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I don't think I've ever laughed harder

I know I'm a bit behind on my blog, but relax, it's worth the wait. Friday night was the dinner and party with the team here in Vietnam. I'm not sure I could have had any more fun. The night started at Hoa Vien Brauhaus and ended after several hours of ear splitting karaoke. The blackmail can be found here.

We had 32 or so people at the dinner. Somehow it was less than $300 for everyone. It just doesn't seem right for everyone to drink and eat as much as they can and it be less than $300, but I certainly was not going to complain. I think we ate just about everything on the menu and the beer was flowing just as fast. To top it off, Vietnam was playing in the football semi-finals of the SEA Games. They won 2-1 and it was complete pandemonium. The cheers was so loud and literally lasted for hours. The streets were jammed with people and you couldn't go anywhere. It was a sight to see.

We somehow made it through the crowds (where I experienced riding on a motorbike) and ended up at a karaoke bar. This is where it really got funny and people came out of their shells. There were quite a few really good singers (Huyen & Vinh in particular), but there is clear evidence that the machine was broken. I somehow scored 87 out of 100, which for anyone who knows how bad my singing is provides proof of the machine's flawed scoring system. The team has a great rule for the scoring. If you score below 100, you have to pay 20,000 dong (about $1.50); if you are below 80, you have to pay 40,000 dong. This pays for the party. I gave them 100,000 dong just so I wouldn't have to sing again.

I had a really great time and the team seemed to enjoy it too. It's an experience I will never forget and one I can't wait to have again. What a great group of people to work with!!!

P.S. That is apple juice we are drinking in the picture. I wouldn't want anyone to think we were enjoying too many beverages.

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