2008 Blogs

Very lucky

05/28/2009

Even though I'm a positive person and try to focus on the "sunny side" of life, I'm starting to feel a little sad because I'll be leaving NTU the day after tomorrow.  The parting festivities have been fun, but this week it has sunk in--I'm doing things for the last time.  One last visit to the market, to walk along the beach, to eat at a favorite restaurant, to see special people.  For the last time, that is, until I return to Vietnam for another visit. 

I'm sure you will agree that I am a very lucky person to have met so many interesting and wonderful people and to have learned so many things in such a short amount of time.  Last evening I had a very enjoyable dinner with the librarians, and wish we could have had more opportunities to talk informally.  I sense that I would have learned so much more about Vietnamese history and culture if only I could have spoken Vietnamese with them.

 

Before our dessert of fresh fruit (my favorite!), they presented me with a lovely ao dai, which I will wear for special occasions and when I give presentations about my Fulbright experience.  Then I was completely blown away when Ms. O presented me with this amazingly detailed sand picture made for me by her husband from naturally colored sand--no dyes!  Look at the intricate detail!  The second side has another image and my name.  I was quite touched and moved by both of these lovely gifts, which I will always treasure.  Thank you!

I had another very special experience on Wednesday, when Ms. H and her sister took me to the mudbaths.  Many tourists go there, but I simply had not had the opportunity.  I'm not going to share a picture of me sitting in a tub of warm mud, but I can assure you that it was a very relaxing and wonderful experience. 

Later today I meet with the rector for a formal goodbye, and tomorrow I will have another lunch with friends.  That means there's time for at least one more walk along the beach as I say my private goodbyes to this very special place.