About Me

I was born and grew up in Vietnam. And I have lived half of my life in Melbourne - Victoria - Australia.  Outside my career I am interested in bushwalking, navigation, cross-country skiing, canoeing, kayaking, snorkeling, cycling, and tennis.
The black and white photo in front of you was taken on a nine day walk over Christmas and New Year 1998 -1999 in North East of Victoria, the alpine areas from Thredbo to Mitta Mitta River around which, in September 2002, I spent one day tree planting and one day rafting. 

Also late November and early December this year I was motivated to take the plunge becoming one among the songsters at workplace singing at our Christmas party and our performance was outstanding. I left straight after that for a drive to the Wellington River valley north of Licola, about 3.5 hours from Melbourne, excluding breaks, for Moroka Gorge weekend walk to gear up for 6 days walking in Jillicambra Mountain (1020m) - Tuross Gorge of NSW.  Two compulsory swims with packs were required and a party of eight celebrated the year 2003 on the New Zealand time with a share of chocs and Baileys, an Irish cream I learnt of on Larapinta Trail in June 2000 when I had the opportunity to see Olympic Torch in the heart of Alice Springs. 

Also just a week before the Xmas party Eight party goers and I had attended a Formal Dinner, Mt. Feathertop Pack Carry traversing The Razorback and North West Spur to get to Mt. Feathertop Memorial Hut.  I had been awarded for best dressed lady in an Indian skirt topped with a black mini scoop-necked top.  The gourmet courses - beef curry with rice, baked snapper, Vietnamese coleslaw, cheeses and yummy desserts & cake; the wines, liqueurs & port. 

Early Feb-Mar this year I enjoyed a 4 week trip to the North Island, my first to the North, my fourth visit to NZ, and also the best of all.  A variety of terrain experienced include a tramp exploring a rugged island and relaxing in a hot spring; a tramp walking along endless sandy beaches; a tramp passing craters, vocanic formations, deserts, glacier river valleys, alpine fields, and mountain beech forests.  On these less well-known tramps I had to hitch-hike several times; tent sites and huts were hardly used.  An interesting half of day sea-kayaking tour at Bay of Island and a day canoe trip on Whanganui River was spent.  My first experience with a single kayak on wild water.  Other highlights of this trip is to meet with people from all over the world ranging from novice backpackers to the extremes, the locals.  People are cheerful, generous, and positive.  I heard just a bit of war while I was away.  Click on the link www.vicpeace.org for information on Peace movement.  Early April I joined an Amnesty International weekend bike ride from Kyneton to Castlemaine to raise fund.

In May I took part in an enjoyable evening bushdance.  More than 200 people attended and participants were in their casual dress (one or two were in shorts!).  The night was performed by BushWahzee Bush Band of Melbourne's East.  All dances were called.  I was among volunteers of the night and was the second person who arrived at Collingwood Town Hall where I could catch up with some friends I had not seen a while back.  I stayed longer at work.  Met and talked to more people through sporting activities.  Did very little of walking and no cycling at all.  Saw movies "Nowhere in Africa", "Whale Rider", Dr Zhivago.

The pages are best viewed with Netscape.  Click on an image for larger picture.  Bookmark this page! Disclaimer I Privacy copyright © 2001 Dzung Nguyen - Email to: bushwng@jeack.com.au