Author Archives: mcooley

I would like to apologize for the serious lack of blog for the past month… the end of the trip was absolute madness, and then suddenly the semester was over! Excuses aside, I cannot believe that I have successfully completed … Continue reading →

For this blog, I’m going the photo journal route… we’ve been in the north of Vietnam for almost a month now, and have seen an incredible amount of scenery and all of its history. Here are some of my favorite … Continue reading →

There seems to be this very large, war shaped elephant in the room when I talk about my experience in Vietnam. For many Americans, Vietnam is imbedded in our collective memory as the war and not a people, country, or … Continue reading →

After our homestay had come to an end, we then got on a plane to have a week long excursion to Central Vietnam to visit Danang, Hue, and Hoi An. My homestay family is originally from Danang, and still have … Continue reading →

Our two-week homestay in Ho Chi Minh city has come to a tear-filled end—grandma cried as she forced the last plates of broken rice, fruit, sweet soup, noodle soup and cups of Nescafe.  These have been the best and most … Continue reading →

I’m ashamed to say I haven’t had a food blog yet, especially since the food might be my favorite part about Vietnam. There are so many intense, wonderful flavors in everything and I often stuff myself beyond capacity. I’ve loved … Continue reading →

I was reminded this past week how good dirt under my fingernails feels… The twelve of us students found ourselves at the Hoa An Biodiversity Center in the Mekong Delta with an amazing team of researchers, farmers, staff members, and … Continue reading →

The sweet and smoky scent of incense fills my nose and lungs from the altars that dot the sidewalks, cafés, apartments, businesses and banks of Dalat, Saigon and Can Tho. Without a doubt, Vietnam is a country of devotees. The … Continue reading →

I’ve had to remember that Ho Chi Minh city isn’t always filled with lights and flowers and flags, because this week is special… its Tet, the best holiday in the world if you haven’t been informed. Our last nights in … Continue reading →

I’m challenging myself to come up with a pun for every title of this blog; any and all ideas are welcomed. You can e-mail them to me at mcooley@pugetsound.edu. You think I’m kidding, but I’m not. It takes a while … Continue reading →