Homecoming

A stroll down memory lane!  My room at VNU was still there and some of the colleagues that I worked with in 2010. More construction this time, but Hanoi is much the same as before. Just had to get a haircut - best deal in town. Some former students met me for dinner and it was nice to see them.  Of course, food is always present!  Vietnam is well-known for inexpensive, healthy and delicious food. You should try some soon! 

Soft Landing

Always nice to see friends and students when traveling abroad. It creates a new memory while reinforcing all of the previous ones. I like to think of it as good brain food, especially when you are enjoying a meal.

At Incheon (S. Korea), two of my former MU students (Kris and Chan) met me for dinner and brought along another Mizzou alumnus (Iris) from Public Affairs. In Hanoi, one of my future graduate students (Kim) met me at the airport and we had lunch together.  You know, there's something special about eating with others!  

Travel Consultant

This summer, I'll be working as a consultant for an ecotourism travel company based in Hanoi called Asia Aventura.  My only wages are room and board, but don't feel too sorry for me since I'll be housed at a luxurious accommodation, nestled deep into countryside: Mai Chau Ecolodge My job is to Westernize their operation by providing staff training and editing all of the travel descriptions. It should be fun and interesting work. I'm looking forward to returning to Vietnam after 5 years.