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“What in the world
Ever became of Sweet Jane?
She lost her sparkle
You know, she’s never the same.”
-The Grateful Dead
   
IÂ’m currently at The Farm enjoying another resplendent morning. As I sit and type this feeble note, the morning mist is rising up from the taro patches and my dogs are terrorizing each other in the pineapple orchard. We harvested the tea yesterday and it seems to be drying nicely.

My new apartment in District 9 is palatial and offers all modern conveniences. But, I look forward to my days off and the time I spend in the country. The Farm reminds me of my life back home in Hawaii surfing Waipio Valley and swimming under the waterfall, HiÂ’ilawe.

Having gone through several mild stages of culture shock, I now find my life in Vietnam both rich and, compelling. The fine people of this country are gracious and giving. A refreshing change from the superficial relationships one develops in a Western society. At times, I wonder if the social interaction practiced in California was loosely based on Charles MansonÂ’s best selling book, Helter Skelter.

Of course, it hasnÂ’t been all wine and roses. IÂ’ve paid some dues. I was bitten by the notorious long-fanged Vietnamese Brown spider while in a self-induced rice wine coma. That arrogant little arachnid left enough venom in my ankle to ensure that puss and poison would leak from the wound for months.  I had to resort to packing the resulting crater with powdered antibiotics until it healed.

I was also stricken with a savage case of athleteÂ’s foot. It quickly spread to various parts of my body that I would rather not mention. The wild and incessant itching drove me to the brink of madness and beyond. I went to see the Good Doctor for an extensive examination of all effected areas. Normally, someone has to take me to dinner and get me inebriated before I display my nether regions. In this case, I was in no position to negotiate. The examination and the array of meds he adjudicated came to a grand total of 150,000 VND (about $7.50 USD). A bit of pocket change and my remaining dignity were a small price to pay.

Over all, Vietnam is proving to be a great experience with a myriad of diverse entertainment options. The only thing I really miss is surfing. An exploratory trip up the coast may be in order.