Weekly Update 2: In which Elizabeth finally visits Gin House

I really set myself up for failure by calling this a “weekly” update… Clearly I’m already getting behind, so, sorry.  But that just means that I have two weekly updates to post in the next couple of days!

Last Friday a group of teachers from my school had a Big Night Out.  We went to Warda, a Lebanese restaurant on Mạc Thị Bưởi.  I would highly recommend it if you’re craving Middle Eastern food.  The mezze were really nice, especially the baba ganoush.  I’ve also heard that they have really nice shisha.  I’d go into more detail, but alas, I again forgot to take pictures because I was feasting exuberantly. 

After Warda, we went to Gin House (where I did remember to take pictures!).  I’ve been wanting to go here for a while.  Any of you who know me well know how much I, as a 90-year-old WASPy lady, love my gin.  Gin House definitely delivered.  They have a huge list of different house-infused gins.  I tried the rose and hibiscus one and the vanilla and orchid one.  Oh my heavens, y’all.  I think I found my new favorite bar. 

Saturday morning I got up early for my weekly long run.  I don’t have a lot that is noteworthy to say about this, but I do want to share some really lovely pictures I took!  Five miles into my run I got to the top of a bridge (bridges are the only “hills” to train on here) and stopped for some water, and to my right was this beautiful view.  Behind me was a giant divided highway, but in front of me was miles and miles of jungle and river.  Sometimes southern Vietnam is such a magical place.  Moments like that just catch you off guard.  Also, here is a picture of me looking like a sweaty monster.  You're welcome.

After my run I was in serious need of some food and some R&R (as you can see in that photo), so David and I walked down our alley to try out a new bò kho place I had run by earlier.  Unfortunately, that was closed, but right next door was a phở spot that we hadn’t tried before.  It was for sure the best phở I’ve gotten near my house – the broth was really flavorful and the beef was super nice.  Now, I’m not going to be like that Bon Appétit guy and try to tell you how to eat phở, but I’m personally a fan of loading up the herbs, pickled garlic and lime, with a few chilies to give it some kick, like this:

After some much-needed phở and cà phê đá, David and I headed to the salon in my building to get our hair washed, along with a 45-minute scalp massage.  If you ever come visit me out here, this is the first thing I am taking you to do.  Scalp massages are more or less the best thing in my life.

 Saturday night I had two birthday parties to attend, both with a costume theme (James Bond and heroes and villains).  I definitely had to stop off for some mì xào at my favorite alley spot for a pre-drinking dinner.  Mì xào is one of my favorite dishes.  It's basically noodles stir-fried with veggies (usually morning glory, carrot and green onion), either eggs or meat, and a super yummy sweet/salty sauce.  This lovely lady makes it just how I like it, with lots of greens and two eggs:

 Zack and I did a couples costume (naturally) for the heroes and villains party.  Zack was Rachel Roy aka Becky with the good hair and I was Rachael Ray aka a thick Sicilian woman who is a blessing.  Here are some pictures from the night:

Naturally I stayed out too late and, for some reason, took a video of myself on the back of my Grab bike (motorbike taxi service, kind of like Uber) explaining why I had taken a motorbike taxi instead of a real taxi.  What a way to end the week.  

Next up: Weekly Update 3: In which Elizabeth actually posts on time like a responsible human who keeps to her commitments.  See y'all soon!