Sitting and waiting

At 7:30am yesterday I headed downstairs thinking I was going to meet Robbie and Al for coffee, and go through some photos together. But when I got to my bike, I noticed I had a flat tyre. No problem, two doors up the street is a bike repair guy. So I walk my bike there, and point to my flat tyre. He frowns and shakes his head. I think this means it's not just flat, but I have a puncture. So off comes the tyre, out comes the tube. The guy indicates for me to take a seat. So I grab the tiny red stool and sit down. I'm hoping it doesn't take long, as I told the others I'd be there at 7:30am...( it's only a 2 minute ride). The compressor comes out, a big tray of water and  a bunch of tools.

I figure there's no point in getting stressed, just sit back and watch. I txt Robbie and told her I'd be there soon, but getting my tyre fixed. 

The compressor is to put air in the inner tube, and then he dips the tube in the water to find the hole, bubbles come out where the hole is. He then roles the tube around a metal pipe and starts filing it, smoothing it and moulding together. Then comes the glue, then the patch. Then he beats it with another piece of pipe so it all sticks. He then puts the tube back inside the tyre and puts it back on the rim. I should've said THANKYOU, paid him and left......but....

I mentioned that my chain was loose and coming off a lot lately. Whether he understood my words or just knew by looking at the chain, he got it anyway.

So out come the spanners. And he simply adjusts the back shaft and bingo it's all nice and tight again, the slacks gone. But.....

In doing this he now notices my back wheel is all wobbly. He looks at me questioningly..

I did a charades version of me on a bike, and another bike ramming into me, and me going flying. I think he got it. 

Now he proceeds to tighten up all my spokes one by one. This takes a long time. Meanwhile I notice a tiny coffee shop up the street a bit on the other side, and I ask him if he'd like a coffee. Again, he got it, and nodded. So I take off to the coffee shop. Over there I say to the lady 'two black coffees' and point to my bike man over the rode. No problem, she makes them and I take them ( in glasses) back to the bike shop. Seems to be the norm here. I guess people get most of their glasses back eventually. 

So I sip local black coffee with an ice cube in it, as I continue to watch and wait.

Turns out my wheel has completely snapped, he shows me, and I nod. A new rim is needed.

So he phones someone, and 2 minutes later a guy rides up on a motorbike with a rim strung over his shoulder. Previously he phoned someone else, and a lady rode up, slowed down, threw him a spanner and took off. 

My bike is now in many pieces, and my coffee date is not going to happen. I can see a clock on the wall in the shop opposite. I'll be lucky to get to work on time at this rate. 9am is approaching.

To replace a rim, ALL the spokes have to be unscrewed, the whole thing comes apart, and gets reassembled. Then he puts lubricant on each section, then wipes each section, then checks each section, again and again. Talk about perfectionist. I try to call work to let them know I'll be late, only to find I'm now out of phone credit. Finally after nearly 4 mths, my $5 worth of credit I put on when I first arrived here in May, just ran out!!!

What can you do...

I continue to sit and watch.

Children are being dropped off to grandparents for the day. A bike and cart are delivering a tray of toys to the shop opposite. A man in another shop, loads himself and tall pedi stool fan on a motorbike and takes off, waving to his wife. Then a funeral procession goes by. 2 Floats, followed by a truck with the casket and people in strange costumes and makeup sitting with their legs dangling out the back. Very much resembling a movie set. Then a bus with flags hanging out the windows....all accompanied by load sounding music and drums.

If you can't go anywhere and no one's missing you, you might as well just sit back and take it all in.

Finally at 10am, my bike is back in one piece. He has also managed to tighten my brakes, and my basket. Wiped the bike down from top to bottom, and I think I'm ready to be on my way. 

Now for the scary bit....how much..

He held up some fingers, and I said, can you write it down. Turns out for two and a half hours work, and a complete overhaul.....the price in Aussie dollars...

$12:50.

I'd be lucky to get a new rim for that back home.

I then began to think I might find out how much it would cost to ship it home when we leave.

But later on that day, Andrew and I met for the first time, our new sponsor child. His name is Dat and he's 12 yrs old. He and his father share 1 bicycle, they have no motorbike. No mother, and are very poor. So now I have decided that when I leave, Dat will be getting my bike instead.

At least I'm pleased to know that I'm giving him a good well serviced bike that should last him a long time.

Today was a "very good" day !!!!

Afternoon in paradise...

I guess it's inevitable...that I should keep finding little treasures hidden in and around Hoi An.

After all, I've only been here 3 months....

This afternoon I found a cute little cafe called "Little Hanoi".. On the opposite side of the Thu Bon River.

I started with soda and lemon juice, which later lead to a light early dinner, of stir fried mixed veggies.

I sat there surrounded by an eclectic mix of collectables, including, book stacks, old pots, easels, tea sets, comfy furniture...not always easy to find in Vietnam. An odd collection of lamps and lanterns, candles, a bird cage and a steep winding staircase, which I'm curious about. I want to know what's at the top of the stairs....maybe next time. I've peacefully spent the afternoon sorting through my many photos, deciding which ones to print and leave here for the residents of the homeless shelter we've been visiting regularly.

Soft classical music has been playing in the background, the fan is blowing a light breeze through the cafe, and I wish I could stay here for longer. But my battery is about dead, so it's time to make my way  home. Back on my bike, I ride along the rivers edge, across the bridge, wind my way around a few small streets and I'm home. 3:30pm traffic....NOT A PROBLEM.!!!

No lights, no traffic delays, no school zones, no impatient drivers today, just slow easy riding...

There are LOTS OF THINGS I'm going to miss about this lifestyle......

Relax and enjoy every day, it's a gift. 

Mumma bear..

Magical

How is it, that you can travel the world, and find yourself in some magical place....and strike up an intense friendship with people that you haven't known for a long period of time, but due to random circumstance, you find you have so much in common. It's not about how long you've known people, it's about how you connect. 20 yrs or 20 minutes.

Passion, experience and journeying through life, can afford you the most beautiful new friends, that happen to be travelling along the same parallel as you in the time line of life.

Such moments are to be treasured as wonderful gifts from above, as you meet and connect with wonderful individuals along your path...

Every moment is a treasure, no matter how long it lasts.....something money can not buy and memories that are cemented in our mind as 'highlights' along the journey of life.....

For ALL the people I have met through ALL my wonderful adventures and travels....

Whether we meet again or our paths go in different directions.....you have been a part of 

MY story and you are precious to me...

The people we meet and our adventures, help shape who we are and who we become....take only the " good" and let go of the negative........

Grow and become the best possible 'you' you can be......

..........

Mumma 

Look around EVERY corner .....

Feeling the love...

I spent ages this morning writing today's blog...only to be distracted and NOT save the draft....hence it's gone....

So short version......

Yesterday I fell off my bike...yes again.

But my lovely friend Monika, who had just fallen off her bike only a few days before, lovingly wiped my legs and feet as I tried to clean myself up.

Two lovely guys from the beach bar, saw me bleeding and brought ice and some solution and cotton wool and also cleaned me up.

Then a bit later at lunch, another friend who just happened to be at this cafe, heard my story and pulled out some band aids, and patched me up.

Later that evening on my way downstairs to the pharmacy, grandma, who was sitting in the kitchen eating a banana on her own, invites me to join her, I also got half a bread roll and a glass of warm water.

Then just before going to bed, Susie sends up some bigger bandages and tape.

Today I really was FEELING THE LOVE....

Thanks everyone.....

That's what makes the world go round......LOVE IN ACTION

Mumma bear....

The recovery ward...

Getting slack

When I started blogging I enjoyed it...truly...now I just don't seem to have the time or the energy. Maybe I've just made so many lovely friends, that I'd rather live life, than write about it.

We've eaten in so many nice cafes, restaurants, beach bars, obscure coffee huts in the middle of rice fields....

Met so many lovely people, from all over the world.

Discovered so many pretty bike trails....full of one stunning scene after another..

Had so many fun nights out at the beach, as the sun sets and the music picks up...

Shared pizzas, bottles of wine, stories, adventures...

Going home will really be 'interesting'....for one thing, we'll have to relearn which side of the road to ride/ drive on. Remember not to cross the intersection against the lights in front of a maxi taxi...

Assume that the traffic on the roads 'will' make you late for work, instead of just riding around it.

Be prepared to get 'ripped off' every time we buy something. Especially, takeaway or restaurant meals.

I'll have to get used to 'housework' again....yuk.

It's going to really hurt, filling up the car with petrol....cycling is FREE...

Not sure if any of my tight fitting clothes will fit me anymore, after eating well for 3.5 mths....and living in happy pants and thongs.

I may have to make appointments with friends to catchup, rather than bumping into them in town.

Going back to work will be a chore....if I go back.

Don't get me wrong. It's been a very 9-5 or 9-9 work week here as well. But somehow it doesn't seem so pointless when you're doing it for people less fortunate that yourself. It gives your work week a purpose.

Anyway....there are also many things I'm dying to go back to.....namely my KIDS...

all the beautiful young faces from church that seem to make their way into my house and make it a home.....can't wait for that......

Church....loud worship...with passion....friends...hugs....and milk without added sugar.!!

Think I'm done now....mumma