It has been a very long time since I have updated this blog. As a matter of fact, since my last post, I have received an assignment to return to the U.S. (in the DC area) and have since posted back in Hanoi. Just a little over two years since I last posted and it seems like time went into overdrive.
Anyway, there is so much to talk about and yet it seems extremely hard to know where to begin. I went back to the U.S. for a number of personal and professional reasons that I probably won't go into here on this blog. I can say that my return to the U.S. was quite a culture shock. So many changes to the U.S. from 2002 to 2017, and even though I returned on an annual basis, in general, it sort of hit me in the face once I was back "for good." Ironically, it was the goods and services that created the culture shock of returning, that also creating the culture shock back in Vietnam. I grew used to the comfort of life in the U.S., even though they claimed a premium portion of my pay... cable TV, insurance, car, gasoline, house, cell phone...
I imagine that I won't be able to help but to talk about those differences as I try to get back into this blog. It won't be easy to find the time. I got back to Hanoi at the very beginning of September and I haven't stopped since. I am in a new position here, and it isn't what I was used to doing. After over four months back, I can see that I will eventually catch up and get in a routine, but that eventuality is still several months down the road.
I had a fantastic time in the U.S. Living in the DC area was one of the best experiences I have had. Some of my favorite things included driving by our national treasures and monuments on Sunday mornings. Riding on the street right in front of the Lincoln Memorial, and the Washington Monument, and down Constitution Avenue with nary another car on the road was surreal. My favorite trail in the whole world is the Mount Vernon Trail. I didn't do it as often as I would have liked, but riding my bike from my house to Crystal City on almost total dedicated bike routes was a fantastic experience. I even managed to hop on an 'incentive' ride on a UH-60 helicopter that flew right over all of the best spots in the capital region. I have pictures of it all, but I just don't have the time to post them right now.
One of the best things I did before I left the States was purchase a pixel 2 phone. The camera is phenomenal and I have been happily snapping away while back in Vietnam, too.
Anyway, I hope to get back to chronicling my life back in Hanoi. Bear with me, it could be a while before I have a routine that allows me regular updates.
