from Japan.” Oh no, I’m from America. And Tuyen, having arrived just in time to hear the girl’s comment, was quick with her “I told you so” because she had said I looked Japanese or Korean when we had first met.

Well, that’s definitely not the first time I’ve heard that, and it definitely prolly won’t be the last. In fact, I have heard that I have very white skin more during my past two weeks here than in my entire life. I’d get stopped by random strangers who can pinpoint that I’m a foreigner (though not American but maybe Japanese or Korean or maybe Chinese and, as a last resort, even Singaporean) and they’d comment about my skin and ask me where I was from. I’m not saying I’m gonna get tired or annoyed by this; it is to be expected; but every time I hear about my whiteness or see the confused expression that washes over someone’s face when I say I’m from America, I realize all the more how precious white skin is in Asia.

I myself have always considered me pale (or pasty even) but being here has really made me appreciate my “white” skin. It definitely gives me a lot of points in the “good looks” category. And, as I said, having white skin has its perks.

Yesterday, after work, as I was walking home, I strolled into this clothing shop called PT2000. I expected the clothes to be more expensive there because it was a store I had seen often in the Singaporean malls. To my surprise, it was quite affordable. But that’s beside the point. For some reason, this shop had a whole lot of sales associates, a good number of them being guys, and every one of them were so eager to help me find the size of a shirt that I liked or the color that I liked, and some even personally picked some items out for me. They took turns helping me out and I was (and still am) grateful for their attentiveness. Never had I received such outstanding service before and I wondered if it was because I was a girl, or because they thought I was pretty generally, or because they thought I was pretty because I have “white” skin. I guess I’ll never know unless I ask them straight up, or devised a sort of experiment to test out my questions, but eh, I’m fine with not really knowing the right answer. I’ll admit, I kinda like this “white privilege.” =P

What bugs me the most so far is that Vietnamese people for the most part think that I am Vietnamese as well. It’s understandable – I’m Asian; I’m in Vietnam. But really, I’m tired of saying I’m not Vietnamese or I don’t speak Vietnamese or just having to walk away ignoring them because first, I have no idea what they are saying in the first place, and second, if I’m already walking somewhere, it’s really pointless for me to clarify to them that I do not speak Vietnamese nor am I Vietnamese. Elliot, however, gets a kick out of it. He laughs every single time, and I wonder if it will ever get old to him. But there’s more. Worse than the locals mistaking me for Vietnamese is when they mistake me for a Vietnamese girl who’s with a white guy (whatever “with” may mean to them). They stare and openly, too, sometimes with disgust, sometimes with interest at “the white guy and his Vietnamese girlfriend.” And that is was bugs me the most. *sigh*

Well, I cannot do much about that. All I can do for now is bask in the privilege and glory that comes from being “white” among the ”yellows” (please don’t find offense in that) and enjoy Vietnam a little bit at a time.

because i love you...

ahhh...

What a relaxing weekend! I could do it again and again...although it'd be boring by myself, but I won't let that stop me from repeating this wonderful experience, even simply returning to Vung Tau. We took numerous pictures on a few different cameras; thus, I do not have all the pictures just yet, but when I do, I will quickly share them with you. For now, since my blog has been so boring, I will urgently post some of the pics that I do have and tell you about this amazing trip. THIS is something you can "ahh" about.

You may be wondering, what's with the post title?! Oh, I will answer that nagging question by the end of this post...so read carefully and enjoy the pictures. THIS HAS TURNED OUT TO BE A VERY, VERY LONG POST...feel free to skim or skip whatever you choose.

Before the trip, I went out with Elliot, as the dear, considerate person that I am. He took me to a little burger joint that he had been to once or twice called Cafe Zoom located in Pham Ngu Lau, what is known as "the backpackers' district. I guess it's where a lot of foreigners are because Elliot had told me on the cab ride there that "this is white people central"...but well, there weren't as many of them as I thought there would be.

However, this district is full of people carrying little baskets of thingy-mabobs and they'd come up to you and ask you to purchase this or that. There are also a good amount of people who come up to you in hopes that you'd hand over some money. This occurred after I ate my zoom burger (which was juicy and delicious). A flurry of individuals from all ages approached me among others (mostly foreigners) trying to sell something or get some money. It was easy to ignore and deny the older people who were mostly women, but when they got younger and younger - to the point where this little girl who was carrying a small basket like something some place would serve french fries in, came to me and could not even speak; she simply held up a bracelet or something (I didn't notice because I was still shocked at how young she was) and quickly returned to her mother's side when I shook my head at her - I grew more and more sad, and consequently, more and more inclined to purchase something. It's a good thing we did not stay there long because I may have just purchased something every person who came to me eventually.

In the end I did make a purchase - a yellow fan - and only because I was already at a very weak point, the little boy who sold it to me was soooooooo cute with big eyes and a cute voice when he said "are you going to buy anything from me?", and well, because it was yellow. Funny thing was, he started getting less cute when he wouldn't budge on the cost (not that it was that much to begin with) but man, that boy was a hard bargainer. He would not go down much at all...and so, because I was already a sucker and in a huge state of pitying others, I purchased the fan for about USD 2 (maybe less).

I should add that at the point of purchase, I had already been approached by 2 very young children, a boy and a girl, separately, during the course of my lounging at Cafe Zoom, people watching. My first experience was with the boy who was young and dark and shirtless...he also had big pleading eyes and I could not look at him while he stood at my side, though I had observed him earlier with others so I was prepared to "ignore" him. But when he walked away from me, I looked and realized that he was shoeless as well. I watched him meet up with a younger boy (who I will assume is his younger brother) and he was also wearing neither shoes nor shirt. As I watched the older boy place his hands over the younger one, sort of in a manner saying "let's go" but with the reassurance of "we'll be okay, don't worry," I could not help myself from feeling a strong pain in my chest and fighting the tears I feared would come uncontrollably. Thank goodness there were no tears but I could not help but feel that I could have at least given him USD 5 which I cannot assume is a lot in Vietnam but I know would be able to buy the two of them dinner that night. Till now I am full of regret for being so selfish of my money and time (because part of it must have been that I did not want to be bothered by others like the two little boys)...USD 5 could have fed them at least one meal each, and if they conserved well, who knows how far they could have gone with that money...possibly days. I had quickly expressed my sadness and heartache and regret to Elliot who simply told me "this is the real world" and brushed off my concerns. We sorta had a discussion about slums (and Slumdog Millionaire) and other like topics.

And then I was approached by the young girl. She had shoes on but her eyes were still big and pleading...and I honestly started in the opposite direction, knowing that she was there, and counting every second until the finally moved along. It was sad and unbearable, sort of like parting from a good love...and I was left with an indescribable feeling. Elliot further explained to me (and I will just take it as an attempt to cheer me up) that, again, this was reality, and that seeing the slums of 3rd world countries was an experience, and a spiritual one at that. Maybe because we have been a bit against each other this trip, (and this is not to offend anyone who views it this way) but I felt like he saw 3rd world and slums as simply tourist attractions - you go there because you don't belong there and you're observing life there, all the while you know that you will be able to return every night to your overpriced hotel room and eventually, at the end of the trip, to your life of luxury. I wish that I could witness and observe this kind of life AND be able to do something to make some sort of change or to help, even if it really is just one person and one day at a time. Where do I begin?

*sigh*

Let's depart from the depressing stuff, shall we...

We all headed out to Vung Tau (which I am assuming is an of-shore island) early-ish Saturday morning via a hydrofoil (basically a boat). I was exhausted and made it there literally 5 minutes before the boat left...all the others said they were scared I wasn't going to make it (and Elliot was afraid something had happened the night before since we had gone out and then I had headed home myself while he partied on). But I made it and we rode to Vung Tau in no time - 1.5 hours.

Here we all are...during the boat ride...

We checked into a "mini hotel" (those were the only words on the sign that I could read) and headed out for lunch. Oh we had lunch at the most beautiful place. It was located seaside and the family of one of the colleagues used to own it.

The view was just beautiful and the food was uber delicious and unbelievably cheap. I love, love, LOVE seafood! But while we waited for the food, we took a few pictures here and there.

After the fantastic lunch, we headed straight to the beach. It wasn't a sunny day but still warm and humid and in the end, I realized my shoulders got some brown in them...noticeably. It was such a beautiful relaxing day...

We rented a room/cabana and relaxed there...

View from inside the cabana

...before heading out to the beach and the ocean...

Some really small crab...

...who happens to live in these small holes that covered the shore...and these are little small sand balls made by them as they dig their homes..super cool!

...and then making a stop at the pool...

...before finally resting on lounge chairs pool-side while listening to great songs that prepped us for a night of dancing..

Elliot

Quyen (I'll correct this later)

Nhan (he sits to my right at work)

Ly - we call her step-mother (she is so sweet and takes care of us like we were her children)

Tuyen - so sweet and cute

Khanh - I owe this wonderful weekend to him

I must reiterate how lucky and thankful I am that they are so wonderful to me!! =D

My favorite picture of the trip:

 For dinner, we went for more seafood and I am sorry to be repetitive, but it was just delicious. Funny thing at dinner - Khanh asked me, and in a serious manner, whether or not I was sincere whenever I said some dish was delicious? I was a bit unprepared for the question because it never occurred to me that I may come off insincere (the issue was because I thought EVERYTHING was delicious). But I assured them that everything REALLY was delicious...and I also added that I simply LOVE to eat. Khanh explained himself saying that most girls he knew were often reluctant to try new food or to eat too much or something of the sort (you know, the whole "they just order salads" thing). He didn't mean anything offensive by it but he was simply trying to express his appreciation for a girl that could and would eat just about anything. Man, that makes me sound like a gluttonous pig...which I may very well be...but food is SOOO good! =D

During dinner it rained, and somewhat heavily too, but by the time we left the restaurant, the rain had come down to a slight drizzle...and then we were on our way to the first venue of the night. Black Pearl. It was a great place and a great way to start and spend the majority of the night. And unbeknownst to me, this was a night I'd be falling in love all over again...

I regret not bringing my camera along or stealing the one camera that we did bring (we decided to bring only one so that it would be less of a hassle) because, in the end, no pictures were taken at Black Pearl or TGT, the next bar/club that we went to. *sad face* It really would have a been a worthwhile picture-taking frenzy because most of us went dancing and let loose, enjoying every minute that we could away from work. The band at Black Pearl was beyond fantastic (okay, maybe I exaggerate, but only a little) and it would have been nice to have walked away with some physical tokens to remember the night by rather than just depending on my memory. It was a Filipino band, with two girls and a guy doing the singing, doing covers of English songs (save one - Nobody by The Wonder Girls) that ranged from Shakin Stevens to Alanis Morrisette to Bon Jovi to Justin Bieber (yes, they covered Baby...and surprisingly, it was freakin' good...well, the guy did Luda's part and he made it his own...it was beautiful...one of the girls did Justin's part which was nothing outstanding, just the same..).

So...what I loved about this bar and the covers were not only because they were done well (even if different) and not because the front members of the band were charismatic and entertaining...all bands have to be both of these things to be considered good (in my opinion). But, what made this band so great? Read and learn, baby...

As the music was getting good and upbeat enough for dancing, I moved from where we were situated when we arrived at the bar towards the stage; we had decided to sit together near the pool table and just "listen" to the live music.

 psssh...live music is meant for watching just as well!! It's all about interaction between the performers and the audience...so I couldn't refrain from getting closer to the good stuff. One of the girls, Ly, and I went to find the dance floor, which was right next to the stage and turned out to be this really, really small area. Honestly, I don't think they meant to have a dance floor. People were just dancing by their tall tables. But Ly and I jumped right in next to these few other people (who were prolly just dancing by their tables) and made a dance floor out of the little area that was enough room for prolly 10-12 people only. And boy, it was a freakin' blast!! People were basically dancing right up on each other, but I think that's what made it so much more fun than it prolly woulda been.

Eventually we found our way to the front of the stage, dancing and singing along. And this was when I began to fall in love. Why? How? Simply because the male singer would sing to me..and point to me...and smile at me...and reach down and touch my chin...and put the mic in front of me so I could sing a line or two...and what girl would not fall madly in love with a guy who gives her this much attention?!?!?!?! I kid, but not really.  But really, it was exciting when he'd point to me every time he sang "I'm yours" and mesmerizing when he'd smile at me each time I approached the stage. And then, when I was just ready to sit down, he crooned an unexpected ballad - Because I Love You (Shakin Stevens). Oh golly, it was beautiful. And I could not take my eyes off of him. And it was then, I knew. Naw, it's not that serious...but I was literally going gaga. It really was great.. but enough with the mushy stuff.

After Black Pearl, we left with the intention of returning to the hotel and calling it a night. It was already past 1 a.m. at least. But I think because Elliot had been so moody at Black Pearl and because the others wanted to "humor him," no one objected when Elliot asked "so what next?" and Khanh answered "what do you wanna do?" and we found ourselves obeying Elliot;s order to "go to the next joint." So to TGT it was. This was, I think, more of what clubs are like here in Vietnam ( whereas Black Pearl was a bar). There was a DJ but I don't think the music was too enjoyable and at that moment, on the dance floor, I made a decision to make sure I go clubbing at least once when I get back before law school starts up again. We didn't stay here long, even though we were treated as VIP since Khanh had some fantastic connections. Again, Elliot was moody and didn't join in the fun...so we were all pretty bothered by his "party-pooping" on top of the fact that we were all pretty much worn out from Black Pearl.

Even so, it was a fun-filled day and evening and when we left the next morning (without Elliot who wanted to sleep in and decided to take a later boat back to HCMC), we were all still happy. The two girls and I went out for breakfast in the morning and also took a quick stroll along a different stretch of the beach.

When the group arrived back in HCMC, we went to eat at this cozy and ballsy little restaurant - CUC GACH QUAN. It was hidden from the world, it seemed, and you'd prolly only be able to find it if someone were to take you there. It was beautiful and I cannot describe it properly, and I have very few photos to show that will not do it justice. There is an area that feels like eating in a treehouse, though I think it would've been better had the roof been more open. Instead, there were only a few tiny windows to let in some light. We ate on the first floor however, and it felt, to me, like having lunch in someone's family cottage in some wooded area. There was even a pond-like feature in one room where the floor was basically a pond and there were wooden planks to cross over from one room to the next. That was such a cute little room and I wish I had taken pictures of it. But for some reason (maybe hanging out with Elliot too much), I had the thought that doing so would make me too touristy and would not be so welcomed by my peers.

The decor was meant to be pre-unification of Vietnam and the music was old classics. What I thought was interesting was a large, old map of Vietnam (pre-1975). Ly explained how you could tell it was pre-unification - the spelling of some names had not been changed to signify the different Northern and Southern Vietnamese accents.

There was also a piece of writing that symbolized pre-unification and the attitude of people in the South in the room that we sat in. In the room next to us, there was an English translation of the piece. However, I did not get a chance to read the English translation so I can only take the words of my colleagues...and I'm sure it's a beautiful piece.

 

Also a cool note...they had slanted cups!! and the straws were made of Morning Glory, which the Vietnamese love to eat. Even the group I was with got excited at this realization and enjoyed such uniqueness; they pulled out their camera for a few pictures too.

 

Okay. I'm gonna call it quits with this post. I've been working on it for 2.5 days, trying to collect and upload pics and writing about my falling in love experience and so on...and well, if you really did read it all the way through, my goodness you really are a good friend to me...and I love you for it! =]