Rachel's blog

Thank you for being a part of my life!

2009-05-14T21:02:00.000-07:00

To be honest, I always feel conflict inside myself when the final week pass by. I do feel happy because we have accomplished our semester with all of the crazy assignments; on the other hand, I do feel sad because some of you guys are going to leave us may be we won't have chance to meet each other again.
There is nothing last forever in our life but memories!I will carry our memories with me on my road because that is the gift sent by God.
For those of you who are going to stay here in ALP, we will meet around on campus because I will stay here too.
For those of you who are going to transfer to another university or go to your major, I would like to say "congatuation" and "take care"
For those of you who are going to go back to your home country, I will miss you guys a lot, and please take care and keep in touch by this web blog.
I want to say thanks to all of my instructors, my classmates in this semester.
Thank you for being a part of my life!

Journal #17 confucius quote

2009-04-26T21:41:00.000-07:00

"Find a job that you love doing and you will never have to work a day in your life"
(Confucius)

This quote mean that if you could find something you love to do, even though you have to do it everyday you wouldn't feel tedious. I agree with this quote but it seems that not many people can do it even me. It is hard to know what kind of job that you love doing. You have to experience many different jobs until you find your favorite job. In reality, maybe what you love to do is not a practical job which can not afford your daily expense. because of that reason, I would rather love what I am doing than doing what I love. I find it will be more reasonable and flexible for me. Of course,I won't fore myself to love what I hate. I will try to find a happy middle between "Love what I do" and "Do what I Love". Fortunately, I am applying that theory in my life now. I realize that life cannot always as we expect so some time we should satisfied with what we have.

Mom Dad, what if I tell you that I wanna buy a car?

2009-04-19T19:43:00.000-07:00

Dear Mon and Dad,
How are you these days? I do miss you guys a lot hic hic
I am doing well here. As you know that Tony, Becky and me are going to move to a new house which is very far from my school. Therefore, It will take me a long time to take a bus to go to school. I think this is the suitable time to buy a car here. while driving car just only takes me 30 minutes from our new house to school, taking a bus might take me more than 2 hours. It means that I have to wake up at 5 in order to go to school on time at 8 and cannot came back home until around 7 pm. Everyday, I have to spend more than 2 hours on transportation, I won't have enough time to focus on my study :(Although taking a bus is free it takes too much time, mom dad.
Moreover, there are some days I have to stay at library a little bit late to do my research. at that time, waiting the bus alone at the bus stop in the evening is a little bit dangerous so that having a car is more safety than.
May be you think that I am a new driver and driving a car might dangerous for me. I know what you are worry about but I got my driver license 3 months ago. I practice my driving skill every weekend. Even Tony, you know, who is a extremely careful person also agree that I am a careful driver.
I hope that you will be agree with me on this issue and allow me to buy a car because it will be more convince for my study and my life here.
love you!!!
Rachel ^^

Thật khó để yêu thương và được thương yêu ...

2009-03-27T22:45:00.000-07:00

(sorry for using Vietnamese guys, this is for myself only ^^)

Yêu thương có thật sự dễ dàng như khi mình nói ra từ đó không ?

Em đã đọc được ở đâu đó rằng "Dễ là khi mình nói yêu thương một ai đó. Nhưng Khó là khi mình làm cho người đó cảm thấy được yêu thương mỗi ngày". Và dường như trong phạm trù của yêu thương, con người lại rất mong manh và dễ dàng bị tổn thương hơn bao giờ hết. Liệu rằng có sai không khi em trao cho ai đó "yêu thương" của mình ? Em vốn dĩ là một người vô ý, nên đôi khi không nhận ra mình đang hờ hững với một ai đó mà mình yêu thương. Em vốn dĩ là người vô tâm, nên đôi khi không biết rằng mình đang làm tổn thương một ai đó. Và em vốn dĩ cũng là một kẻ...tham lam, nên cứ muốn yêu thương quá nhiều người trong cuộc đời mình. Thỉnh thoảng em có cảm giác như mình là một cô bé con, cứ liên tục đòi mua hết con búp bê này đến con búp bê khác, vì quá thích và yêu thương chúng. Cứ vậy đem về cất trong tủ kính xinh xinh của mình mà không thể chơi hết với tất cả.

Một lúc nào đó, em ngồi nhìn lại, và chợt nhận ra mình đang thay đổi.... Thay đổi nhiều thứ.... Cảm thấy chút gì đó xót xa như xát muối vào lòng khi nhớ lại những con người ấy........ Rồi lại tự an ủi rằng...mình cần phải thay đổi để trưởng thành hơn.

Có thật là thế không ?.... Em không muốn mất đi những điều quý giá ! ... Ấy vậy mà sao cứ lần lượt đánh mất mọi thứ... Những con người mà em yêu thương quá đỗi... thì bây giờ mọi thứ chợt trở nên lạnh lùng và hờ hững làm sao...

Em đã nhiều lần tự hỏi mình rằng "đến khi nào thì tình yêu trở thành sự chịu đựng ?". Đã có một ai đó nói với em rằng "vấn đề chỉ là thời gian"........ Nhưng có cách nào để nó không xảy ra không ? ......... Chỉ việc đó thôi mà dường như đã là quá khó..... Khó không phải vì con người thay đổi, mà khó vì làm sao người ta có thể bất biến giữa một cuộc sống luôn thay đổi ...

Bản thân em cũng là kẻ nhiều lần bị tổn thương khi đã yêu thương quá nhiều. Có lẽ mọi căn nguyên đều đến từ 2 chữ "hờ hững". Vậy để nhìn lại, rồi nhận ra mình cũng thế.... Giữ một ai đó trong tim không khó, nhưng để cho người ta thấy điều đó thì thật khó biết bao...

research topic

2009-03-22T18:34:00.000-07:00

It was very hard to find a topic for the research paper because this is the first time that I do a research paper in English. However, everything has the first time, juz do it my best.
I already have had some idea in Sociology because it is my major. Therefore, I choose a list of positive topic in Sociology flied. At first I came up with "Singlism". It's quite a new concept in social so that I could not find any information on Wikipedia.com . in contrary, I found some information about "singlism" on Google but they were just some very general info. I thought they will not enough for my research paper. Then, I came up with an other idea which was related to my concentrate subject when I was in university. It was  "The differences between western culture and Asian culture on gender roles". I think gender role will be a very interesting topic for my research paper because I have a lot interest on gender studies. It also my major so i have a background concept about it already. Now, I must think about it more to make it more specific  and come out with some research questions in order to go on the next stage of my research paper.

American food^^

2009-03-08T19:56:00.000-07:00

Although almost all of people all around the world say that fast food is very heavy and unhealthy, they still eating American fast food every day. why?
First of all is Coke. Where does coke come from. the answear is Coke comes from Coca Cola. Coca Cola is invented by Dr. John S. Pemberton in Atlanta, Georgia in 1886. Till today, Coca Cola has been drunk by people all over the world. No matter the age, the gender, the nationality, they all enjoy coke. In fact, coke just is a kind of sweet - colored water with gas. it's not only does not bring any nutrition to our body but also do harm on our health with the sugar that it carries. This fact has been know by many many people, they still like coke, however.
Secondly, the American fast food's influence spreads over the border regions. Although the "fast food" term first came out in Europe, American is the one who bring this term to be popular to the entries world. The beginning of fast food culture in American was in 1912 by the opening event of a New York fast food restaurant. Nowadays, one of the American fast food icons is the "Big M". I bet that you know what am I talking about. Yes, it's McDonald. Do you know in how many countries dose have McDonald restaurant? the answer is 123 countries. Please notice that is just the number of countries I am not mentioning about how many stores in one country yet. From that result we can imagine how many people are eating McDonald every single minute. People now have enough information about the nutrient facts of fast food; nevertheless, they still keep eating hamburger, pizza, hot dog, etc.
Why people still eating fast food and drinking coke? I sometime crave for fast food and coke despite of my diet plan. The answer quite very simple. Just because they are so fascinating. People won't addicted to anything they don't like for sure.

Vivian and Rachel

2009-02-25T23:24:00.000-08:00

I would like to introduce one of my friends in Cal State Fullerton. Her name is Vivian. Although we just know each other in this semester, we feel like we have known each other for a long time. We share many similarities in interest, point of view and many other areas.

The first time I meet her in TSU, we were introduced to each other by Vanessa, a friend of us. We did not talk to each other much in that time. Then, we meet more frequently in the lunch time at TSU. Day by day, we have more communication. I recognized that we are birds of a feather.

I like photograph and Vivian likes to be photograph. Like a puzzle, we match each other in this interest. She probably can be my model whenever I want to take a sire of photos. We would satisfy with our hobby.

Moreover, Vivian and me, we both come from Southern Viet Nam. We are considered the international students here in Cal State Fullerton. Some time we just spent time together to talk about the Ho Chi Minh City, where we both know very well. When we were homesick, we can share our feeling to each other and feel better. We both come to the US for our master degree. I was very surprise when she told me that she would come back Viet Nam after graduate. Although almost international students want to live and work here in the US after finish their study, we both want to come back Viet Nam and start our own dream in our own country.

We help each other in study a lot since we were friend. We do study online together after school by sending our new essay to each other to correct the mistakes which are hardly recognize by ourselves.

It is very helpful to have a friend go beside you to recall us whenever we are heedless. You know, living in the US has many interesting to do other than study. Some time I was lack of attention or motivation on study because of other stuffs. Lucky I that Vivian always pull me back to reality by her advice. We encourage each other to study harder to reach our goal as soon as possible.

Furthermore, travel is our favorite. We are going to travel together for the first time in Spring break. We plan to go to San Francisco for a couples days. I am looking forward to our trip because I hear that San Francisco is very beautiful. Nothing could be better than travel with a close friend!

let me share to you guys one more Vivian's photo that has been taken by me. she looks really beautiful in red!

If i could have a specail power....

2009-02-22T21:11:00.001-08:00

If i could have a special power, I would like to have the ability to live in the sea. I really like the sea world with million kind of fishes around me. I always feel free when I swimming so that I would like to live in the sea. I believe that under the water has a charming world and I do want to discover it. ^.^ A little bit crazy huh? but that is what I really want hihi. If I could live under the sea like a fish, I would build me a house near by the coral so that every morning when i wake up I could see the beautiful coral. I would spend my day time on earth to work or study and after that I would come back to my under water house. And if I could pass my ability to my friends I would invite them to live under water like me because the space on the earth are very expensive and no more left hihi. Water cover 75% of the earth so if we could live under water, we would have more space.

IYC Song

2009-02-15T15:13:00.000-08:00

IYC - I and You Connect
One of my favorite songs is IYC Song. This is the official song of International Youth Club in Ho Chi Minh city. I have taken part in IYC since it was established in April 2007. I used to be one of the leaders of IYC. Although now I am living far from my city, I'm still considered as a oversea member.
IYC is a non-government organization. We have had done some every successful Culture exchange programs such as the music show called "Journey to Vietnam" (performance by the international volunteers to donate money for poor children ), Green Summer Campaign for international volunteers, Sky series (the English camp for students), Discovery City (for teen ager to learn more about Ho Chi Minh city by) and so on. I have learn a lot form these activities.
The IYC Song's lyrics are definitely showed our dream and our passion. It was written by two of our IYC's talents, their name is Luong Dung Nhan and Tran Quang. This song was first recorded by a teen ager singer named Toc Tien.
here is the lyrics and the song:
the song was written in both Vietnamese and English.

I prefer sunny day

2009-02-11T21:04:00.000-08:00

California had been raining for nearly a week. It makes everything wet and dirty. I do not like the wet weather. I prefer the blue sky and the sunny days so that I very like summer. In Vietnam, especial in Southern Vietnam we just have two separate seasons sunny and rainy. Although rainy days bring the romantic feel to people, it makes everything wet and dirty. Therefore, I love the sunny days. Summer is the most beautiful and fun time in a year. In summer I can wear my favorite style, short and tang top. Moreover, I can swim and surf which are my favorite. In a student’s life the stereotype of summer is take a rest and enjoy our life. Summer carries a lot of my sweet memories. since I was a freshman in university 5 years ago, every summer, my parents have given me a change to travel to anywhere I want. I have learn a lot from these summer trips.

A Valentine present for you guys

2009-02-11T08:24:00.001-08:00

This is a love letter that I found on internet.It was created with the title of the famous love songs. Enjoy it!

Hello
Oh Darling!
Girl, You're my love
Girl, I'm gonna miss you
Miss you like crazy
I just called to say I Love You
but How can I tell her
I hate myself for loving you
Because I love you
I love you more than I can say
Nothing compares to you and,
Nothing gonna change my love for you
You are my everything
Evrytime you go away
I’m a jealous guy
When will I see you again?
When you come back to me?
Love will lead you back ...
Love in the first degee?
and I want you to know what love is...
How am I supposed to live without you?
I don't like to sleep alone
I want you, I need you and I love you
You are my sunshine
Thank you for loving me
My Valentine!!!

My obsession

2009-02-08T11:48:00.000-08:00

When I was a little child, I lived with my grandparents. My parents were so busy with their business and they did not have much time to be with me. I was not close to my parents at that time because I thought they did not love me so that they put me at my grandparent’s house. Due to that childish thought, I used to be scare of being alone. Being a lone in a house, being alone in a room, being so quiet would make me so nervous. I was fear of being desolate. This fear was last in my life for many years. I would not stay anywhere alone, I always asked someone to stay with me such as my mom, my friends or even my neighbors. I could not sleep alone in my room. I did not know why and I just felt so scary. I became more and more dependent on others. My parents were very worry about that. They talked with me and took me to my godfather, uncle T who is a psychologist. I remember that was the first summer in junior high school. My godfather tried to talk with me by his professional skills. Then, he put me alone in a room with a TV, a camera, and some books. He stood outside to calm my nerves. At first I was really nervous. Day by day, I felt more comfort in a room. I am not sure whether my godfather’s treatment was worth or not because it was just a very short time. I did felt comfort in my godfather’s room but I still did not feel comfort in my own room in my parents’ house. Then, I really do not know when I was not fear of being alone. Time by time, suddenly, I just stepped back and recognize that I could be alone. I thought that the more mature I am the more independent I am. It comes very natural. I think that my fear is because of an obsession of my childhood. Now, I can live alone in American. It means I am over come my fears but sometime I still feel depress about loneliness. Whenever I feel lonely I try to find something to do. I try to not think too much about loneliness and keep myself busy.

#2

2009-02-04T20:13:00.000-08:00

The Orange’s County transportation is much better than in Ho Chi Minh city, my home town. The first impression about the OC transportation is the buses. I used to take bus to go to school in the summer semester. It was easy to me to find the bus route online. Even though, at that time I just came here and I even could not recognize the road and the direction, but I could find myself the way to get to school by bus. Everything can easily find online and the bus stops are everywhere. The most interesting thing is the bus is free for students. It is a great offer for us. In contrast, Ho Chi Minh’s city buses are crazy. I never went to school by bus because in my house area there were no buses. I always went out by my motorbike instead of bus. Buses are always late and we need to pay for the bad service.

Now, I am no longer go to school by bus. Instead, I share the car pool with my friend to save money and time. I have not had a car yet because the economy is so tough now. It affects my family a lots. If i want to go somewhere in the weekend, I could ask my cousin gives me a drive or I can take a bus.

welcome to my life

2009-01-31T17:28:00.000-08:00

My name is Rachel. I come from Vietnam and my Vietnamese name is Nghi. This is my second semester in ALP. I have been in US for 6 months. I am living in Garden Grove city with my cousin and his wife. My cousin came to US over 20 years ago. His wife, Rebeca is an Canadian. She is very nice. During the time here, I have learned a lots not only at school but also out side the campus. Living in the US is totally difference from my country. I needed almost a months to get use to the new living style here.
I graduated from Ho Chi Minh city Open university in Sociology. I came to Cal Sate Fullerton for my master degree. My plan is to study in ALP for 2 or 3 semester to get the TOEFL then, I would begin study in my master program in 2 years. After that I would come back to my home country.
My hobby is photograph and travel. My dream is travel around the world with my camera. I have visited many places such as Guangzhou -China, Singapore, Hong Kong, Cambodia, Bangkok - Thailand, Las Vegas, Seattle, San Diego ... I love to take landscape photos and model portrait. You can visit my photos site here .
I also like to discover difference culture through food. I can eat many difference kinds of food. I am not afraid to try the new food especially the traditional food. I really like Vietnamese food. I also like Japanese, Korean, Geek, Italian food.
I love to make friend with all of you and nice to meet you guys!

Sunny, Y

Weekend -- Shopping and Huntington beach

2008-08-18T11:11:00.000-07:00

This weekend, I have spent a lot of money for shopping hehehehe in order to preparing my next week trip in Seattle ^^. Oh!! I am so happy about that hohohoho.

On Friday night my shopping campaign was begun with a cutie Guess shoes. Then, we (my brother, my sister in law and me) went out for dinner at 9:00 pm. Every weekend we have a crazy time line. We stay up late at night and will not wake up until the lunch time of the next day so that every weekend we just have 2 meals per day instead of three like the week days.

But, this Saturday was an exception. We woke up sooner at 9 for the shopping campaign ^^because Macy had a one-day sale program. I have been very satisfied with Macy kakaka. I bought one Roxy bikini and one O’Neil short with a good price. Then, we went to Circuit city, Ritz camera, Irvine Market place to look for the camera and camcorder. Right after finishing the lunch at Sam Woo restaurant, we went to Costco and came back home at 5. I could not believe that we spent almost all day for shopping – eight hours – can you believe that? My legs were totally exhausted. However, I felt relax and happy by spending time with my sister and brother.

Today, Sunday is an excited day. We planned to wake up late this morning but a stupid car of some stupid man howl out loud outside at 9 and woke us up. Hum..A bit angry becoz of that … however, we had a interesting plan today that is a trip to Huntington beach hehehe. We had KFC, Coke. Sun-bathing fully stretched out on the beach is the most interesting thing ^^ oh I love beaches!! I prefer Huntington beach than Corona Del Mar which I visited last month with ALP. because Huntington beach have a bigger sand-bank.

After enjoying the sunshine, it was time for duty ^^. That is car washing ^^

We came back home around 6 and my brother cooked the Japanese Misu soup for dinner.

What a wonderful day is!

13 - Aug - 08 hang out with friends

2008-08-18T11:07:00.000-07:00

My creation ^^

Yummy!!!

hey, Michelle you are so lovely with this way ^^

Vanessa, what are you thinking??
opp!! she is looking at the counter guy ^^

I love this moment

After the slide show at Yogurt Passion we went to the Block for a walk hihihih
Do you know what time it is?
It was over 7:00pm
nice weather huh!!

my writing

2008-08-08T21:20:00.000-07:00

Oh God!! I forgot that I still have one journal. even it was late but I still want to post it on.
My writing is getting better now, I think. At the beginning of this semester, I can even write something in English because I afraid of wrong. Then, with the pressure that Vanessa gave us ^^ I am improving. I love to write journal but in Vietnamese. I have another blog in Vietnamese and I write every day. I love writing so I will continue this blog hehhe.
Last week, I send more English email than ever. I send to my Uncle who lives in Seattle. I send to my sister who lives in Canada. I send to my friends in Vietnam by English too. I recognized that writing English and using English instead of Vietnamese or Chinese come naturally. Even though I write a letter for my Vietnamese friends, I start with English ^^.
I know I do have a lot of mistakes in using English. However, I feel that I am improving hehehehe.

computers and hi-tech in our life.

2008-08-01T16:51:00.000-07:00

The youth people like me and my generation are living in a digital world and our life are depended more and more on computers and hi-tech. For example, I cannot comfortable of I don’t have my notebook with me. Every day, the first thing I do after getting into my house is turn on my laptop. Some time I have nothing to do with it, but like a habit I must turn it on. I online, chat, blogging every day. If one day I have not done these stuffs, I could not sleep. In addition, my cell phone is the second important hi-tech thing for me. I always put my note, my family and friends’ number, birthday in it. One of the most important duty of my cell phone is remind me about the day, the things that have to be done.
However, we can not negate the benefit of computers and hi-tech. Can you imagine 20 year ago when there is no internet and cell phone? How inconvenient it is!!! For instant, I am studying aboard now, if it were not have internet how can I share my picture with my family at home and chat with them, and see them on the webcam. Moreover, since cell phones have been more and more popular, our life is more organize. We can connect to everyone right away no matter where they are.
Everything has its good and bad side. It depends on how we use it.

free journal -- my second family in US ^^

2008-08-01T10:47:00.000-07:00

[pix: Rebecca and Tony]

2 months in US
In 2 months I have experienced a lot new things. I have a chance to learn about American culture. I have a chance to challenge myself. Before I was here in US, I thought that it would be a very hard time in my life because I live far from my family and my country. Fortunately, now I feel enjoy on my journey.
I have my second family here. My cousin and his wife take care of me. My cousin Tony has left Vietnam for 20 years. It means that I have not seen him in 20 years. But we are getting along well together. Moreover I really appreciate my cousin’s wife Rebecca, she is very nice. She is a Canadian and she cannot speak Vietnamese. She always takes care of me. My friends told me that I was very lucky because I had my second family here. We go out for every week end for dinner. Tony and I love the Japanese food and we always get in line almost one and a haft hours in front of the Taiko at Irvine. He and I also like the Kim chi from Korean. We live in Garden Grove – Korean town. Every week, we finish a jar of Kim chi ^^. Rebecca is very love Vietnamese food especially PHO. In general, my family here loves to enjoy the food from different culture and area. In these 2 months, I have chance to taste Vietnamese food, Korean food, Chinese food, Taiwanese food, Thai food, Italian food, French food, American food, Mexico food, Japanese food and my favorite yogurt in Yogurt Land ^^. Last weekend, we went to LA to take part in a yogurt seminar. It was so funny and interested.
Last month, we went to Las Vegas for vacation. It was a amazing trip. Hehehe I love Las Vegas. I did not gambling because I did not want to waste my money on that. Rebecca and I went shopping all day and night.
And this month, I am going to visit my uncle in Seattle- Washington State. I will be there for one week. Tony and Rebecca cannot go with me because they have to go to work every day.

Journal # 10 Beach Party

2008-07-27T15:40:00.001-07:00

Last Friday, I had a chance to join the Beach Party which was organized by ALP at Corona Del Mar Beach. That was the first time I went to beach since I have been America. The beach is very beautiful but the sea is so cold. That’s why I could not jump into the water and swim. However, I had a very good time there. I took a lot photos for Michelle and Vanessa (my friend, not our teach ^^). We went to the pier and took photos then; we walked around the neighborhood there to see the beautiful houses there and took pictures. Around 5pm, it was time for the Barbecue party. So pity that Michelle could not join with us because she had a appointment with her friends. We enjoyed the hot dog very much. Thanks to the ALP’s Staffs and ALP’s Teachers for their hard working on the party in order to has a very exciting party for us. During the party time, we has been interviewed by the ALP’s cameraman, so much fun and joys ^^. After that we played volleyball. Before we left, we had taken a big photo for all ALP’s teachers and students there.

LIFE

2008-07-22T11:33:00.000-07:00

from internet
When things in your lives seem almost too much to handle, when 24 hours in a day are not enough, remember the mayonnaise jar and the 2 cups of coffee. A professor stood before his philosophy class and had some items in front of him When the class began, he wordlessly picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with golf balls. He then asked the students if the jar was full. They agreed that it was. ! The professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar. He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles rolled into the open areas between the golf balls. He then asked the students again if the jar was full. They agreed it was. The professor next picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up everything else. He asked once more if the jar was full. The students responded with an unanimous "yes." The professor then produced two cups of coffee from under the table and poured the entire contents into the jar effectively filling the empty space between the sand. The students laughed. "Now," said the professor as the laughter subsided, "I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life. The golf balls are the important things--your family, your children, your health, your friends and your favorite passions---and if everything else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full. The pebbles are the other things that matter like your job, your house and your car. The sand is everything else---the small stuff. "If you put the sand into ! the jar first," he continued, "there is no room for the pebbles or the golf balls. The same goes for life. If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff you will never have room for the things that are important to you. "Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness. Play with your children. Take time to get medical checkups Take your spouse out to dinner. Play another 18. There will always be time to clean the house and fix the disposal. Take care of the ! golf balls first---the things that really matter. Set your priorities. The rest is just sand" One of the students raised her hand and inquired what the coffee represented. The professor smiled. "I'm glad you asked. It just goes to show you that no matter how full your life may seem, there's always room for a couple of cups of coffee with a friend." --->>I like this sentence and always do like this ^^-- hahaha

Journal # 8

2008-07-17T22:57:00.000-07:00

After staying here for 7 weeks, I realize that there are a lot of differences between the California and my home city.
First of all is the traffic system. The US has a very huge freeway system. I was surprised by the highway here, the speed is very high. Moreover, the transportation here in California is very convenience. At the first week, I could find the bus route to go to school by myself on internet. In Ho Chi Minh city, buses are always late and they are not very convenience. The roads in Vietnam are much smaller than in US so that we always have traffic jam which can last for many hours.
Secondly, the food is so different. In Vietnam we always have rice for meals in contrast US always have bread for their meals.
Thirdly, teaching styles in US are much different to Vietnam. The teaching method that I am studying here is very integrated. Using a lot of new technology in teaching is effective. For example, in the Advance Grammar class with Mr. Sean, all the notes in class were typed in Microsoft word and were posted on the Backboard. It is very easy for us to review the lesson. In Vietnam, most of professors use the passive way to teach. They come to class and talk about the topic of that day and students are working very hard in order to take note. It made me pay less attention to what my professor are saying and have no time for question.
They are some big differences between Vietnam and US that I have learned since I was here.

IYC introduction in 2007 ^^

2008-07-17T11:41:00.001-07:00

free writting ^^

2008-07-11T16:30:00.000-07:00

I have been in US for almost on month and will stay here for a long time. Looking the photographs that I toke in Ho Chi Minh city remind me a lot memories. I miss my family and my friends so much. I miss the Vietnamese food. I have tasted the Vietnamese food in Little Sai Gon but it is not the same.
My home town is Ho Chi Minh City which is considered the biggest city and the most dynamic city in Viet Nam. I miss my city so much. There is a big park in front of the Independent Palace where I use to hang out with my friends every Sunday morning for coffee. Then, we went shopping in Diamond department store on the opposite side of the park.
I use to take part in the International Youth Club – IYC, a voluntary club, in Viet Nam. That is an amazing organization. After one year being a member in IYC, I grown up a lot. I have learned a lot from the activities of IYC. Through the exchange programs with the volunteer students from America, Singapore, Korea and other Asian countries I have chance to learn about other countries culture. We also do some social work together. I have lot of foreign friends. Until now, we still keep in touch with each other even it will be very hard to meet each other again.

Sunniers from Korean and IYCers - Viet Nam

The "Green Voluntee Campaign" in Ben Tre with the international students

view more -->> http://www.flickr.com/photos/creation/sets/72157602144696909/

and my IYC

We are IYC ^^

IYC aslso mean I and You Connect!! that's our slogan.

view more -->> http://www.flickr.com/photos/creation/sets/72157604527820938/

journal #6 national holiday.

2008-07-11T10:25:00.000-07:00

"HCM Television Cup"

The Independent Palace

In my home country, the biggest national holiday is the Independent day on 30th of April. In 1975, the South of Viet Nam was liberated from the puppet government. Since 1988, the Ho Chi Minh city Television has organized a bicycle race called “HCM Television Cup” to celebrate this national holiday. The route of this racing is often from Ha Noi ,the capitol of Viet Nam, to Ho Chi Minh City. Usually, the winner finishes the race in front of the Independent Palace on 11:30 AM. The race started in the early of April and finished by the 30th of April. During that month, the people of where the race goes though celebrated for the race and for the athletes. After twenty years, the “HCM Television Cup” becomes the icon of the Independent Day in Viet Nam. Beside this activity, the HCM community organizes the meeting for veterans on around the country to help them meet each other and review the memories.
The next day of the Independent Day is the International Labor Day, so we always have a long holiday. In almost shopping centers, it is the seasonal discount time. People do shopping everywhere. At night, there are some outdoor stages in the center of the city for the music shows. A lot of people hang out and the streets are very crowded. We have lot of fun on this holiday.

Knott's Berry Farm.

2008-07-03T23:23:00.000-07:00

Vanessa and Rachel

In front of the Camp Snoopy

Knott’s Berry Farm.
Last Friday, all ALP’s students were offered a trip to Knott’s Berry Farm which is considered “America first theme park”. That is nice place to go in South California beside the Disneyland. We gathered at CP-100 at 9:45 and then started at around 10:30, however it just toke us 15 munities to get to the park by bus. Everyone looked very excited. Then, we got the tickets and started a wonderful day at Knott. We also toke a lot pictures there beside enjoyed the extremely crazy games there. I was going in group of four Vietnamese students who are my close friends here in Cal Sate. Two of us did not play any games because they were scared by the fast and strong rosters. The other two, including me, enjoyed some games hi hihi. I had tried the Log Ride first and I had pay $10 for the key chain. It was so excited but I got wet after the ride. Because of the wet clothing my friend and I tried the Perilous Plunge and we totally wet at that time but it’s funny. We toke the Calico Railroad to go around the park and found out a lot of games were waiting for us. After that we went to the Ghost Town and the Indian Trails to create some awesome pictures. It’s time for lunch, we tasted the Mexican style fried chicken which are sour and hot. It was not a good choice however that was an experience. Then, Vanessa and I played some small game and we had won 2 little yellow cutie ducks. That’s the only present I got at that day. We walked around the Fiesta Village and the Camp Snoopy to take photograph and enjoyed the Snoopy show. I had taken some picture with the Snoopy dog and his friends. Due to the bad lunch we had tasted, we decided to try the Mrs. Knott’s Chicken Dinner Restaurant. On the Knott’s map printed that “no visit is complete without a piece of our famous fried chicken or boysenberry pie” and I totally agree with that phrase after my dinner. We finished our dinner at 6:40 and it was the time to gather at the flagpole to come back school. My brother picked me up at CP-100 right after the bus arrived. It was a tired day but I had a lot of fun there. That night I had a good sleep.

Vietnamese cuisine - "Canh Chua" - Sour Soup

2008-07-02T20:41:00.000-07:00

"Canh Chua" in English is Sour Soup.
Vietnamese Sour Soup is the famous soup of the Mekong river religion of Southern Viet Nam. It is a healthy dish which made with fishes and various types of vegetable. I do not know much about the history of this dish because it has been became a very common dish in our Vietnamese family meals long time ago. Sine was a little child; I have loved this dish very much.

In different areas in Viet Nam, there are different recipes of Sour Soup. And time by time, people have created a lot of new kind of Sour Soup such as Chicken Sour Soup, Shrimp Sour Soup, and ect. But I still like the Fish Sour Soup best.

Catfish Sour Soup recipe (Sai Gon style)
(Severing 4 person)

½ kg Catfish
200g Tomato
200g Pineapple
100g Okra
200g Bean sprouts
10g Tamarind
20g herb, long coriander
Spice inclued salt, sugar, chili and fish sauce.

1. Purify all the fish and vegetable
2. Boiled 2 liters water in a cooking pot
3. Add the tamarind to make the sour taste. Cook in 2-3 munities and then, fish out all the tamarind.
4. Add the catfish and the tomato to the pot. Cook in 10 munities
5. Add 2g of salt, 10g sugar, 2-3 spoons of fish sauce into the soup
6. Add the pineapple, okras, bean sprouts which were cut in to smal pieces and cook till it boilded again.
7. Add the chili and the herb on top.
8. Sever with rice or vermicelli

journal #3 My trip.

2008-06-27T00:32:00.000-07:00

Last summer, my mother and I spent a good time in Thailand

Just six days in Thailand but in that short time, I had many "first time" experiences. It was the first time I traveled alone with my mother (before, my family always went together). It was the first time to see many different animals at a very close distance. At Safari World, we saw tigers, giraffes, crocodiles, camels and stags, etc. However, the most interesting thing was that I had the chance to embrace a real tiger

The first day, I just went to the airport to fly to Bangkok then went to the hotel room to sleep. The tour schedule is 6 days 5 nights but in fact, it is a five full day tour.

The second day, we traveled to Pattaya. On the way, we visited the Safari World. It is such a big park with many kinds of animals that are being kept in a natural environment. While we were taking a tour around the park to observe the wild animals, I snapped many photos. After that, we had lunch at a very big restaurant that could serve more than 2000 people at the same time. Then we went to see the sea lion show and the cowboy show.

For me, the best day is the third day, that day we went to the Coral island at Pattaya which have a very beautiful and clean beach. I love beach. I love swimming. I went up on a speedboat parachute there. Moreover, my mother and I enjoyed grilled cuttle-fish, which was very fresh and tasty. I have paid for a bushing tattoo there. Wow, it was so cute hehe. Then, we enjoyed the Thai traditional massage at night. It was very soothing after an exciting day at the seashore. That night we got a good night's sleep. Based on the tour guide advertising, we paid over 100 $ for the sexy show. Uhm… It was a big experiment.

The most boring day is the fourth day, all that day the tour guide took us to some store such as jewelry store and snake farm. It was tedious. I think that the tour guide must have received a commission from those stores.

The fifth day, we went to see the Tiffany show which is performed by transexuals. They are beautiful. I had taken a photo with one of them. At dinner, we tasted the Sayuky hot pot. It is a kind of buffet hot pot, but you have to beware, because if you can not eat all the food you have take they will fine you 500 Bath for each person.

The last day was a free day for us to go shopping. I went to the MBK Shopping Centre. We spent almost all day in MBK for shopping. Hee! I spent almost 300$ for shopping. At night, some tour mates and I went to the night market of Bangkok called PatPong for shopping but I could not buy something more because of the unbelievable price of goods there.

Traveling can give us many joys. Therefore, I am going to plan for my next trip. I think I will visit Hawaii after accomplish this semester. Do you want to join with me??

Journal #2 My best gift

2008-06-24T22:45:00.000-07:00

It was a sunny day on October of 2007, and my birthday was coming .My father came home after work and bought to me a big heavy box. When I still wondered what it was he asked me open it. Then, I opened it curiously. That’s a 10.1 megapixels EOS SLR Canon camera. When I found out what is was, I shouted out as happy as the day is long. As you know that I am kind of person who really love to take photos and want to be an amateur photographer. With that camera, I can take more high quality photographs. How interesting is it!!! My first digital camera is a 5.1 megapixels. It was small and did not have enough functions for me. The EOS SLR Canon is my dreamed camera. It has more flexible functions and we can use as an auto camera or a manual camera. It gives me more space to create the photos. That’s the best birthday gift I was given so far. You can take a look on some first photos which was taken by this EOS SLR Canon at the flowers festival in Da Lat on December 2007: http://www.flickr.com/photos/creation/sets/72157603544923900/

journal #1

2008-06-19T11:09:00.000-07:00

My name is Rachel. I come from Viet Nam and my Vietnamese name is Nghi. I just have been in US for 15 days. I am living with my brother in Garden Grove. It takes me almost 1 hour to go to school by bus.

I love to travel. until now I have visited 4 countries such as Thailand, Cambodia, Hongkong and US. I also like to be a photographer. I have a photo account on Flickr where i can upload my photos and share with my friends. You can check it out at : www.flickr.com/photos/creation