Good Morning Vietnam

I am in Vietnam. Ho Chi Minh to be exact. Since my last update, I stayed a few days in Cairns with not much to report. I didn't dive, I just kinda hung out and got a few things out of the way before flying to Darwin and then to Vietnam. Darwin was kinda cool. I met some cool people that I hung out with while I was there. The first night I there there was a festival going on. Every Thursday night during the dry season they have a big party in a close by park. Go for sunset (the dust in the air during the dry season makes them awesome), stay for food, music, and fireworks (things that explode into flames are perfect ways to celebrate the DRY season). Lastly, I got everything I needed straightened out and even looked for books on chi/psi/qigong, but didn't find anything worthwhile.
Then, I jumped a flight and got in late last night. I shared a taxi with some old dude who got kinda clingy and wanted to hang out with me. Thankfully, it took a good long while to find a place to stay because it is apparently a national holiday weekend celebrating the end of the American War (kinda awkward). I did find a place, thanks to the help of a hotel owner who was full (I'm using their computers to type this too). I walked around a bit and grabbed some pho. Lots of prostitutes...

How Ya Going? Yeah, Good Mate

It's been awhile since the last update. That's due to the fact that I've been on the road most of the time and not staying in places (beaches, rest stops, etc) where there is much, if any, access to the internet. Quite a bit has happened since then, and my interests are evolving. Also, at the end is a book review or two.

Australia Update, Sydney to Byron Bay

Hey,

I'm writing this from Byron Bay, which is a little surfer town. The break is an easy beach break, but is a bit unpredictable. As in, you'll see a swell coming and begin paddling in and all of a sudden it's dead. Or, from no swell will come a break right on top of you. Still, it's good to get on a board again.

In OZ, Stupid Moves and a Couple Concerns

I am safe and sound in the land of OZ. I already like it more than NZ. The people are just way more friendly and cool. Sydney is alright for a big city. I am staying in the Kings Cross area, which is jammed with backpackers, and the area seems posh in spots and a slum around the corner from the posh spots. I spent my first day wandering the city via the botanical garden, which has some cool "bush" plants - I'll post some photos on FB when I get a faster internet connection (I'll also post one more NZ thingy). I also visited the opera house and the government house. Both were pretty cool. I didn't get to go inside the opera house, but it is pretty neat even if you don't. The government house is a lot cooler than it sounds. It is essentially a castle and it is still used by the Governor of New South Wales to entertain important people and foreign dignitaries. The tour is free and a sweet and funny old lady gave the info. I recommend it. I also really like the bay that snakes about Sydney. Oh, and I almost forgot that OZ has a ton of super dangerous animals. Thankfully, I was reminded by a spider the size of my hand; a common spider here. Apperently, he is safe, but he looks mean as shit.