Getting Ready Again

I'm in Rhode Island for Christmas, in a place that is a half-a-world away from CanTho, Vietnam. It's cold and crisp and clear. I'm at my mom's house on an island, yet only five minutes drive from "busy corner" - an intersection where there is a huge grocery store, multiple drive-through donut shops and gas stations, restaurants, sprawl, etc. Much different from "busy corner" in CanTho, where one takes one's life in one's hands to attempt to cross the street. But where there are, come to think of it, a western style grocery store, "motor through" food stands, motorbike repair places, restaurants, and the Vietnamese equivalent of sprawl. Perhaps not so different after all?

John and I leave Michigan for Vietnam on January 2, arriving there on January 4. I will stay through January 10, and John will extend his visit for several weeks (he's on sabbatical from MSU in the spring). This will be a major adventure, and we're delighted you're joining us via blog.