January 12, 2003 - page 2

I faced a big fear at the cave we visited as the next stop. I’ve lately discovered (while in the cave) that I’m claustrophobic and tight spaces with no foreseeable end do not agree with me. Fortunately, I made it through without becoming too much of a wreck, and riding on the bus back to the city almost seemed more perilous than the cave.

Our current destination is Ha Long city. As I write, the boat is quiet after an excellent and much hungered for meal prepared by our sea hosts. The chef also made a big splash with her hand-made cultured pearl jewelry. Few could resist indulging in at least one item for themselves or as a gift. This quiet time will do us all some good after the rigorous morning. Tonight the plan is to hit a discotheque, so I better go rest my hand, eyes, and body for tonight’s activities.

*A note on food: several of us, myself included, have had trouble finding things we can eat here in Vietnam. Today was the first time I’ve been really satisfied after a meal. I just wonder what is it about different foods and tastes that is so hard to adjust to. I am sure that a Vietnamese person would not enjoy such American delicacies as pork rines or canned cheese anymore than I can stomach fresh calamari or dog. Taste is a physical thing, but it’s interesting how much of it is acquired as a result of one’s environment.