Seven Months and 20 days later...

That's how long I've worked.  My first long term full time job! I've survived probation, I'm past the 6 month mark.  I am actually proud to say that I've made it this far.  Given that at times I want to drink myself to death after work (don't worry I am not an alcoholic).  I do understand why people in the hospitality/cooking industry do drugs or drink a lot! It's a pretty stressful and demanding job. 

I've SURVIVED! Through the 7 months, I've seen people come and go.  Some are still going.  I must say that it's pretty sad to see some of these guys go.  Especially when they're really good workers and are reliable.  Yet there were newbies that didn't make it.  They've had experience before, but just couldn't get use to the Club's mentality, rhythm and pace.  I know that I shouldn't compare myself to them. But it makes me pretty darn proud that I got through it and am sticking around. Even if I have to have a drink or two after work!

My pace has picked up. I am no longer that scared to be on the line by myself.  I've managed to knock out nine tickets at once by myself. I pretty much can work any station except for Chinese. If only I knew how to toss that darn Wok, then I would be good. 

I've learned a lot in the past seven months.  A lot about people, a lot about the kitchen and a lot about myself.  I'm still learning and that's good.  Life is always about learning. 

One thing I have yet to learn is... Why are people never satisfied?  No matter how much you offer. There is always someone who is complaining?! Please enlighten me!

I am going to end this post with pics of most of my team at work! These are people that I can rely on and have relied on in the past seven months.  Without them, I wouldn't have survived! There wouldn't be a club for people to go to without them either! Cheers!

Day 2-5 of Vietnam

So here is a quick recap of Vietnam. I know I am lame.

Official Day 2, we started out early with breakfast from the hotel.  It was pretty decent.  Fried Spring Rolls in the morning! YEAH! Then we headed off on a tour to the Cu Chi Tunnels.  How people fit into them and crawled through them or squat walked through them... I have no clue.  I went in, attempted a few steps and found myself backing out.  It definitely was made for real Asians and not us big Americans, as the world knows us as.

We tried shooting a few rounds while on this tour. Pretty fun, but I was scared my ear drums were blown away!

Can you say Psycho?!

When we were heading back, I was afraid for our lives.  Vietnamese drivers are crazy.  They go onto which ever lanes they choose to, even if the lane is meant for cars coming your direction! = 1 I don't know about my fellow travelers, but I was hoping to make it out of Vietnam alive so I can continue on my traveling/food adventures else where in the future.

After returning back to Ho Chi Minh city safely we ran in the rain to our next good eats.

 We went to Madame Ngoc's Com Nieu Saigon, for dinner.  This is also where Bourdain went!

Blood Cockles with Tamarind Sauce

Morning Glory with garlic

Caramelized Catfish.

This is what they're known for.  They crack the rice pot that they use to make this rice, which also gives it the crust.  They then toss it between two people in the room and serve it with the sesame, scallion, oil topping.  It was delish!

And because all my trips are about eating, I have to try everything that I possibly can.  We went back to the market at night and I got some grilled meats and fresh fruits! What?! Don't you guys eat more after dinner?!

Day 3: Mekong Delta
What we saw...

• Vermin alcoholic beverages that is suppose to make your man "love you long time".  Ehhh no thanks!
• Fresh coconut candy. That's really like coconut taffy. 
• Little kids singing Vietnamese Opera.
• Little boats taking us from point A to point B on the Mekong. Thank God I didn't fall into the water!
• Bees. We got to touch the hive and also have some tea made from fresh honey.
• Old lady who suckered me into buying one of her pomelos! I'm a sucker for the elderly and little kids. If they ask me to do anything, I would probably do it 90% of the time.

I was scared, I hate small boats. I've had a bad experience.

Dinner we went to a place where it's a set up like a hawker station, but way fancier in terms of decor and price.

Morning Glory again. aka Tung Choi in Chinese. Coincidentally I am living on a street with the same name. = )

(from top to bottom) Coconut Shrimp, Shrimp and Pork with Glutinous Rice Crepe, Roasted Pork Belly with Vermicelli, Tamarind Crab.

Breakfast at Benh Thah before we leave for Hanoi.
I had some Banh Beo- Rice crepe- (more pudding like texture) with Dried shrimp, pork roll, cilantro, scallions, peanuts, fried garlic and nuoc cham sauce.

Day 4: HANOI HERE WE ARE!

The search is still on for the best Banh Mi! Oh man... this would definitely be one of my top ones. Grilled bread over charcoal! Life is good!

Day 5: We went to another one of Bourdain's eats. Bun Cha. IT WAS GOOD and CHEAP! I freaken love SE ASIA!
Vermicelli served with Fried Pork Spring rolls, Charcoal grilled pork patties right out on the street by these ladies.  The spread has the greens, nuoc cham, and mint leaves. Sweet, savory, crispy, crunchy, earthy, and the bbq grilled taste all in one dish. LOVE IT! I love the balance of SE Asian cuisine.

Day 5(last day for me, while Eve continues along on her trip): Breakfast Pho, Halong Bay, Grilled meats with new friends...

God's creation always amazes me! BEAUTIFUL!

Once again, I would like to survive this trip please!

There is something about the sun/sky that makes me calm.

Grilled pork, unripe mango and grilled squid. Pop a squat on the street and you're good to go with the locals!

And of course my last banh mi, this was the worst that I've had.

I think Vietnam is definitely a place worth visiting.  I would go back to visit after I travel all of SE Asia first.  Let me know if you need any information on the places.  Also, if you have other recommendations of places to eat and things to see, please let me know!