Have you ever sacrificed something to preserve it? That’s what my friend’s parents in Vietnam did. They worked tirelessly to save money for their kids’ English lessons, enduring a two-hour trip each way, twice a week. Their goal was for their kids to pass the English interview and attend a US student exchange program. Each…
Cold Showers
So, you’re thinking about taking a cold shower The benefits of increased energy and focus seem appealing to you. Yet it’s oh so tempting to move the temperature gauge from cold to hot. Here’s an idea: Solve that problem by moving to a mid-range apartment in Vietnam. Suddenly, cold water isn’t a decision to battle…
Hold The Candy
This weekend I encountered a pack of coconut chewy candy that asked to be taken home. Today I brought those candies into my classroom. It’s not uncommon to use stickers as a form of motivation so I was curious what how candy would be received. At the end of class asa final quiz I called…
Peaches, Pho, And Piano
Not a strained attempt at alliteration, at least on my part, but the name of the first Vietnamese film I’ve seen. As I read the English subtitles and absorbed the emotions displayed by the actors, a love story inspired by the 60-day and night battle to protect Hanoi in late 1946 and early 1947 unfolds….
Indonesia Guide
I’ve never met people as friendly as those in Indonesia. As I walked on the beach in Java, every person I encountered waved and said hello: a group of school girls, a young mom, a group of friends fishing. Usually, from my experience traveling, I’ve found that in most places, people will engage when you…
Elizabeth Beeli 