Road trips – they are tough on an old body, but also a lot of fun. We spent the last 1 ½ weeks on the road and we did a lot in that short time period.
• We picked up Tuan (say two unh) in Houston. Affectionately known as “T-Bone” by the Americans in Huê, Tuan has come to America to study for his Ph.D. in Environmental Science at the University of Texas – San Antonio. That’s about a four hour drive for us, so we won’t be seeing him as frequently as Trang. Tuan was a frequent visitor to our apartment in Việt Nam. He calls the Mystery Guest Blogger “Mom”, though he has a wonderful mother and father of his own. The routine in Huê used to be like this: Knock on door, walked in and said “Hi Mom – what do you have to eat?”
• To northern Kentucky to see our son and his family. They recently moved there from Orlando – career move and all that. As usual, sitting outside with cigars as son and I solved the problems of the world.
• To Ohio for a family reunion on the Mystery Guest Blogger’s side. Not only did I enjoy it, and not only did Trang and Tuan experience a little bit of Americana, but I also am doing a photography project about it.
• Played tourist in the Amish country of Ohio. I was deeply impressed by the Amish. I took very few photos. Why? Because the Amish don’t like to have their pictures taken. (I wouldn’t like having tourists poking cameras at me all the time either!)
• Back to Houston for some excellent Vietnamese food courtesy of Tuan’s aunt, then a short drive to San Antonio with all his “stuff.” He found a room near campus and signed the lease. This coming weekend, I will drive with him back to San Antonio to help him move in and get started on the myriad things that need to be done prior to the beginning of classes.
Welcome to America, Tuan. Yes, he’s a photographer too. He’s just started a blog titled “Tuan in the US” where he shows off his considerable skills.
And, Trang is getting to see more of America – in this case, a wheat field in Amish country. It’s hard to believe she’s been in America for a year.
Do I live the good life or what?
