As I sit here (on the balcony of a cafe with a lime soda and some hummus) writing this blog, I
cannot quite believe that I have only been here 2 months - it feels like 2
years!! But, I have certainly achieved a
massive amount in this time.
I
have acclimatized to a whole new way of life and am beginning to pull a team of
teachers into a positive thinking department. There is certainly a lot of
change that is required at the school but the Principal is not afraid to make
the hard calls and in many ways it is an exciting time to be here, as there is
the chance to be part of creating a new and improved learning environment.
 |
| A nice place to do some marking |
You
will also be pleased to know that I now have the students’ names under
control and I am feeling like my head is above water in terms of planning and
marking. I have even had one schoolwork free weekend, but am still putting in 10 hour days!
Socially, life has been very busy as well. Yesterday, I attended an AFL Grand Final brunch at the Sheraton hotel. Luckily, it was an entertaining game, and a good day was had by all - just a pity the wrong team won!
On Friday night a little more refined culture was had at a performance of the Saigon Philharmonic Orchestra where we experienced the first performance of a Vietnamese composers 9th symphony. Of course, thoughts of my favourite conductor came to mind!!
 |
| My creation - it's upside down!! |
I have also been to an art and wine evening at a local gallery as well as a dance/acrobatic performance at the Saigon Opera House. This was a great display of athleticism and creativity – much like the Bangarra dance group. AO Show Saigon
Some
dining experiences have also been a highlight of the last few weeks. An all you
can eat and drink brunch at the Intercontinental hotel was the most amazing display
of food I have seen. Such extravagant excess!
And,
a steak I consumed at an Argentinean restaurant was probably one of the best
steaks I have ever had! Who would have thought?!
 |
| Prawn and pork salad by Ms Loan |
These experiences have been contrasted with great street food - banh mi for breakfast on the way to school at the stall around the corner, rice paper rolls, omelets, grilled chicken, pork, squid and sugar cane juice all for about $1-2 a pop!!
Of
course I am also loving my lovely Ms Loan, who cooks twice a week for me. I
organise the recipes, but she does the shopping, the cooking and the cleaning
up. It is so nice to come home on a Tuesday and Thursday night to these
delicious meals which basically set me up for the week.
Luckily,
I have also just joined a gym!!
 |
| Fish by Ms Loan |
 |
| Local shopping at 6am |
 |
| Street omelet |
 |
| With Heidi |
A couple of weeks ago, the city celebrated the Moon Festival and this was a great chance to have an Ao Dai made. This was done with the help of the Principal's PA. She took us off shopping and then to her tailor, who was located in one of the oldest apartment blocks in the city, so as you can imagine, this was an experience in itself! I was happy with the result too!
The lion dance at school was also quite spectacular - just not sure about those moon cakes!
Naturally,
I have enjoyed getting out and about and exploring the city - even when it
is raining! We have had quite a few massive downpours in the last few weeks,
and I have been well and truly caught out a few times whilst down the street on
my bike - there has been no option but to get soaked. I do have a plastic rain
cape now, so I feel like a true local. And I do love riding my bike through the
puddles that quickly develop.
A
visit last weekend to the Chinese area of town and the Cho Lon market was an
interesting affair - the temples and pagodas, plus the seemingly never ending
stalls selling everything you could possible want - in bulk. Plastic
containers, hats, toothpaste, biscuits, shoes, zips, ribbons, scissors, sandals
etc, etc. I
came away with 5 bits of cloth with the intention of getting some clothes made.
Given my sewing skills, many of you will be entertained with the thought of me
even knowing what to buy!! Well, I surprised myself and did quite well - we
shall just wait and see what the tailor says!
 |
| With Year 7 Korean boys |
I
have also taken to travelling on the local buses a little. These are quite
civilised experiences and no matter how far you go, the cost is the same, 6000
dong or 30 cents. It is a great way to see the suburbs and I love how the
locals look after me and pass their money down the bus to get a ticket!!
 |
| Cho Lon market |
In two weeks time, it will be the end of Term One, and I will be heading off on my first little adventure to Phu Quoc Island. I am very much looking forward to some rest, relaxation, exploring .. so stay tuned!!
Sounds like you've really made the place home Mez! Enjoy your break, Sal x
ReplyDeleteYou would think you had been there a lifetime. As you describe your experiences, I feel a burst of happiness and I picture you being right at home. You were meant to be there!! I think you are going to have huge impact on your school and the kids are going to thrive under your care. They are lucky! Your sense of adventure and your confidence to do things on your own, will ensure you get the most out of every experience. I am in awe and jealous of you!!!!
ReplyDeleteSuch an interesting read. You sound like you have things down pat. That school is going to love you. Still reminds me of my adventure all those years ago.
ReplyDeleteReally enjoying reading about your adventure...feeling quite jealous to be honest! We are heading to HK at the end of term 4. Could be our last family holiday before Iain goes into the army!!! What are your term dates next year? Would love to come for a visit.
ReplyDelete