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.