An endearing culture

There are a lot of things I find very endearing about Vietnamese ways. I sometimes hear from other foreigners that the customs and people are rude here...but maybe that's because these people are focusing on the wrong things. Sure, it's normal to push your way through crowds, eat first without waiting for other people's food to arrive, and talk in theaters...but it's also normal to hold hands with your friends as you walk (took me some time to get used to that), help guide strangers across the traffic congested intersections, and make idle conversations with everyone.

Maybe what I like most are the pronouns we use. The way the Vietnamese language works everyone is addressed as if we are family. People younger than me are "em" or young siblings, all elderly are "ba or ong" aka grandma or grandpa, all older adults are called "chu or co" aka uncle or aunt...you get the picture. We're all family here. :)

Mmmm...another thought...in the states I sometimes hear the argument that everyone should learn English no matter what your background is because "you live here." Mmmmmm, but why is it that most Western expats that I've met that have lived in Vietnam for a few years still can't speak Vietnamese? I'm not full of anger or anything (I mean, my Vietnamese sucks and I grew up with my parents didn't I?) but just find it an interesting comparison.

Anyway, I was sick Friday/Saturday and healed with lots of meds and fluids...just in time to enjoy a Sunday at the park with a neighbor followed by a movie. Mmmm, another cool thing about being in Asia? Asian media! Watched a Korean movie called "quick" at the theater for a whopping $3.50. It was soooooo goooooood, I wish US theaters would show more Asian media!