9/28/11 12:10 pm. Ha Noi, Viet Nam. School.

It's been a little over a week since I've last posted, but things here have been a little busy. School work is starting to pile up, and the SAT is this Saturday. I really hate that test, and anyone that knows me should know I could go on for hours about it. High School is such a drag. I'm starting to actually feel older. It's gross; I know, but I suppose these things happen. I'm trying to keep my work on check along with my nerves; it's an interesting balance.

Other than school I had a good week, and another great weekend here in Ha Noi. Last weekend I went to a skate competition with my brother and his friends. I've started hanging out with the same group of punk Viet kids and I've definitely become part of the crew. Most of the guys work at the tattoo parlor, and the ones that don't just hang out there. We watched Planet of the Apes on a small TV in the shop and constantly cracked wordless jokes. The only problem is I can't really talk to these guys, other than that we have a great time. I also met an Australian skater named Tim who's lived here for a few years and speaks practically perfect Vietnamese. It's seems like everyone here just has fun. In every picture I take, everyone's smiling or laughing. People sing freely, and don't care if they sound good. Here it's not cool to stand in the back with a straight face and crossed arms. It's cool to be yourself, and to be happy. It's definitely a different world here. It's just what I needed.

9/19/11 11:30 am. Ha Noi, Viet Nam. School

It's Monday morning again. I had an awesome weekend with my brother, and family. Friday night we went out to Lenin park where street art flourished. BMX, skateboarding, rollerblading, breakdancing, hip-hop, futbol tricks, and small kids flooded the small square. It was amazing. You could be anyone there, and do anything; it didn't matter. I mainly talked with my brother, and watched kids skate; only hopping on a board a few brief times due to my lack of skill. I definitely consider myself a snowboarder, or long-boarder; although i'm hoping to nail a kickflip by the end of this. Saturday night was really fun. We went to a "tattoo party." Basically it was a dj playing at a bar/tattoo parlor. The music was great, and they were doing free piercings. I'm not sure how I feel about declining the once in a lifetime offer, but I suppose my parents are happy with my decision, plus it might have been hard to explain a brand new lip piercing to my host parents. When paying the entrance fee, you also get a ticket for one free drink, and another free drink if you have a tattoo. I was one of the few bare-skinned people in there (possibly soon to change though haha). I know my parents don't really approve, but I'm an artist. I can't do anything else. It's really only a matter of time before I get one, and to get one here would make it all the more meaningful. I'm not dumb either; this time here will never be relived. Even if I come back, and stay at the same house; it will never be like this again. I don't ever want to forget what I've learned or experienced here.  I think I'm at the point in my life where permanency can be a positive thing. Some people consider their bodies a temple, I consider mine a canvas. I'm proud of every scar I've earned. I hope I'm not scaring my parents by writing this. I'm still me. I don't think my values or views on life have changed much, but have become more amplified and real. I've still got a lot of time here though, and know some things will change within me.

Some madd skating at Lenin park. 

Another skater getting down, and working up a sweat. 

The city of Ha Noi at night. 

Saturday afternoon we took a day trip to the small craft village of Bat Trang. It was actually a lot of fun. The town specializes in pottery. We met the main craftsman who is considered one of the best in Vietnam. We were privileged to see his workshop in the process of a major project. He is making 24 large earns for the celebration of the new king. There were about six people in the small room working diligently as we snapped photos and gawked at their meticulous art. Later we had lunch in an upstairs restaurant that overlooked the small market. After our meal we were taken to a small concrete building, that was covered with color from the prison like graffiti on the walls. It was our chance to attempt our own pottery. Using hand-spun wheels, and a lump of fresh clay we set to the task; only succeeding after being helped multiple times by the crafts-women their. It was a great experience and a small breath of fresh air from the metropolis of Ha Noi. Our director decided to give us a taste of the public transportation, so we took the bus for 3000 vnd (roughly 5 cents). Even though we were packed on their like sardines, the scenery we passed was incredible, and the abrupt transition from the country to city is unbelievable. 

Sunday afternoon I went out with my family and took a little trip around the lake. It was so nice to go out with them and take some pictures. We went to the cafe that my father has gone to every Sunday for over 20 years, and then walked around until a small lunch right off the street. After seeing the Ha Noi no foreigner would ever witness, we had sweet drinks; milk tea, and citrus juice at a marvelous cafe that overlooked the lake and city. It was a wonderful way to spend the afternoon, and a perfect end to the weekend. 

The bus station

The famous craftsman

A Vietnamese man makes sugar cane juice

Coffee at the cafe my father has been too for 20 years

There were lots of newly weds at the lake

another newly wed couple

My family at the top of the cafe

9/16/11 1:20 pm. Ha Noi, Viet Nam. School.

Nathan in Vietnamese family

Click the link to see my episode of "Friends from around the world." It's pretty funny, but pretty fake too. This was the first time I cut fruit, helped cook dinner, and other things that TV gets you to do. It was fun though, and the portrayal of my family is accurate. We really do laugh that much, and have a good time. I wish they had put some other things in the video, like hanging out with my brother in my room, and such, but no matter; it is what it is. I'm not complaining...except that my host mom called me "tiny." That was a bit uncalled for haha. At least they like me.

9/14/11 9:50 am. Ha Noi, Viet Nam. School.

We've been in Ha Noi for almost two weeks now, but it feels like we've been doing this forever. Not in a bad way or anything; you just get that feeling. I now have an internship at the local TV station VTC. I will be working in the english department to help produce programs about expats or other foreigners living in Ha Noi. Today I will actually be the character for that show. A camera crew will follow me around after school to see how I live with my Vietnamese family. They will interview me and my family, and put together a three minute program about my life here. It's an international channel and I'll try and give times and channels to view it, but otherwise I'll try and post it on youtube for everyone to see.
I'll be going to the station every tuesday and thursday afternoon to help with productions. Who knows what I might end up doing; maybe I'll get to read the news, edit videos, or interview the people here. My main purpose though, is to work with the cameras and equipment, and of course dive deeper into the culture. Everyone working at the station is young, and for the most part speaks some english. I don't think anyone working in my department is over 30. I'm pretty excited to work there, and be apart of a professional television production.

Perinne and myself at the family dinner. 

This is my host mom. She's very funny, and we get along really well. Very cute right?

This is my family! Unfortunately my host dad couldn't make it because he was working in Holland. Obviously thats my brother on the left and sister on the right. They're so much fun. Goofy, and crazy, but smart, understanding, and accepting at the same time. (I could say the same about my real family too, how ironic)

Last weekend our family, and other related host families went out to dinner to celebrate the end of the last school year, and the beginning of this one. There were about seven families there and everyone had a great time. After the dinner my brother took me and another student to a club for a dubstep show. It was so much fun. The music was awesome, and I got down with a bunch of Vietnamese kids. Part of the euphoria came from the fact that the language barrier was diminished. With the music blasting there was no way even the Viet kids could talk to each other, so we would just laugh and dance. I was so surprised that the kids were so much like the kids at home; if not more hipster, or punk. Coming here I was told the kids didn't go out, and family was the main focus, but these kids had a different idea. They were skaters, and street kids who stay out late and party till there's no tomorrow. Hmm...where have I seen this before?  After the show the three of us went to an 24 hour cafe and had coffees with sweet cream, smoked cigarettes and laughed as we grew tired. Going to sleep that night I smiled as I realized that no matter where you go, people just want to have fun. Whatever language you speak, or life you grew up with, having fun is always going to be there. To be honest, I didn't think I would be having this much fun in Vietnam. That is my greatest culture shock.

9/9/11 10:50 am. Ha Noi, Vietnam. School.

Hanging out in the student lounge before class. 

The view from outside our classrooms. 

Our highly technological bell system. 

Vietnamese class in the morning. 

Part of the school campus. Very zen. 

Chilling in the student lounge. 

This is the garden at my house. 

My Vietnamese home from the outside. 

9/8/11 4:51 pm. Ha Noi, Viet Nam. Home.

Getting adjusted here was no problem. I feel completely comfortable at home, and I'm starting to get the school routine down. Hopefully I can push myself more than in the states, and actually do well in school here. I can't wait to be out of this high school nonsense though. At least I can still give a big middle finger to good ol' James Wood. I've probably learned more here in the last week then I would have there the entire year. I can't completely disregard James Wood though, because I wouldn't be here today without the help of the few great underpaid, under-appreciated teachers there today (you know who you are). This place just works for me though. I know enough about myself to know that small classes and intellectual students are my path to success. Even in a communist society I feel I have more freedoms than at JWHS. We have a student lounge and hang out in between classes. At lunch we go out and have our choice of sitting outside and ordering food, or picking up some fried pork or chicken and bringing it back to the lounge. Sense I'm not taking a math I have a free period to work, or relax. My Vietnamese is getting better. I can talk to the cab drivers, and tell them where to go so I don't get overcharged like some kids here. Plus, my family really helps me; always quizzing me, and teaching me new words. I'm glad that what I was worried about most is now the least of my worries. My host mother already told me that this is a new second home to me, and she'll be sad to see me go. "Four month too short!" I'm so glad that they accept and even admire my craziness. I really enjoy hanging out with my brother and my host dad. They're really cool, and smart people. They remind me of my family at home in so many ways. They are wonderfully unique.

I can't say I don't miss home though. I do, a lot actually. I miss driving, hanging out with Spence, Ross, and the gang, my beautiful girlfriend (even though she left me first), but my parents most of all. Shit like this really makes you appreciate what you've got. Sometimes I really hate walking around these streets with my hat and sunglasses, watch, and clean clothes. I feel rich, and spoiled. I want to tell these people that I'm not an asshole, and would help if I could. Sometimes I wish I were them; which is ironic because I know they wish they could have it like me. Even with all the looks, the Vietnamese are very friendly and usually understanding. 

It's only been a week, but I've learned so much. I guess it helps when you actually try to learn instead of information being shoveled down your throat, and expected to be known. When I come back I will hopefully be able to speak Vietnamese somewhat proficiently, and kick some ass with chopsticks. Forks and Knifes are so barbaric haha. I don't know if it's good or bad that I'm actually starting to feel like a real "adult"...It's gross, I know, but I suppose these things happen. When people, like my family; ask me why I wear my crazy bracelets I tell them it's so I don't forget who I was, or why I'm here. I never want to loose my sense of childness, adventure, or desire to be different. 

9/6/11 10:36. Ha Noi, Viet Nam. Student Lounge.

I love it here. My family couldn't be anymore perfect. My "father" (bo),  loves photography and takes a lot of pictures. My 16 year old brother Duc skateboards and BMX. I have a 17 year old sister and a mother (me).  They couldn't be any better for me. Just the right amount of crazy. They are not a rich family like some here, but they are fun, and thats what matters most to me. I will post pictures of them when I can.
School here is very cool, and I actually enjoy going. The classes are very small, and the facilities are nothing spectacular, but I like it so much more than James Wood.
The internet hasn't been working at my house so I haven't been able to post much, and Facebook is banned here, although you can get on if you change the proxy server. Since I can't use the internet much, I've been reading a lot, and talking with my host family.

This is my room. It's not much, but it's perfect. 

Bargaining for fruit. 

This was backstage at the water puppet show, after the performance.

The streets of the old Ha Noi 

9/3/11 10:55 pm. Hanoi, Vietnam. Hotel room.

Hanoi is one hell of a city. It's wonderful how the chaos is normal, and just a part of everyday life.
The Vietnamese are a very friendly culture. After smiling and laughing at our poor pronunciation, they are more than willing to help you with any issue you present. The heat is something I'll have to get used too, because it never ceases. Humid and hot should be every days forecast.
So far we've explored the city many times, and have had many freedoms. This will definitely change tomorrow when I meet, and move in with my host family, whom I know absolutely nothing about. We also visit the school for the first time tomorrow. It's an international language university, and although it is located in a typically non-westerner province, there are not many Vietnamese speaking kids that attend; at least to my understanding. It doesn't seem like I'll actually be starting school, but i'm looking forward to the routine of riding my bike to school, coming home, and doing work while all the while learning and interacting with my family. I certainly have a lot to look forward to.
I'll be uploading pictures soon, and probably in my next write up or two have some posted on here.
This is going to be such an experience, and I've already had lots of unexpected fun... but not too much.
Tomorrow is a new day.

9/2/11 7:51 am. Hong Kong, China. Airport.

Welcome to Asia.
I'm sitting in the Hong Kong airport after a 12 hour flight from San Francisco. I bought myself a grapefruit juice and a ham and cheese sandwich for.. breakfast? I guess? My time schedule is all kinds of screwed up. I slept a bit on the plane, but it still feels like it's late at night rather than early in the morning. I completely skipped Thursday, but who needs it?
The kids that are embarking on the same adventure are very cool. I'm actually not too odd, or too much different from them. Surprisingly, I am the oldest, and one of the two seniors. It's hard to believe that whats been rummaging through my mind for the last couple months is actually here and happening. I still don't feel like it though, I still feel completely comfortable. We'll see how long that lasts.
I'm really glad everything has turned out as it has so far. The kids are great, and easy to get along with, and the man traveling with us looks exactly like Mr. Miyagi from the Karate Kid...seriously. I'm excited to see how these next couple months unravel. No fear.
Oh, everything on my computer is mostly in Chinese, very interesting.