Hello Father!

My Dad used to always call and leave his messages, "hello, this is your father." I never stop teasing him about this. Anyway, my Dad arrived in Vietnam July 31st late at night and the picture didn't turn out. Xuan, my father and I stayed the night in Ho Chi Minh city and then after a exciting ferry trip we arrived in Vung Tau city, where my uncle Steve lives.

I rented a motorbike from Steve's local 'favor' supplier for around $6/day. Its the 'Love' bike.

On Monday July 3rd, my Dad and I set out on The Love bike to explore Vung Tau a bit.

We went to the 'Small Mountain,' which is what the Vietnamese name translates to in English. Behind my Dad is the 'Big Mountain.' Atop the mountain behind the handsome camera-man is a lighthouse. Connecting the two mountains are tunnels that date back to 1898. The tunnel and bunker system was built and used by the french over a ten year period.

Dad's on his way to the tunnel entrance inside a bunker.

"Yaaargh' Ima pirate!" No Dad, thats a dried out giant bean stalk, not a sword.....The locals are not impressed! :D

Thùy Tùng

Xuân and I went to our favorite cafe, Thủy Tùng along the Đồng Nai river Wednesday evening. It was windy all day long and about 15 minutes after we arrived I noticed some clouds creeping up on us. We left after finishing our drinks. It was around 5:30 and a few raindrops started falling. About 5 minutes later it was a downpour.

I pulled the motorcycle over and we put our raincoat on. I jokingly asked, 'how about pizza?' Xuân said 'yes,' laughing. Then she realized I might be serious and asked me if I was too wet and maybe we should go home. Of course, I said, 'you're never to wet for pizza.'

We went to the Big-C shopping center where there is a Pizza Hut. We got hot soup, tea, salad and the meat lovers pizza (Xuân's choice).

I am of course proud of the choice she made! Xuan is becoming the pizza-holic.

Banana!

Had to update the saga of the Banana, but this time with my phone camera. Sorry about the lack of professionalism. Its really embarrassing.

Today's Banana update brought to you by 'Dictionary.com '

-Noun

1. A tropical plant of the genus Musa, certain species of which are cultivated for their nutritious fruit.....Ba-nan-aa!

Sitting down at the breakfast table this banana is almost at arms reach through the window. i want it! :D

Xuan and her mom laugh when I take these pictures, but I am excited to watch this banana grow.
Ive never seen live action banana footage! hold on tight folks. More comming soon!

Mmmmm

Living Large ;-)

Im to sexy for my helmet

Its true!

Xuan and I spent a day in Ho Chi Minh city this sunday July 26th.

We were on a mission to find our wedding bands. After a late breakfast we sent out to the big city and spent most of the day going to different stores. Finally we found two rings that we liked.

Xuan also got a new dress out of the deal (she looks gorgeous in it,) and I got a french press for my morning coffee. You just don't get enough coffee from the vietnamese drip coffee.

During a late lunch, around 4 pm, it started to rain in buckets. That lasted maybe 10 minutes. We were hoping the drive home would be dry. Nope!

Up in Vietnam

Xuan and I went to see Pixar's 'Up' at the theatre in Bien Hoa. It was my second time and Xuan's first. We were laughing the whole time. Its such a great story. Heartwarming, touching, funny and exciting.

In the credits there is a man by the name of John Pottembaum. Can you believe that not only do I know him from high-school, but I ran into him while laying over in Taiwan. He was on his way to Vietnam as well. Its a small world.

Go see 'Up' if you have not already.

Wedding album photo-shoot

Xuan and I woke up at 1:45 in the morning July 21st for our photo-shoot. Troi oi, why so early. We requested that we have sunrise photo's. Last January we spent 2 days trying to find a studio that would commit to doing sunrise photo's. Angel Kim was the studio who won our business. The day was long and difficult. It was worth every mostquito bite and drop of sweat.

See ya all in Vietnam!