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I followed Mai and Tom to Baltimore and saw John Hopkins University for the first time. I was surprise that the Hopkins Medical and Public Health Schools are located in a very bad neighborhood but make the nation #1 spots. Tulane Campus actually looks nicer, greener, and bigger than that of Hopkins. Baltimore does not have the area like the French Quarter or Uptown of New Orleans, but it looks more orderly and has more lively office buildings.
Mai’s former mentor took us to a nice Korean restaurant. The food was great and I was excited with the Korean dinning culture. I have always seen the Korean businesses and restaurants nicer and more unique than those owned by the Vietnamese. I could also sense honesty, respect and trust every time I walk inside a Korean business. Korean American community isn’t that big compared to the Vietnamese but they definitely gain lots more respect– such a respected culture that they uphold. The same could also apply to the Japanese. I don’t want to be critical as the history of Vietnamese American is different from the history of Korean or Japanese American. I, however, think that it is wise for the Vietnamese to make comparisons and learn how to build civilized businesses. The Vietnamese should not follow the chaotic and unhygienic China towns of San Francisco or New York.
I went out with friends to say goodbye to 2009 on the New Year's Eve, stayed in and was poisoned with too much football on the first of 2010, and went out for dinner tonight to really welcome the new decade. It was extremely cold– the coldest level from the day I came to DC. Temperature is currently –6oC and wind is terrible. I walked from 17 Street to 19 Street following Dupont Circle just for about 10 minutes and could not figure out whether my nose was still up on my face or someone has cut it off, even though I put on a coat, a hat and a scarf. Strong wind made every one on the street miserable.
Can’s forget to say thank you to Dung and Steve for the Xmas dinner. Thanks for the great food, the chat, the game, and the house tour.
For friends to whom I was not able to say Happy New Year on phone or in person, I wish you and your families good health and happiness in 2010.
Mai and me (2 chị em) on the sidewalk of Constitution Avenue,
Washington DC, December 24.
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