O’brien’s Factory

Eric and I eagerly followed Jeff to a restaurant that he said was close to the best in town. I had seen the front of this restaurant for a few times and had wondered what it was as I had not been able to decipher any name on the outside. I thought it might have been a liquor shop. When we were inside it looked liked an English pub. It was not too crowded and the atmosphere was welcoming.

We sat down got a few beers and looked at the menu. I was in heaven as there were two pages of choices which I wanted to try. After looking through the menu 4 or 5 times I had settled on a choice. I wanted something small as I had already eaten a pizza and kebab that day and most of the servings here looked decent size. The waitress came and Eric, Jeff, and I gave our orders and they both seemed puzzled by my order. I chased the waitress down to change my order and found that there was a whole back section to the restaurant waiting for us. We moved table into the games room and listened to the sound of pool balls ricocheting of each other.

When the food came it looked good. First, was Eric’s Philadelphia beefsteak. It smelt good and from all accounts it tasted good. Next was my Cajun chicken. It was more than what I had expected. It was a sandwich with salad. It smelt good and tasted wonderful. Last was a woodfired pizza. This place must be the only woodfired pizza shop in town or maybe even the country.
We were all stoked with what we ordered and were ready to move on to live music at Sheridan’s Irish bar to keep the British Isles theme alive. I suspect in the short time left I will be returning there sometime

The cirlce

Well today I feel that it is a cycle that has been completed. Tonight (Thursday in Oz and VN) is the final of the UEFA Champions League – Liverpool and AC Milan. I feel very nervous as AC Milan are well rested and hungry for revenge. They are eager to finish what they started in 2005. I only hope that Benitez and the team can overcome the power of Milan and make it two titles in 2 years.

It is hard to believe that it has been two years here in LX already, yet I feel it is time to go. I see this game as a sign from God or the Universe or whatever power out there that controls such things. Regardless of who wins the circle is complete.

Why I am here.

How surprised would you be if one day you woke up and realised that all you wanted in life was about to be fulfilled? It was not quite as expected, far from it, but you know that is what has made it great. When you think about what it is you have moved towards in the last few years, the inspiration always comes at the most unexpected time. Mine was over a beer - a tasty beer too - when my friend made a little enquiry about what I would do after uni.



Some comments make you see things in a new light, a way you never thought about previously, which alters your thinking, or perhaps redefines what you thought was the real way. It just goes to show, you should never place limits on any of your dreams and passions.



That is how I ended up here. Here is in Long Xuyen, on the southern branch of the Mekong River, in south western Viet Nam. I am supposed to be an Economic Advisor at An Giang University, but I was surprised to find out that is code for a business English teacher. It is actually a very rewarding job.



So the road I have travelled so far in life has been a great one, and where it ends I do not know. And as they say, the destination is not as important as the journey. So keep walking!