The New York Nexus Cafe 

Hi Everyone:
Just a quick greeting from the road.
Viet Nam KICKS ASS!!! I'm having the best time. It unbelievable how much there is to take in with all 5 senses in just a single hour here. I don't know what to even talk about first.
This afternoon I went to a tailor to have some silk blouses made. Here in Hoi An you can have anything from a winter coat to a pair of shoes or a handbag copied from a catalog or a sample you bring. My 3 silks will be ready in a few hours.

Visited 2 monasteries in Hue (countryside on the back of a motorbike!) and at one had an impromptu meditation lesson with the head monk.

People here are so graceful and friendly. I loved Hanoi too.

Will be home soon. (bleah!).

Windy

New orders from Cent Comm.

Your mission is to proceed up the Nung river in a Navy patrol boat, pick up Colonel Kurtz’s path at Nu Mong Bah… follow it, learn what you can along way.

When you find the colonel, infiltrate his team by whatever means available and terminate the Colonel’s command.

Hey Lady,
I'm glad U are enjoying your new adventure. I almost moved to Viet Nam. Can't wait for your return, U are missed.

PeAcE...2 FINgers,
THe NajiK

Glad you are enjoying your vacation. Looking foward to seeing you at more fun events when you get back.

-Mike

I heard a Japanese friend say that "except Americans, everyone in the world is friendly." Has anyone else said that to you?

I believe American Tourists are (in general) arrogant.

Just wondering how you would come to that opinion. Do you have first hand knowledge? Or just following conventional wisdom?

I once bought into that stereotype but I kept hearng annecdotal evidence to the contrary so I asked several non-americans their opinions. Without exception, they all repeated something like this (which I happened to save):

"For the most part, I've not run into that many offensive americans, despite the stereotypes. Americans who travel the world aren't your typical fat ass, mid west type folk. Well the ones who travel to more exotic places other than italy and england.

Without a doubt, the worst tourists in the world come from Japan. Pushy, closed-off weenies."

I miss ya.....i needed help with Truth or Dare ! Hurry home..................

You mean you need more cannon fodder to deflect questions and dares going to you.

No, not at all. I've always heard it as everyone is friendly except Germans, and man oh man do they know how to makes asses of themselves.

downtowner said on 3/24/2004 11:10 AM

>I heard a Japanese friend say that "except Americans, everyone in the world is friendly." Has anyone else said that to you?
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Sadly it's the Israeli tourists that are arrogant.
Americans certainly do seem to panic a lot out on the road, but I wouldn't call them arrogant. The most fun are australians and kiwis.

gm613 said on 3/24/2004 10:56 PM

>I believe American Tourists are (in general) arrogant.

Lawndart, in my now becoming many travels I would have to agree with this. The problem is most americans are too timid to venture out, and there are fewer and fewer places that don't "hate" americans based on the USA's political/military activities.
That being said, the people of vietnam are extremely gracious hosts to foreigners from any nation. They are charming, friendly, curious, softspoken and very helpful when you are lost and confused. :P And unlike other countries where $ is not plentiful, as a tourist you are not made to feel like a walking dollar sign. I found a lot of college students wanting to spend time talking to native english speakers so they can practice their english and they are also great impromptu guides. My trip was a blast and I wish I could've spent double the amount of time there. Note to future venturers: best way to travel is on the back of a moto if you can find a driver who speaks english - you'll really SEE what there is to see.

Cheers,
jetlagged Windy

lawndart said on 3/25/2004 9:35 AM

>Just wondering how you would come to that opinion. Do you have first hand knowledge? Or just following conventional wisdom?
>
>I once bought into that stereotype but I kept hearng annecdotal evidence to the contrary so I asked several non-americans their opinions. Without exception, they all repeated something like this (which I happened to save):
>
>"For the most part, I've not run into that many offensive americans, despite the stereotypes. Americans who travel the world aren't your typical fat ass, mid west type folk. Well the ones who travel to more exotic places other than italy and england.
>
>Without a doubt, the worst tourists in the world come from Japan. Pushy, closed-off weenies."
>
>
>
>
>
>