Vietnam, 둘

Apparently, this post is coming a long time after I had originally planned. The first post about Vietnam is right over here.

There are some awesome things about Vietnam, like the food, and the cheapness. There are also some not cool things, like there generally are with every country. However, I find that most of the big flaws in a country are only seen by those living there, or those who travel there for an extended period of time. This was not true for Vietnam.

It was a great trip, and I am happy that I went. That said, there is a great chance that I will never go again. This doesn't happen often, but, I think that once was enough.

There were some bad experiences tied into the good ones, which put an overall damper on my experience in Vietnam.

Most of my bad experiences were the people. Now, I DO understand that it is a war torn country, and that the war was not very long ago, and that many of the people on the streets and whatnot WERE in the war, or at least, their parents were. I do get that, and its very obvious when walking down the streets-the scar of Agent Orange runs deep in the people, and, for many, it's heartbreaking to see.

But that doesn't give them the right to try and scam me-and every other foreigner-out of money by using lies and deceitfulness. It doesn't mean that they can swarm me with cheap merchandise and get in my face about buying it. Literally. In my FACE. It doesn't mean that they can shove their ugly, crying babies in my face demanding money.

The Vietnamese people treat foreigners like they owe them something. Now, the war thing, I get that, I really do. But, most countries weren't involved in the Vietnam war. And not every foreigner is American. But, they don't seem to care. If you look foreign-you're American. And will be treated like you caused every hardship the country has faced-not just from the Vietnamese war, but, ever.

If you can ignore the people, the country is great for a visit. Beautiful, cheap, great tourist places, great beaches and some fantastic food. But if you have problems with rude, in your face people? Maybe not the country for you.

 Enjoying some of the sunshine while walking around the city.

 The Reunification Palace

 Random propaganda around the streets

 The Notre Dame-and me being sacrilegious. 

 That was a mall. I shit you not.

 This good was so good, it was insane! And all vegetarian! ^^

 View of Saigon City from a really big tower thing.

  View of Saigon City from a really big tower thing.

Saigon at night-just as busy as the daytime.

Summer Festival

I mentioned before that one of the really cool things about loving in Vancouver is that there are oodles of free or cheap events that are all over the city. With lots and lots of different themes and events.
This past weekend, I went to the Summer Festival, presented by ARC, up at SFU.

This is a lead-up kind of event for the next Anime events, including Anime Revolution, Cos and Effect and Anime Evolution. Now, originally, when I heard of anime Revolution, I thought it was the remake of anime Evolution. Apparently, and much to my dismay, I was wrong. I much MUCH prefer to go to anime Evolution-better guests, better panels, better vibe AND cheaper, which is essential to a poor student like myself. But, unfortunately, I have to go to Anime Revolution because my friend from Texas will be here specifically for the con.
It would be a dick move for me to bail out at this point.

Regardless, the Summer Festival is a sort of lead-up event, and has all sorts of games, contests, costumes and awesome food. There was also a dance, which I did not stay for. Oh, and local artists. Lots and lots of local artists, which is one of the main reasons I went. Some of the artists who do webcomics which I habitually read were present at the festival. Namely the girls over at Always Raining here. Which you should check out because it is awesome. And adorable.

The vibe was awesome, people had a good time, I had some super yummy cupcakes, and I got to see my husband in a bear suit. I also got to wear my awesome cute dress I got when I was in Japan. Huzzah!

PaperGirl Vancouver-Opening Night

In my last post, I talk about how  I was preparing some art for the Papergirl Vancouver art movement. Well, I did! Actually, I managed to throw together 2 pieces of art, and submitted them with some time to spare.

Earlier this week, I went to the opening night of the exhibition at the Roundhouse Community centre.

The exhibit was up for a few days, and I THINK they are being delivered out today. I think.

Regardless, the opening night was awesome. A lot of people showed up, donating money for the homemade buttons, and creating more art to be given away on movement day.

There was A LOT of art at the show. And music. And food sponsored by various outlets.

The art was great, and totally varied. As were the people in attendance. It somehow all worked and created a really chill vibe in the venue. There was none of that pretentious art crap, just chill, laid back people who were all into free art and creativity. It was fantastic.

I look forward to participating in next years papergirl movement!

And now, some of the art!

OH, and someone snapped a picture of me and my man! I forgot to mention that! This photo credit belongs to Carol Browne 

Papergirl, Vancouver

One of the things that I love about Vancouver is how quirky it is. There are so many events, festivals and other oddities that one can take part in. I tried to avoid them before I left to Korea, but, now that I'm back, I am going full swing into them.

I mean, why not, right?

Right now, I am currently in the (frantic) design stages of a piece of art for the Papergirl Vancouver project.

I LOVE the idea that I get to create a piece of art, have it exhibited for a week, and then randomly given away to some stranger I will likely never meet. It's the idea of living in a big world, and yet still having an impact on complete strangers. Something about it...I love the idea.

The only this is that it has to be in tomorrow, and I haven;t even started. Hell, I didn't even know about it until today. But, I am going to do it regardless. Just means that tonight might be fueled with coffee and creativity. And maybe some hummus. I love me some hummus.

Also-I just moved into my new apartment, and am currently without home internet. I have it on my phone, but that only works so well, you know? So, please be patient!

xox

So. Canada.

I have been back home for a few days now, and am starting to get settled in. It's been...interesting.
It;s all the little things that makes this place amazing, and so different than Asia.
I missed the mountains-actual, real mountains.
I missed being able to eat just about everywhere-and have things taste good!
I missed going to a REAL gym. I missed the sunsets, the fresh air, the amazingness that is Vancouver.
I missed being able to communicate with people, with no misunderstandings, language barriers, or my broken Korean.
I LOVE that so many people in Vancouver have so many damn tattoos. I want more, and i like not feeling like a freak when I walk anywhere in a tank top.

But wow, girls look...trampy. They aren't, I just got used to girls being super conservative. I know this, and I know that it will adjust soon. Just now, its...interesting. And blonds. Holy blonds! For a while, i was the only one around. Now...now there are PILES of them. Like I said, some adjustments are needed, and will come. It's reverse culture shock. That's all.

Canada!

Today marks day 1 back in Canada. It's...it's really weird. I understand everyone...there's so much cleavage...and the food is AMAZING! I forgot how awesome food is when it doesn't all taste like kimchi.

So, the past god knows how many hours involved: leaving Korea for China, arriving China, leaving China, arriving Canada, meeting our friend whom we are living with for the next month, moving some shit, and trying to stay awake due to the jet lag, and time zone differences.

That's right, I got 2 July 4th's. Would be a lot more awesome if I was American for Independence day, but, whateves. Right, happy Independence day for all the Americans out there, and happy belated Canada day to my fellow canucks.

I'll have a better update when my brain is firing on more than 1 cylinder.

xox