Just a few simple things I learned from my trip to Vietnam. More introspective things later.
- Pack light. I actually am a very light packer, but I took a huge suitcase – half of which was filled with soccer equipment. That suitcase became a huge pain.
- Take the essentials with you. I did this because I was advised to do so, and it really came in handy to have everything in my backpack.
- Watch for pickpockets. I was being trailed at least three times that I happened to catch out of the corner of my eye. I was able to turn and position myself quickly in a manner that protected my stuff and put them on the spot. That kind of surprised them. They aren’t used to being put in that position.
- Relating to #3, don’t carry your passport everywhere when you are there. Leave it in a secure place and take a copy of the picture page just in case you need it. You don’t want that stolen.
- I need to lose weight. Again. It is very hard to travel when you are heavy. I lost a lot of weight last year, but put a lot back on, as often happens. I’m going to have to get back on it.
- God is amazing. One of those things I actually already knew, but it was fun to see in a new way.
- There are many things that are universal: Jimmy Strong’s ability to relate to children, mothers that protect their children and children’s love to play.
- Global perspective is invaluable.
- The world is flat – the internet allowed my church and others to follow our trek through Vietnam and be connected with us despite the distance.
- Americans are rude. Everyone talked to us everywhere we went. Everyone but Americans. We introduced ourselves and they would often walk away without a word. Interesting. No wonder the world sees us this way. It’s true… at least a little.
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Kevin Bussey
on Mar 26th, 2008
@ 3:39 pm:
Glad you had a safe, productive trip.
Marty Duren
on Mar 27th, 2008
@ 5:07 am:
It is unfortunate that #10 is so true. I hope that as churches become more involved internationally that we will help change that perspective.
Bryan Riley
on Mar 30th, 2008
@ 1:58 pm:
It is incredible to gain a global perspective and to begin to hold on to things more lightly.
cb scott
on Mar 30th, 2008
@ 3:18 pm:
“Americans are rude.” Of course we are. We have a right to be. We pay over $3.00 a gallon for gas and often have to wait in line to get into restaurants. With real problems like that we do not have time to be bothered with trivial things like courtesy and respect for the humanity of others.
When we travel in other countries the people there should be thankful we are willing to pay them for their inferior accommodations, food and services. How dare they to think we should genuinely interact with them.
cb