Sunshine

Today, I got lost for the first time in the nearly two weeks I have been here. This is a picture of where I ended up. Worse things could happen, I suppose. Meandering can be so lovely. I met a fellow traveler and after a long, rambling conversation, I remembered that old adage, "Water seeks its own level." Was a really nice day.

Tonight, I went to the Opera House for a performance by the Vietnamese Symphony Orchestra. The spirit of the program was mostly playful and included a conducting "competition" with five or six children and two eager adults all trying their respective hands at conducting the orchestra. For me, the best part came later, when the solo violinist played a memorable, even soulful piece by Monti. For a moment, I completely forgot about her beautiful floor-length gown, made of a bright coral-colored silk. (And if you could see this dress, you would understand just how much of a feat this is.) I couldn't help it. I thought of Nietzsche.

And perhaps I'll be thinking of aesthetics some more. Tomorrow, I am leaving for the beach--let's hear it for hammocks overlooking the South China Sea!--and then on to a couple other stops. I'll be away from my computer for a bit and am really looking forward to relaxing, at least til Sunday.

Namaste.