Boys will be boys

A friend of ours once said that no matter where you go in the world boys will always be boys. While I agree with that it's also true that girls will always  be girls. Perhaps the picture will help explain what I mean. What we see here is a group of boys playing a popular game here. It is most closely related to hacky-sack but played with what looks like a small plastic squeeze box with feathers glued to one end. In the very back and mostly out is sight is a group all standing in a circle is a group of about six girls talking. In the foreground is a younger boy watching the older ones play and likely someone's mother watching the whole thing. So I guess no matter where you go everyone is still same. 

Shopping at a chơ

In Vietnam you can shop at a supermarket, on the street, or at a chơ. A chơ is a bunch of small stalls crammed together usually under some kind of roof or covering. Not only are the space between the rows of small stalls cramped but it is common to see people riding there motorbikes down them. Take a look. 

Gas mileage

What kind of gas mileage does a motor bike get these days?  

My bike has a 1 gallon tank. It gets about 120 miles per gallon. I fill it up once every ten days or so and it costs just shy of $4.00. Total gas bill for the month $12 to $15. Not to shabby. 

Nước mía

What is nước mía?  Nước means water or liquid and mía is sugar cane. So nước mía is sugar cane juice. It is a vey popular drink in South East Asia and many other areas. It is basically liquid unrefined sugar and it is delicious. Average cost for a glass 25 cents but you can find it for 15 cents. 

http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sugarcane_juice

Drivers Test

I passed my drivers test. Here is how it all came about. 

Because I have a drivers license already I can transfer it here. First I had to get a medical exam (vision test, dental exam, etc) for $2.  Then I had to get my original license translated and notorized for $5.50. Then turn in all the paperwork to the transportation department and pay $17.50.  Because my license does not include a motorcycle license I still had to take the practical exam (I got out of the written test).  For the practical exam you have to ride a 50cc motorcycle (small) they provide in a really tight figure eight (the hardest part), then in a strait line for 20 feet, followed by a zig zag pattern, then over a series of bumps.  When you pass you go pick up your license in three weeks. 

Vietnamese Wedding

A good friend of ours was married yesterday.  Since he is from the states and his parents couldn't make it we were called on to represent his side of the family.  Does standing in for his parents officially make us old?  Anyway, here are some pictures you might enjoy.

The Kiss

The Rings

The Fireworks

Cambodia

In order to renew our Visa we took a quick (one night) trip to Cambodia.  We had a really good time with some friends who are there.  We had Mexican food and Pizza while there.  It was the first time having Mexican food on our trip because we hear it's not very good in Vietnam.  However our friends knew this place that did a good job.  We were not adventurous enough to try the crickets they eat there (see picture below).

Women carrying crickets (to eat) on there head