A Blood Drinkin', Honda Dream Drivin' Diva

The weather in Hanoi is cooling off, providing a remedy to the common ailment faced by many of us here… “chronic sweating.” Other big news is that I’m now working the streets…not like you may think…but as I maneuver my way through the crowded-no-rules-I’m-lucky-if-I-survive traffic. I have a motorbike (the infamous Honda Dream) and I’m as bad as ever. I love it because it allows me more freedom and is always a source of adventure. I received one of the best compliments from the Dean of the English department the other day, who said, “You are like one of us and I love it because we can take you everywhere we go.” This was said after I ate blood pudding, which came after the boiled duck that you eat with the skin and tendons attached. Being the only foreign teacher at the university, I’m invited to about every eating event and because I want to show respect and bridge the cultural gaps, I have “immersed” myself into each experience. My steam is running out a bit but I feel like I have crossed over many cultural barriers and am now seen as truly part of their community. As many of you know, I’m now singing for an expat band with 4 guys who are from the States, Canada, France, and Australia. I’ve been doing some low-key stuff with one of the guitarists at a small tavern in the Old French Quarter of Hanoi on Saturday nights. The audience? Mostly older men from the UK who are regulars at this little pub. The fun times just keep on coming!