Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Lunch at a local restaurant. As mentioned on facebook, they threw away Blair's hair gel at the airport, so he had to go spikeless.

Old City Hall

Lion Dance, to bring luck to businesses in the new year

Laughing Buddha and female Buddha

Families of 4 and 5 pile on one moped.

This is near the the Mekong River Delta

These hats were "free" from our tour guide.

Vietnam is very tropical because it's close to the equator.

Ho Chi Minh City, formerly Saigon, was absolutely crazy! The first thing that happened to us, was we got totally ripped off by a taxi driver. We'd just stepped out of the airport and needed a ride to our hotel. The money in Vietnam is very confusing, because one US dollar equals $19,000 Vietnamese dollars. So I was dealing with $500,000 bills and that taxi guy took advantage of my confusion. We basically paid US $35 too much. I was so mad!! After that debacle, things were fine. Everything there is cheap, so it made up for the loss. Blair got a "North Face" backpack for $10 and I got a fake Lonely Planet travel book for $4. I also got a mani, pedi, and 1 hour massage for $14 total. Blair had his first pedicure, because he was waiting on me and I always complain about his ogre-like toenails. The people were extremely friendly and helpful, minus the swindling taxi driver and the lady that swatted my hand at the market. There were many people struggling to make a living and that is always hard to see. We saw the War Remnants Museum, Reunification Palace, and Mekong River Delta. I learned alot about the history of Vietnam. One annoying part was the insane traffic and honking. It was their New Year, so everyone was off work and ready to celebrate. Below is a video of the mopeds at an intersection.

Chinese New Year

Every year, the students wear their traditional clothes for Chinese New Year. This is the year of the tiger! We had a big production at school, with Chinese dancing and music. Even some of the teachers had to come on stage and do some Chinese dancing. Of course, I was volunteered for it. Midway through I was doing this kicking thing and my shoe flew off and almost hit the front row. The kids loved that part. We had a class party after the assembly. Then we got a week off of school, because this holiday is bigger than Christmas over here. Kung Hay Fat Choi! That means blessings and riches in the new year for your family.

When should you throw out old clothes??

It's funny I often wonder about when a favorite shirt or pair of pants should be thrown out. Julia's post made me think about getting advice from you guys. I don't want to end up like those poor ladies on Oprah, that look like they came straight out of the 80's and then upon further inspection they discover their clothes are like 30 years old or more. Of course, you think "how ridiculous, that would never happen to me." Actually though, when I do the math, I start to get worried. I have a few wonderful pieces that I know I've had for 1o years, others 8 or 5 years. I have shoes that I've had for 5 years. I mean, it's not that I don't buy new stuff, it's just letting go of stuff that I still love. I will ask Blair sometimes if he thinks something looks ok and he will respond with "I don't know, don't you know? You're a girl. Your suppose to know these things." I do love getting rid of old clothes that I never wear or don't fit right. Before we came to Hong Kong, I gave away TONS of clothes. Is it possible that some pieces are timeless? :) and they deserve to be kept? I am curious about your thoughts? Do clothes have an expiration date?

Family Photo Time

Oh stop it you silly man!

What a great trip. I love you guys!

what's for dinner?

READ CAREFULLY, let me know what you would like to order.