the world for more than it simply is

I’ve just arrived in HCMC the other night. I will have to update in a few days. Check back then for more details. I’m not really experiencing any culture shock as they call it (it’s probably because we are staying with family members here in VN and that I already speak the language for the most part.)

The flight to Korea was pretty long–12 hours if I recall correctly. I filled the time on the plane by watching in-flight movies and playing chess against a virtual opponent. The arrival in Incheon, S. Korea was different to say the least. Never have I seen such a large amount of Korean people. The duty free shops there are stocked with goods that tourists would buy. All the usual souvenirs and then some. Everything was seemingly overpriced though. After touring the airport with my cousin Hac and eating a light Korean meal of noodles in broth with seafood on a stick, we boarded the plane to VN. Before I forget, Hac’s VN friend who goes to Depaul with him was also present during our flight to VN. A nice girl who was carrying an Xbox 360 home for her brother.

During the flight, I slept in intervals of wake and sleep. A bit of the restlessness of sitting in an uncomfortable seat for so long. Not to mention, I was half awake when the flight attendents came by with the airline food and knocked over a cup of water I had in the cup holder. Still feeling a bit of fatigue as it is a 12 hour time zone difference. Ong Loi’s family picked us up from the airport. After getting through VN customs (which was remarkably faster than I had expected), we were greeted by a large sign bearing the names ‘Xuan Hao (though incorrect) and Quy Hac.’ That night we were welcomed into Ong Loi’s house and Chu Bao went and got some Pho–pho chin to be exact. It was pretty good.