Peeps, I'm Tired & I need a Vacation

Yes it's true. It's hitting me.

Part of it is being on the road for so long. It takes its toll.

I'm constantly on the move. I've cooked one meal in 6 and a half weeks. I barely do sports. There is no such thing as quiet. There are no close friends. I don't even have a room for more than a few days. And then there's the tummy stuff.

There are certainly huge benefits to most of this growth-wise. But it is also taking its toll.

Also I must say Vietnam is beginning to drive me fucking insane. It is like Israel on crack. It makes Israel seem like a Montessori pre-school.

I mean I love this place, and I am so eager to explore it, but I have never, ever, in my life even come close to seeing this level of shameless chutzpa. The way many Vietnamese incessantly harrass tourists, and pull every trick in the book to scam them, is sad and very, very annoying to me.

I'm trying to let it go. Maybe I'll be able too, because again there is so much here and so much more I want to see. But one literally cannot walk down the street more than 20 feet without being harassed to buy something, hop on a motorbike, eat at a restaurant.

This sucks. They smile and say, "Hello!" and then do the sell. Or worse, "Where are you from?"

Fuck people don't sell your souls and your beautiful smiles for a buck. Please don't.

And they just don't stop. They physically block you with their bodies. Block you. Try to anyway.

I've figured out a way to get by with them just asking once, rather than the standard 3 - 5 times, but it requires being a dick. And I don't want to be a dick! Especially not on my vacation.

Plus there is the nonstop noise of Vietnam. Constant honking, clanging...whatever noise you can imagine.

Look I'm not trying to be negative here. Just honest.

I know there is a lot more to Vietnam. I know there's cultural stuff and my stuff and all that. I know I'm priviledged to be here.

And still, despite my efforts, this is taking a toll.

In an effort to get some R&R, today I checked myself into a nice hotel with a sweet room with a veranda, and a pool, and got at least some quiet and poolside chill time. Check it!

It's funny I feel like I need a vacation from my vacation.

Maybe I need to find a nice beach and just sit there for a few days. Or a woman. Actually both. Yes that would probably help.

It's an interesting place to be in. I don't want to come home yet. There's so much more I want to see and do here in Asia. At least right now, though, I feel like I may be running out of steam. Oh but the islands of Thailand! Them I must see. At least one.

Alright peeps,
much love,
Roni

ps - In addition to bitching, today I also strolled through the amazing city of Hoi An, made friends with a funny 6 year old from Australia, and ate a delicious dinner of shrimp dumplings, fish stew, eggplant with prawns, and white rice. So yum! Plus the pool felt goooood.