Welcome back!
Thanks for taking the time to
read another weekly post! As I am writing this blog post, I am stuck at a San
Fransisco airport for my next flight out to Tokyo, Japan. Before I am flown out
of the country on a 10+ hr flight, I wanted to update everyone on what I have
been working on so far. I will apologize in advance that this blog post will
not be as exciting and interesting as I would like, but I assure you that in
the following weeks I will have more ground breaking content.
Even though I have not conducted
any real research, I will discuss some challenges that I can foresee happening
in the near future:
1.) Language Barrier
One of the main reasons why I
chose Vietnam as my destination of study was to reconnect with my culture and a
rich history that I was not able to experience or learn growing up in the
states. As a result, my vocabulary is equivalent to that of a 3rd graders, so I
hope I can still accurately convey what I want to say without losing my
original meaning.
2.) Geographical Location
Being born in Portland, Oregon
and growing in Phoenix, Arizona my entire life, I have not extensively explored
a region that is outside of the United States. With that being said, Saigon,
Vietnam is way out of my comfort zone and I will have to adapt to a whole new
environment. Living with dry heat all my life, I hope the humidity of tropical
weather does not prohibit me from exploring the beautiful city and traveling to
my senior project locations.
3.) Everyone's Favorite: Jet Lag
I think everyone can relate to
this one without having me to go into detail.
This past week, I have also
started to read Eating Viet Nam: Dispatches from a Blue Plastic Table by
Graham Holliday. Holliday is a food enthusiast and photographer that moved to
Saigon in 2001. Since then he has written for the Guardian, the New
York Times Magazine, BBC, CNN, and many other renowned journalism
platforms. His book thoroughly details Vietnamese food from a point of an
enthusiast but also one of a stranger witnessing the exotic thrill of a cuisine
that propelled him half way across the globe. His vivid narrative of his
experience and tips for future travelers further advances my understanding of
the lifestyle and nutritional choices that exists in Vietnam before
experiencing it for myself. I will be sure to update you on how the rest of the
book is, but so far I have enjoyed reading about Holliday's first encounter
with street food and pig intestines. (yum, I know.)
Until next time!
Crystal Vo
I wish I could have done a senior project that involves food. I mean, to get the most out of your project, you'll have to try a variety of foods. I do have one question though, when do you start going to the schools? Other than that, I am excited to see what you discover while in Vietnam!!
ReplyDeleteThank you for your kind words! I'm going to my first school tomorrow and it's going to be an elementary school! I'm excited to see how different education is compared to the states.
DeleteThis sounds so exciting! I hope you enjoy reconnecting with your culture in Vietnam; no matter how much I think I know about Indian culture, the experience of physically being there always leads to new discovery. Holliday's narrative seems interesting and will hopefully shape your perspective on food and nutrition while you're there.
ReplyDeleteWell first off, I'm jealous your going to Vietnam without:) On a more serious note, I think your going to have a great time there and this will be a great opportunity to explore on your own without really having someone there. Don't be afraid to be out of your comfort zone and take on the full experience. I'm really excited about your project and I can't wait to hear more about your results!
ReplyDeleteYou're so lucky to be able to do a project outside of the country. I don't know what it's like in Vietnam but I have previously lived in countries that are also humid and largely jungle. If you plan on exploring the outdoors here's a tip, walking in the jungle is very different from walking in a city. You have to walk more sideways and use your front foot to check out the ground in font of you so you don't lose your balance.
ReplyDeleteYou'll have to let me know how that book is, Crystal! I think I can speak for us all when I say how excited I am to hear more about your culinary explorations!
ReplyDelete