the best thing about getting shot in the buttocks is the ice cream

when boston and I decided to carve out a space in the blogosphere and highlight the cool culture and craft darwin has to offer, we did so to connect with our fellow darwinians and to combat the all-too common assumption that darwin is lacking in the ‘fun beyond the pub’ department.  nothing against pubs—we love ‘em.  we're pub-mongrols.  a lot of my income is spent at the pub.  try to run into boston next time you’re at the pub—she’s likely to invite you to stay at her house or to let you keep her dog.

the point is, we love darwin, its pubs and beyond.  it may seem odd, then, that one of my first posts is about leaving darwin.  that’s right, my partner has just purchased us tickets to our first holiday getaway in such a long time that i want to climb to the top of the evolution tower and shout to the harbour:

I’M GOING TO VIETNAM, SUCKERS!!!!!

ten days in march. it's not heaps of time and it's ages away. nevertheless i am so damn excited it's all I can talk about. just the two of us and minimal luggage, stupidly cheap airfare (thanks jetstar!), my mother-in-law's lonely planet guidebook, limited itinerary commitments, hungry tummies, empty camera memory cards and nothin but time to wander, relax and enjoy.

if you're aussie and you're reading this thinking my excitement for visiting an overdone tourist hole is OTT, it's because i come to you with a funny accent and a penchant for hot dogs and salted pretzels. yes, i originate from the americas, and asia is our exotic road-less-traveled, our far far away. just like how latin america is yours--evidenced through the overpriced mexican food popping up in trendy suburbs all across the country. (tacos should cost ten cents not ten dollars, ps.)

correct me if i'm wrong, familia, but i'm the first coen to visit 'nam not in an official wartime capacity. i am a fortunate one.

so for the next five months, i'd love your suggestions for vietnam's must-sees, must-eats, must-buys, must-drinks.

i am so looking forward to my first stint in asia, the first of many i hope.  after all, one of the most amazing things about darwin is our absurd proximity and affordable access to asian getaways. 

forrest says that in vietnam it rains sideways and upside down, with big old fat rain, itty bitty rain...