McClain's Coffeehouse makes fresh coffee.

McClain's Coffeehouse makes fresh coffee, they truly do!

and don't ask how long ago they brewed their coffee, because:
1. it was brewed 5 minutes ago
2. "Lady Grace," the lady who works the counter will get irritated that you asked.
"Never in 15 years, have I ever been asked that question" -frowning face Lady Grace
3. it's a coffeehouse.

so trust me, their shizz is fresh like a hot pocket.

Small coffee or espresso: $1.50
One dollar if you bring your own cup.
Tea: $1.75

I had an internship interview for a government official on Wednesday. I'm uncertain if I got the position, and won't know till December 12th.

But regardless, it was very exciting to be interviewed by one of the staff members. Since returning from Vietnam, I feel as though everything is falling into place. With enough perseverance, several windows of opportunities are awaiting for me to crawl inside like a home-invasion robbery.

I know, the humor is mediocre. Forgive me.

Home Sweet Home

It's good to return to my beloved smoggy city of Riverside.  I miss American water (tap water that's free of bacteria and disease), having warm showers and being able to stand outside without getting bit by mosquitos. I miss democracy, where I can finally read a newspaper that's not run by the Vietnam Communist Party. 

Kids are cute

Kids are cute. And they're cuter  if they're receiving quality education.  I've been volunteering at Education for Development, a non-governmental organization that assists local social organizations with its education programs.  Last week, I visited an elementary school that's located in the rural areas of Nha Trang.  I spoke with some of the teachers and they all share the same problem: the government does not provide funding for their schools.  Because Nha Trang is located in the rural mountain ranges, it's difficult for school officials to access information.  Communication is extremely limited. When it comes to school funding, it's not uncommon to see a corrupt government official pocket this money.

These schools operate on private support. Education for Development makes sure these funds go directly to the school by purchasing school materials. If you'd like to help these children receive a quality education, please make a donation to: www.EducationForDevelopment.org

Toys.  (Look closely, they're oyster shells)

it's been awhile

The internet here is the speed of 1998 AOL/Prodigy era. Bear with me though. Right now I'm in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. It's a beautiful country despite it's rugged past with the Khmer Rouge and disturbing news of sex slaves and human trafficking. I'll write more when I return to Vietnam...

9-hour train ride to Nha Trang

$12 economy class gets you this: (This picture doesn't show the flat screen TVs that played cheesy music videos for 9 straight hours)





For $20, first class gets you this (which includes a random girl taking a picture of you while you're sleeping):





Sleeping employee. Passengers should feel safe this man will protect us if the door flies open. 

Phap Van Temple

It's amazing how a structure is made to bring peace and harmony to its people. Phap Van temple is centrally located in the bustling city of Ho Chi Minh City.  While here, I practiced mindfulness, meditation and stretching exercises (yoga). This is the same temple dharma teacher, Thich Nhat Hanh, held his first demonstration to protest the Vietnam War.  This is the same temple where five of his followers were shot and killed by the South Vietnam Army. The South Vietnam Army thought Hanh and his followers were communists. The Viet Cong thought Hanh was an American puppet.   Eventually, Hanh was exiled. Just recently, he has been able to visit his homeland again in 2004. 

Morning exercise.  And no, that is not a shower curtain pole.