Sorry everyone. I have been so tired since I have been back. And what could go wrong, did go wrong. I could not even sleep in my house the first night back because somehow my house got infested with flea's. Then my car would not start. I went and bought about $100 worth the money orders and lost them. All in all it has cost me about $500. And that is not small change for someone like me.
I landed in saigon to alot of smiles. Thaís whole family was there to greet us.(about 30).Which one is Thai??? There are so many good looking one....wooohoo, I'm in heaven!!!!Finally, I spot Thai. WOW, he's beautiful...what a kind face...uh ohhh he's shorter than me...oh well too late, I already love him.....oh my...ok, Lori, calm down. Get that stupid smile off your face and pay attention to your daughter...where is she?? oh...oh noooo....I can tell already she's in love with about 4 of the boys and they are'nt taking their eyes off her either. I think I'm in BIG trouble. We're all supposed to stay in the same house. NOTE: next time leave daughter at home.
We gathered our baggage and headed to The family home. The streets of Saigon are totally crazy!! If You don't actually piss your pants the first time driving on the streets, you are doing good. After a shower I was brought to the family room to discuss our engagement party. Boy that was fast. One thing I have learned is that NOTHING is done or decided on untill there is a lengthy discussion about it. They told me of their traditions and asked me if I would like to include any traditions from my family. I said no.I'd go along with anything they wanted. They looked at me kind of bewildered. They did'nt seem to happy about this. Finally they said, ok this is your last chance to ask for something or forever hold your peace. I explained to them that we would be getting married in america with my family, and that this was their chance to see Thai married in their traditions. Deep breath....ok, everyone happy.
OK so everything is decided on. Wéll have a SIMPLE engagement party with just Thaís friends and the family..Next comes the preparations. First I MUST have a vietnamese long dress made, and shoes to match, and a crown to wear. So off we go to get measured. VERY EMBARRASSING. Everytime they called out a number...there was a little confussion. I am sure they were saying"Are you sure that is correct?" Meanwhile Thai is running around like a chicken with his head cut off. He is going here and going there and I'm wodering just what is up?? Does'nt this man want to spend some time with me?? I just arrived and he's off and running. Later I learned that he had tons of things to do in preparation for the party.
That evening, Thai takes us around Saigon. Just a note: the only way to see Saigon is on the motor-bike. It's so dangerous and no one obey's any traffic rules, if there are any that exist.
For some reason we stop off at this small stand. Alot of tables made for midjets and small butts. They are selling snails. Oh my!!! Oh My!!! what the heck am I gonna do??? I can't eat a snail. And I don't want to offend. OK, we sit down. He orders about 4 plates of snails. Now these snails are spiral shaped and you don't just get them out with a fork. You must suck them out. And you must suck harder than you have ever sucked in your life. OK, here I go....deep breath...make the sign of the cross....close your eyes and SUCK!!! hmmm...these little critters are kind of yummy. BIG relief. OK, I've been so busy sucking snails, I have not noticed the crowd of children who have gathered around our table. Of course, I recognize right away that they are the street children I had read about. Suddenly, my stomach is in knotts. They are so proper , these children. They do not yell or hold out their hands....they just stand there and wait for a little something. I look around at my company and see how they are handling this. Thai whispers in my ear...."not untill we are ready to leave". I understand, as I have read that if you give to one, they'll mob you. But look at these faces....You'd have to be a heartless human being not to have this affect you in some way. As we are ready to leave a small girl walks up to me and quietly puts her hand out. Her other hand is occupied by the stump arm of an old man. I look at her eyes that are older than mine, and then to this man's eyes which seemed so hollow, without hope. My mind become cluddered with thoughts. This man was in the war obviously. My father was also in this war. This could be my father.....I tried to hold back my tears, but I could'nt. My company did not understand why I was crying....untill I explained to them that I had never seen this bafore. Then they understood. I wonder if I would become hardened after being exposed to these children over a length of time. Probably somewhat. One thing I must say is that wherever we went , my company did offer the street kids money, or food. I guess you can only do so much with a government like that.
