Ubud – A glimpse behind the gates

A look at how Ubud has changed

People I met…in Vietnam

As I sit and reflect on our holiday I remember mostly the people I met. Next it would be the food. Lastly the sights and the history but they are all ultimately linked with the people I met… I would like to take this moment…a long moment…a six hours in transit moment over a number…

Ms Yang

Ms Yang of Ms Yang’s Homestay in District 3, Saigon. “My family has owned this villa for many years, it is the original family home. My mother was Chinese, she passed two years ago. The name, Ms Yang, is from my mother’s family name. My Vietnamese name is too difficult for people to pronounce.  My…

Two Basque Men

The two men from Basque who arrived unannounced last night on motorbikes to our homestay deserve a post of their own because I feel responsible for them. We have sort of been left in charge at the homestay whilst the hosts are in Saigon at their apartment, partying I think. So they came back from…

Joe and Marree

Sitting next to me on the plane to Ho Chi Minh city was a chap and his wife going back to visit. They live in Melbourne now, but he was originally from the old capital Hue. He will visit the south of Vietnam but will not go north. It brings up too many bad memories….

Coincidentally

I was at market today, drinking Chai and chatting. It was a gorgeous early summer’s day, lots of people out and about.   I decided to get lunch, but realised I would have to walk to the store and get more cash out. So I headed off, deviating to the loo first. I happened to…

being friends…

A collection of thoughts and quotes about being friends.   (thinking about being friends has been inspired by the re-connection with a friend from long ago and what could have been an awkward reunion turned into a delightful week.) Friendship is about connection. In a true friendship this connection is maintained over space and time. “Friendships are…