Finally made it and its...simply...paradise

Left: View from the hotel room

Bottom: Beach where we had lunch

After two postponements and three weeks in Hanoi, today i finally arrived in Hoi An. Everyone, i met in Hanoi was giving me their opinions but right as we drove into town a few words came to mind. classic, breathtaking, enchanting. The water is so blue and the beach is sandy white and uncrowded. totally unlike the beaches in thailand which were overran by tourist.

This past week has been a real turning point in my trip out here. Wednesday, I had a change of mind...and essentially heart. Then again it could have been the sake, beer, and amazing conversation with my project coordinator at the japanese restaurant the night before and the few wine with my other project corrdinator at dinner the following night..but regardless, i could feel myself changing...i became happy here in this foreign country. Simply happy.

I recieved an email from someone who has probably effected me more than anyone single person, at least up to this point. i initiated the conversation and wasnt expecting anything from him but I wanted to acknowledge my behavior and take responsibility for my actions. I sent the email when i first arrived to Vietnam and i just now got a response. (The asshole lol) He apologized for his part and i realized after I read the email (5 times, of course) how much i needed that from him...to finally let go...I realized how fearless i've become because of him. He's a selfish bastard that most likely wont change, but it took that much hurt to get here to this point and if i had to change anything...i wouldnt.

So needless to say I'm doing alright. I had a bout with food poisioning and had to go to the hospital and was involved with my first motorbike accident...well my driver, our young intern, cut off a guy and he fell off his bike. I finished the time off in Hanoi by going to a karaoke bar with my project coordinator and interns. I tell you..those vietnamese and koreans know how to sing. I mean i thought i was pretty phomenenal (haha) but they have me beat! My project coordinator Ju got down. I mean she can dance! And the interns were belting out the pop hits. as for yours truely, well i held my own with a redition of madonna's Like a Virgin. I didnt get on the ground and start crawling like M did but it was one for the memories. Below is a picture of the stage! Oh the name of the club was X-Men..for a minute I thought it was a strip club and thought the girls misunderstood what i wanted to do tonight. Seriously, i spent 10 minutes debating how i was going to tell them or just go with it.

today we had fresh seafood for lunch on the beach. I have never really cared for seafood (I'll eat it but then again theres not much i wont eat) but i've fallen in love. So fresh. (Jippy I'm thinking of you everytime i take a bit lol) Ive met some locals today. 3 generations living and working in hoi an. Not sure how many of you know about this area but here that is a huge deal. They said they were gonna take me to some of the more secluded and local hot spots. Like a beach that is twice as lovely as the one I was sitting at today. Im pretty excited because I thought the one i was on was amazing.

Now instead of having a bottle of wine on the beach to celebrate finally getting here. I am in my hotel room "working" on preparations for a series of meeting tomorrow and sunday. Definitly learning alot about stekholder identification and analysis but that bottle is calling my name!

Welcome to Hanoi..where the beer is cold...for about 5 minutes

Its been about a week now that I have been in Hanoi...and I am itching to get out. The pollution, traffic, heat and humidity is not a good mix with sou. I am a lucky lucky girl to have this oppportunity and I am trying as hard as I can to make the best out of it but I just have to say I cannot get over this city. I saw a kid whip it out and pee into the sewer. There are traffic lanes and lights here but do people follow them? Nope, no they dont. I have to agree with everyone when they that asians just do not know how to drive. Fucking asians. lol

No the city hasnt been all bad. My roommie for the time being, Rachel, and I have been trying new places and she's great company. Keeps me on my toes since compared to her Im more of a timid city go-er. Im getting use to the pace of the people and I learned how to cross the street, yes I said "learned" because asians cant drive and I've been almost ran over by at least a dozen motorbikes. Ive met some pretty interesting people. Interesting to say the least...a few of them: A 60+ old man who refuses to return back to reality (his words not mine) a 28 yrs old guy who prefers to live and judge people within this bubble of a city, a very sweet drag queen whose trying to save up money by fighting cocks (roosters) to move to bangkok and this sweet thang of a bartender a few steps from the apt. 20 so a little young but i would give him some lovin'. lol

I have an intern whose work I am responsible for...crazy right?! He is about 5'4 probably weighs less than me and walked into the office with a huge hickey on his neck that he oh so gratuitously showed off in his V-neck. i work in an office with 5 other women who are so small, cute and smart. I do, however, feel like a mammoth sitting next to them. lol

I like the apt I'm staying in. Its pretty awesome. Rachels got it made. the only down side is my room is upstairs and the bathroom is down...doesnt work well for those late night drunken trips to the bathroom so I just have to make sure I dont drink too much...or drink enough to pass out downstairs. lol Just Kidding! I dont drink! lol

I leave for Hoi An on Wednesday and Im just excited to see the beach...even if i cant swim.