A Reminder that Life in Vietnam isn't all Bad.

(If you are offended by drinking, don’t read this post).

Today I was reminded that appropriately used alcohol with the right people just makes life better.  As I wrote last night, I have been pretty down the past few weeks.  But tonight, I had dinner with Sarah, Michael and two Vietnamese guys from London. (Michael met one of these guys when he was in Venezuela a couple years ago and he is traveling with his cousin.) We walked around the Bach Khoa area and found a buffet like place on the street perpendicular to my house. It was quite nice because you got a plate of rice and you could add whatever you wanted and you are charged for whatever you get.  So I got a plate full of food for 25.000 VND ($1.25).  (It made me realize, I really need to get out and walk around my area a bit more.  So much awesome food!)  After dinner we stopped for cake and then caught a bus up to the Old Quarter where we met Josh at a Bia Hơi.  Bia Hơi’s are places around Vietnam that sell very cheap, very weak beer.  It was my first time going, and I was excited because 1. I am the only person in my family who likes beer so I don’t drink it often and 2. I am a light-weight so it was nice to be able to drink more than one before having to stop.  I had 3 ½ and was at the perfect stage of feeling the effects of the alcohol but not being drunk.  Plus the company was excellent. A very good evening.  Too bad I forgot my camera.