Vietnam

Just Two Different Men

Wed, 30 Dec 2009 03:41:00 GMT

While touring the Re-Unification Palace in HCMC / Saigon, we took a few minutes to relax on the roof. While I was paused in the middle of an all glass roof top room, I captured these two images. Very different men. Same place. Practically the same moment.

The People of Saigon

Thu, 24 Dec 2009 20:41:00 GMT

Just a few selects of many, many photographs of the people of Saigon.

The Streets of Saigon

Tue, 22 Dec 2009 03:52:00 GMT

The streets of HCMC / Saigon provide endless amazement. Above are just a few selects from many. Enjoy!

Sobriety Has Set In

Mon, 21 Dec 2009 19:47:00 GMT

Sobriety has set in. The intoxication of travel, a warmer climate and beautiful country is now a memory. It is no longer our current experience. But the soul-shaking stories we discovered are still reverberating in my mind. Still very real. Still very much alive. While I am not currently living these stories, those we met are. And living them every day. Every minute.

We can not simply be "tourists" in their lives. There one day, gone the next. Friendships were born, and we're excited to see these grow. To watch these stories evolve, and to be part of something much greater than ourselves.

As storytellers, our associative nature is strong. It is our ally. Empathy is paramount, or at least our best effort. To tell a story well, we must feel the pain, the joy, the struggle, the success. We must be a part of the story. We want to be involved, to help make an impact. This is an element that drives us. It is much, much more than simply telling a story from a journalistic standpoint.

In the coming weeks and months, we will be working on telling these stories. More will be coming ...

Words Can Not

Sat, 19 Dec 2009 17:44:00 GMT

There are not enough words to properly articulate the stories we have heard while in Vietnam. In the coming weeks and months we will try our best to craft several stories. As we leave Vietnam, heading back to NYC, the above image is one of my favorites from the entire trip. It's not so much the image, but the life lived by this man. Just ask about the Professor and I'll try my best to retell his story.

Our New Friends are Truly Inspiring

Sat, 19 Dec 2009 09:10:00 GMT

This morning, Jordan and I had the honor of sitting with two young Vietnamese students whom we recently met. We now consider these two young men good friends. I am awe-struck by their passion, their conviction, their purpose, their call. To put it simply, these young men are truly inspiring. Whether young or old, anyone could learn a thing or two from our new friends.

Jordan and I spent the morning with them at a cafe near our hotel in city center. We chatted, we shared, and most importantly, we learned. Our new friends openly shared their stories with us. There is not enough time now for me to even begin to share these stories. Much more will be coming soon. I just wanted to show a few images from an impromptu, off-the-cuff portrait session we had after coffee and encouraging conversation.

Motorbike Ride in HCMC / Saigon

Sat, 19 Dec 2009 02:24:00 GMT

Best $8 I have ever spent ... Driving a motorbike through the wild, chaotic streets of Ho Chi Minh City! Exhilarating! There is a rhythm to this city that is quite obvious, yet not easily articulated. Such an apparent heartbeat, unwritten rules of conduct, both on the road and when building relationships. The best type of tourism should educate. And our intent in Vietnam is to learn as much as we can about the people of this beautiful, vibrant country. Therefore, our "tourism" has been focused on the people more than the buildings or statues or landmarks. The people of Vietnam are simply amazing! Watch the video above, and you will see the evidentiary proof this apparent rhythm.

Alleyways - Hidden Gems

Fri, 18 Dec 2009 17:34:00 GMT

After working our way through a maze of an open-air market, we spotted an alley snaking through a mass of compact housing. The video above starts on the edge of the market just before we head down the alley.

Open Air Market on Pham Ngu Lao

Fri, 18 Dec 2009 04:43:00 GMT

We walked through an amazing open air market in an area that is basically a backpackers district. The amount of live seafood is amazing!

A Day in Danang

Thu, 17 Dec 2009 15:09:00 GMT

We spent a wonderful day in Danang. The morning started at 3:30am, heading to the airport at 4am, boarding a plane to Danang, then reaching our breakfast destination on China Beach. The breakfast was out of this world. The beach was beautiful. The few hours to relax were just amazing! We then headed to Marble Mountain – a truly astounding place. The video below shows one of the caves at Marble Mountain. Check it out:

Next we headed into the city to grab some coffee and then connect with a group of university students and young professionals. And that was a total blast. The Vietnamese people are so hospitable and engaging. And most of those we interact have excellent English skills – Makes me feel that I really need to start working on learning a second language.

Below is a great slideshow of photos taken by the wonderful Rachel Chester who not only takes great pictures, she also provides a solid stream of comedic relief!

Art Manufacturing & Retail

Wed, 16 Dec 2009 09:54:00 GMT

A couple of students took us on a tour of HCMC / Saigon. We hit the major tourist locations, but they also took us to an amazing store that produces art and also sells it. The above image shows one of of several young men working on producing these reproduction art pieces. Getting behind the scenes was great. Honestly, it blew my mind to a certain extent because of the tedious work involved. Below is a quick video just outside the retail store around the side and back of the building.

Nom in Nam

Wed, 16 Dec 2009 17:55:00 GMT

I really thought I'd loose weight here. That maybe I wouldn't like alot of the food. Not true. Check out some of the awesome meals we've had.

After several mornings of egg, toast and Pho for breakfast. Neil needed some real carbs.

This is one of the drinks Aaron tried at the snack store at the Education University. It had peanuts, sme sort of dried fruit and some kind of sour juice in it. He said it was pretty un-drinkable.

Rachel talking with one of the students at the university.

On Monday, our new friends Tee & Gill took Rachel and I out for dinner and coffee. This is the dinner we had at the Ben Thanh Night Market. It was amazing. Basically they made all this food in a makeshift kitchen on the sidewalk, and set up a massive tent with rows and rows of tables and chairs. Tee and Gill ordered this feast of food for us.

The whole group, chillin at a restaurant in the city.

On Tuesday we took a day trip to Danang in the central highlands. We had and amazing all you can eat breakfast. But for dinner our friend and tour guide took us to an amazing restaurant on the beach with the freshest seafood I have ever had, so fresh, it was still alive. We drove through the hills of Danang and half way up the mountain, stopped on the side of the road. To get to the restaurant, you had to walk down several ramps and flights of stairs that curved down the side of the mountain to the beach. Once we were there this is the fare we enjoyed...

This is our crab, still alive. Before...

After...
Mr. Crabby was delicious!

On the left, steamed muscles. On the right, raw jellyfish salad (i did not try this one)

Steamed squid.

Fried squid.

Hot pot of every kind of seafood you can imagine.

This is the amazing view down the beach from the restaurant.

This is the dock where they catch their fish.

Elizabeth and Rachel enjoying the food.

This part of Vietnam was destroyed by a typhoon only 3 months ago. Flood waters covered their restaurant almost to the thatch roof. They did an amazing job rebuilding, and so quickly.

There was also a lot of dogs living there with the family that owns the restaurant.

Very comfy.

The Hut

Sat, 12 Dec 2009 01:33:00 GMT

I have always wondered why it is that when people come to visit New York City they enjoy eating at restaurants that they can eat at anywhere else. Mc Donalds, KFC, Hard Rock Cafe, Ruby Tuesdays. I just don't understand. With all the great cuisine there is to choose from...why?

Last night, we were so hungry, and it was so late we ate Pizza Hut for dinner...in Vietnam. I have not eaten at a Pizza Hut in at least 4 years. And, I have to say, Pizza Hut in Vietnam...exactly as I remember it. So, what can I say...I'd never choose to eat there at home but here, It's a little exotic.

Long live the Hut.

Sweet House, Sweet Life

Wed, 16 Dec 2009 04:54:00 GMT

Sweet House, Sweet Life is the tagline at the hotel we're staying at. And so far, that's been the tagline of our trip as well. Here's some highlights from the first couple of days.

We started out by leading a seminar at PSB college. Here's Neil and Rachel dressed up and ready to go in the cab.

On arrival we were greeted by many smiling faces, including our own. The school created a banner with our portraits to advertise the event.

We had a great time at the university, and the seminar went very smoothly.Thanks to Rachel for the pics, here's some more.

Jordan and Elizabeth posing with some students.

Rachel with some of the staff from PSB.

After spending the morning at PSB college we went to an evening Christmas celebration with over 40,000 people in attendance. It was an amazing evening.

On Saturday, we had the opportunity to tour Ho Chi Minh city. We were lucky to have two great tour guides showing us around. We saw Independence (Reunification) Palace, French colonial Notre Dame Cathedral and Post Office, Giac Lam Pagoda, and the Chinese district of Cholon.

Here's a few shots from the basement at the palace.

We were all pretty worn out after the tour. So we went to Highlands coffee to sit down and relax.

Rachel.

Elizabeth digging into a coconut.

Neil.

Jordan.

Ladies & Gentleman ... Mr. Jordan Richard

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 18:04:00 GMT

We had an amazing first full day in Vietnam today! And it started out with our team presenting a Professional Development Seminar at a top University here in HCMC / Saigon. Seven of our team members presented six different topics including leadership, resume writing, and more. The students were quite interested and engaged, but were definitely somewhat reserved. A bit hesitant to even ask questions. However out in the city, the people stop and stare, and quite often walk right up to us asking questions mostly in Vietnamese!

The image above is of Jordan Richard presenting to a class room full of students. After all the presentations were finished, we all went downstairs for a quick photo-op for the college. And you can see from the image below that our very own Mr. Richard had a definite impact on the young ladies. Many of them, giggling almost uncontrollably, just had to get their photo with Jordan! I believe the girls were a bit more interested in his dashing good looks, not his presentation on Writing a Personal Mission Statement. But I could be wrong!

You can follow Jordan on twitter to stay up to date as his fame in Vietnam continues to grow!

A Vibrant & Chaotic City

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 08:39:00 GMT

We feel right at home! It looks different than NYC, but it feels very similar. Above are just a few selected shots from this morning.

Arrived in HCMC / Saigon

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 01:41:00 GMT

It's just after midnight local time. Have been traveling for 30 straight hours and spent 24 of those hours in the air. In the last 48 hours, we have each had about 5-6 hours of sleep on the plane. Now we have settled into our room, showered and will be heading to bed soon. We have a very busy day tomorrow ... Presenting a 4 hour professional development seminar at one of the Universities here, and then participating in an evening festival in a large field in the city and are expecting 30,000 young Vietnamese to be attending! So it seems we're jumping in head first!

We've seen very little of HCMC / Saigon ... Just the van ride from the airport to the hotel. Once we stepped through customs, a lot changed for us quickly. The airport here is very new and quite modern, but unlike American airports, there really wasn't a large number of people. No one waiting for friends or family to arrive ... The airport almost seemed desolate, except for those filing off the planes and through customs. Oh, and there was no line at customs. A breeze getting through. But, once we stepped outside of the airport, we walked into literal wall of people. Thousands of people. It was a maze just to get 15 feet from the doors to the curb to hop in the van. The two shoots above were taken with my phone once we navigated our way through the see of people.

Almost to Vietnam

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 17:01:00 GMT

We're now sitting in the Hong Kong airport waiting for the last leg of our journey to Vietnam. We're tired. A bit dazed. Thus far somewhat of a surreal blur. But we're not numb to our experience. As I'm sitting here in Hong Kong, I can't help but think of all the people we have passed, in small ways interacted, have briefly conversed. What are their stories? What drives them? Their passions?

The woman from New Zealand who kindly switched seats so Jen and I could sit together on the first leg of our flight ... In three fleeting moments of chatter across the aisle we learned she had once taken a Greyhound bus across the US from New York to San Francisco. That's a four day journey, non-stop! I think "why?" but don't ask. Regretful now that I was not more inquisitive. In life opportunity abounds. Take it! Or it might fade before you can lay hold.

Thanks for all the emails !!

Wed, 09 Dec 2009 00:56:00 GMT

I just wanted to post a quick note saying thanks to everyone who has sent us emails today! Actually, was kind of caught off guard by all the amazing notes that people of been shooting over. We're cleaning and packing tonight ... Then it's off to Manhattan Diner, then back to our block to hop on the van at 3am, then off to JFK. The weather is taking a turn for the worse, so it might get a bit dicey for our early morning flight. The weather will be bad, but the snow should slack off and turn to rain by about 5am as the temperature rises.

Bon Voyage ... NYC Diner Style

Tue, 08 Dec 2009 14:51:00 GMT

View Manhattan in a larger map

Apparently there's a bit of a bon voyage party for the team (Six of us) going to Vietnam. Party starts at 1am and ends at 2:30am, because the van is picking us up on our block at 3am to then head to JFK. You do the math ... That means no sleep tonight! So, we'll be trying to plan catch up on the way to Saigon / HCMC.

If you can make it out tonight, we'd love to have you !!

Small Bills Only

Wed, 09 Dec 2009 00:44:00 GMT

At a glance, it looks and feels like a whole lot of dough! But alas, it's all small bills. We've heard that the US dollar is readily used in Saigon / HCMC, so we don't necessarily have to exchange our money to the Dong. And that's OK by me, because we'd actually loose a good amount through the exchange. So small bills it is !!

Update: So a family friend sent us a note to make sure we do in fact exchange a portion of our small bills to the Dong, because much of what we will purchase will actually have a value much less than a $1 bill. Being New Yorkers, that's kind of hard to believe! Just thought I'd share ;)

Vietnam Trip Preparations

Mon, 07 Dec 2009 05:28:00 GMT

Our upcoming trip to Viet Nam is really taking shape in our minds, and the excitement is growing. We're currently working on all of the preparations. Beyond the documentation aspects of our trip, we will also be giving multiple presentations at a local business university and multiple English clubs which consist of students and young professionals. So, we're putting together Power Point presentations for these opportunities.

This week we also learned that we will be flying up to Da Nang, and will be visiting China Beach. The plan is that we will eat breakfast on the beach and spend the morning relaxing. Then we'll be heading to a CCC meeting ... Not sure what this will entail, but just like most things in life, we'll just "wing it." Another exciting development this week, we will be working at a local Saigon orphanage. We were told to be sure to bring clothes we can paint in. Now this is something I can handle! However, the children might serve as a great distraction. We're hoping to spend time with the children learning more about their lives and documenting their experience.

Less than three days ... We're off to Saigon!

Silent Auction Fundraiser

Sun, 06 Dec 2009 06:15:00 GMT

In an effort to raise support for the NYC 2nd MISSION Team, we organized a not-so-silent auction that was held online for a week with a closing reception at the SALT art space at 1160 Broadway. Not only were our efforts to raise support successful, we threw a great party! The closing reception was a smash hit. And the performance of Red Flamboyant written by Don Nguyen topped out the evening.