This time next Saturday, I will be almost in Tokyo (cross your fingers I get bumped up to biz class again!). I can’t believe there is less than a week to go. I have a running list of approximately 978 errands to run this week while still working and spending quality time with loved ones. Easy.

Tonight, while sitting in one of my favorite NY cafes, I was reading from a great book we got last year called “Vietnam Today: A Guide to a Nation at a Crossroads”. The book explores the cultural differences between Vietnam and the West while trying to offer guidance to expats living or working in Vietnam. It is a very useful and highly interesting book on an anthropological level, however, I think I feel even more confused after reading chapter 5 (“Core Cultural Dimensions”). A smile, according to the book, can mean “Agreement”, “Mild Disagreement”, “Embarrassment”, Disbelief”, “Appreciation” and “Apology”.

WHAT??? So I smile … when exactly?

I think that as a matter of policy, I am just going to be smiling the whole time and leave it to the others to guess whether I am appreciative or just super happy to be in Asia this winter.

The Nov/Dec 2008 edition of National Geographic Traveler magazine features Perugia, Italy as the world’s sexiest small city. Following Perugia’s lead, however, were the cities of Copenhagen, Prague and Ho Chi Minh City!

Ho Chi Minh City is Sexy

Note: The restaurant in the photo is of Temple Club a very good (upscale) restaurant set in a beautifully decorated building in HCMC. We’ve enjoyed several fine dinners there last year and the year before.