Top ten things I miss about Viet Nam.

10. Pho Cuon
I was introduced to this meal by word of mouth. Many of the other students in Hanoi told me that Pho Cuon is delicious, and that I must try it! So I did, and I became addicted. Not only is it healthy, it really hits the spot. I miss my attempts to stay fit by eating these delicious treats on some days for lunch. "Chi cho em nam cai pho cuon". Oh I miss you so!

9. Bargaining
Although I often felt bad bargaining with the locals because I actually could afford their upped prices, I nonetheless engaged in this sport. It is not like you are disrespecting them or trying to rip them off, but you're trying to not let them rip you off. It is somewhat of a compromise. Being a Viet Kieu, I know I will not get the local price, and know that their first price is completely inflated. It somewhat reminds me of playing tag when you're little--tag with only two people--except this is just using words instead of arms. "Oi doi oi, 30 nhin thoi, em la sinh vien thoi ma chi, em khong co nhieu tien dau!"

8. Toilet Pub, Balcony Bar, and Dragonfly.

These three spots were where basically everyone of us went, on a constant basis. Prior to Viet Nam, never have I really hit the bar/club scene, mainly because I have prejudices against the ones in Chicago--maybe too showy, too flashy for me. But in Hanoi, these spots are very different from the assumptions I have of the clubs in Chicago. I miss sweating my ass off on the tiny dance floor at toilet, and just chilling and talking to the workers at Balcony--Anh Phuc, Dung, Hoan, and the Smirnoff girl! I also miss the good times spent with good company at Dragonfly. The wonderful battles of foosball with the group. I think Jimmy and Brenda were the top dogs.