The Good, the Bad and the Ugly

My dreams of being a calf model have officially been squashed. I got off on the wrong side of the lawnmower strapped to a jet engine (aka: May’s motorbike) and now have a nasty looking burn. According to May and all the other roommates, it means I’m now truly part of Vietnam. I think I probably could have done without this cultural experience.

(I was going to put a picture of my burn right here, but once I actually looked at the picture I decided it was much too gross to post online. Instead, please enjoy looking at my favorite drink. Pureed strawberries on ice)

my crack

I’ve briefly mentioned the shower in passing, but I think it deserves a full blown paragraph. It’s a faucet, two feet off the ground, with a bucket underneath and a dip cup. To call it a shower is generous. The hottest the water gets is the temperature outside (which I will admit is actually quite warm) and then somehow, miraculously it turns within a minute into an icy cold puddle. Need to get your blood pumping in the morning? Forget about a run; try forcing yourself to pour frigid water over your head in small quantities until you can finally put shampoo in your hair. It sounds like I’m complaining, but surprisingly this whole cleaning process a pride point for me. If I can get through a shower with a dip cup every morning, I can definitely get through anything the day has in store for me.

Conner and I enjoying our strawberry drinks

Since the only time it is safe to run in Vietnam is at 5am, Conner and I have decided to take up yoga. There is no such thing as hot yoga here, as all of it is in 100 degree temperatures. The first day was rough, but we both bought unlimited two month passes, so we’re holding each other to going. I've gone a few times and it's definitely worth the $45.

Things I learned (among other things):

Having red nails means you’re a prostitute (whoops)

If you catch a cricket flying, put him on your stomach and he bites your bellybutton then you will know how to swim. (This actually sounds a lot more complicated than just learning how to swim the old fashion way)

I have a calling for cards. I’ve learned a whole bunch of Vietnamese card games, and kicked some serious butt.

If you burn your fingers (not seriously, just if you touch something hot) put them on your ears. It cools off your fingers and warms up your ears!