Dragonflies and Settling In

It is getting near the end of the rainy season and a large rainstorm will hit the city in the afternoon and cause a minor floods. In the USA I could smell the air and look at the clouds and know if it was going to rain. But in Vietnam I have to look at the dragonflies. During the rainy season dragonflies will flourish around the few areas with green fields. When they fly high up in the air, the rains are over or it won't be raining. If they are low to the ground, take cover soon it will be raining. I have asked people what is the national symbol of Vietnam, and I never got a straight or conclusive answer. I was told an ox by a few students when they mentioned the symbol for the 22nd SEA (South East Asia) Games. I think it was the dragonfly. Old crockery and art have dragonflies on them. It is recognized as a old fashioned Vietnam thing.

I am settling in to the new house and the new job. The school hired a new dean from NZ and life is interesting as the changes come in.

As for wedding stuff, we are planning suits and dresses for us and for family to wear. Tram's family doesn't wear the ao dai (except for the mom on weddings), Tram and her younger sister prefer dresses. But since the western females want one, then it seems fair for everbody else will wear an ao dai. We are making everything much more concrete. Our plans are to have all invites, wedding photos, fabric for ao dais prepped (seamstress ready, but measurements and making will be last minute), suits are made. So we are just preparing.

I am practicing on Tram's scooter so I can get a Vietnamese motorbike license. But it is an A1 license. I have been looking for a gun and unique bike for me to drive. But with Vietnam the selection is not limited, but they all look the same. And you get a few other options, but they are expensive and the one I want has a higher cc than the A1, and it may be that the bike requires an A2, and it is unsure if foreigners can get an A2 license.

Part of me wants to build an electric motorcycle. Take a Honda Rebel frame from an old bike, get new parts and pull out the motor and replace it with an electric motor. It is an interesting idea. It is something I want to build and plan. I have the ideas, but I am unsure if I really want to do it, due to safety and finding someone else that is an expert to assist me in the building. Any suggestions, give me an idea.