Back In School

Co Thuy

This is Miss Thuy, my teacher for Vietnamese. Today was my 5th class so I am beginning to make simple sentences, and I even had a light bulb moment when I put together two words to form the Vietnamese word for "now". That may not sound too exciting but I was very pleased with my creation. This language looks fairly uncomplicated when written but the pronunciation is really difficult. I mentioned earlier about all the accent and tonal markings in written Vietnamese, and each mark indicates a rising, falling or loop de loop sound you make when speaking. Fortunately each word is only one syllable and grammar is not complicated. That's the good news, according to my teacher.

I have heard other westerners speaking the language fluently, so I think the same is possible for me to accomplish. For the first time since arriving here 4 months ago, I actually said something in Vietnamese to someone and was understood. I am very excited to be making a little progress in communicating.

On to more mundane matters, I have begun swimming seriously for one hour a day. It is really hot here, even until 7 PM, so swimming provides a respite from the heat and a workout for the bod. I have gotten my arms and legs in pretty good condition and I am working on those stubborn love handles. When I finish my swim I have the greatest natural highs I have ever experienced. I showed pictures of the pool previously, but the story of the complex where I swim is worthy of repeating. During the French occupation of Viet Nam this was the French Country Club and must have been a ritzy place. I love that it is now known as the Labor Club, antithetically to French Country Club.

I am still taking guitar lessons, but guitar has taken a back seat to my language course. I enjoy belting out a rockabilly version of "Jamablaya", "Tennessee Waltz ", "Amazing Grace", plus a few others and so far the neighbors have not complained. Relearning to play the six string was a good idea, however for ease of transport I will get a recorder and try to play it. I am traveling light these days.

The time is drawing nigh for taxes which I need to return to America to handle. I am able to file as late as June 15 since I am out of the country, but I am thinking of heading that way in early April. I have a short list of things besides taxes to do while there. Some of the thing on my list include Mexican food, ice cream, grits, new phone, computer, watch. Hmm! Half my list is food. Maybe I should forget the nachos and enchiladas. Also I am getting a bit of a shopping list from Vietnamese friends.

Well, that about does it. When I seriously committed to moving to Asia I made a proviso with myself to use this opportunity to improve myself in as many ways as possible. I think I am on the right path, and again I want to say how grateful I am for all the forces that put me here. I kind of like myself better than ever before, so I guess of all the ways I could improve, that is about the best of all. The journey goes well. Thanks!