Holidays are coming!

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That's right boys and girls... it's half term this week over in this part of the world! And my internet fault, whatever it was, is finally fixed!

So let's rewind to when I was still in Vietnam - as most of you know, I finished working in Vietnam 3 weeks ago now to come to Hong Kong to teach. I wasn't really excited at the time and I'm realising why now. I actually like being settled somewhere. I hate not knowing where to shop or where to go for nice, cheap food. I know that some people get a lot of pleasure and excitment from finding out but I don't. I like things to be orderly. I like knowing where things are.

The last week in Vietnam I travelled to Hanoi and Halong Bay. I didnt like Hanoi much, but I knew I wouldnt. I love HCMC too much and Hanoi is quite different and a lot smaller. You dont feel the sweat, blood and tears in the air as you do in HCM. It's not as vibrant and in many ways it's quite boring. It's pretty, people kept telling me, because of the lake, and yeah it is for Vietnam, but it's not Switzerland pretty, it's not Italy pretty.... it's just a bloody lake for God's sake. And it's polluted!! Get over it! The people weren't as friendly either, and knowing Vietnamese made little difference as I couldn't understand their accent and they couldn't understand mine!

I booked a tour to Halong Bay and really enjoyed myself. It was a big thing for me as I was travelling on my own, something which I had never done before, so I was really trying to push the comfort zone as far as I would let it go. I met some very nice people on the boat trip and had a good time. I met a newlywed couple from Canada, Tracy and Kimmy, and would meet them later in Hong Kong as they were returning to Canada from there. I don't want to go into too much detail because I think the pictures will speak for themselves. I would recommend Halong to everyone. It's beautiful.

The main reason for me going to Hanoi is that 3 of my friends from Portugal were coming to Vietnam to see me. They paid for their trip before I knew about this job offer so I felt terrible that I was going to miss out on them being there. They were arriving in Hanoi on the Thursday so I went up to the airport (1 hour away from Hanoi - unbelievable!) and surprised them when they came out of arrivals. Rita and I shed a few tears (it had been an emotional day for me for several reasons) and we went out onto the streets that night and had a bite to eat and some beer. I left very early the next morning so although we only spent a little time together it was time well spent! They went on to have a great 2 weeks in Vietnam from what I hear!

Left for Hong Kong that Saturday and was greeated at the airport by one of my deputies, Christ (not prononced the same as in Jesus Christ) and she was great. She introduced me to another teacher called Sopna (works for the same school but different campus) and I spent the day with her going across the water to Kowloon and returning on the Star Ferry. The following day I met up with my head teacher, Lori, who took me out to lunch (that's right St. Theresa crew - MY HEAD TEACHER TOOK ME OUT TO LUNCH!!!!) and took me to see Victoria Peak. We then went to the cinema to watch a film and met up with another teacher from my school Amber. The following day I was at work! It was difficult as there was a lot to take in but I was quite relaxed about it as I'm not (despite what some may tell you) superhuman. It's quite impossible to go into a new school and get into things straight away, so I was able to observe int he morning but taught in the afternoon. And Im basically just asking loads of questions. The kids are quite switched on and clever and although it is terribly tiring, I'm enjoying it somewhat.

Like I said before, I'm on holiday now and today I met up with an old school friend. Actually Sheinal was in my older brother's class and I got the email contact from Bruno. Got together with him today and it was great! He bought me dinner! Sweet! Anything that involves food I am down with! He invited me out to meet some of his friends but I was too tired so came home. I'm a bit boring really - I love sleeping and eating! And I don't drink much so it makes it hard being around people who are drinking and smoking around you when you don't really do either. Anyway I had an enjoyable afternoon, so thanks sheinal!

Oh most important news - I have found myself a sweet studio apartment and for the first time I am living on my own. I'm really enjoying it so far and it feels like home. There's still stuff I need to buy to make it feel more homely but baby steps!!! No photos from Hong Kong as of yet as my battery on my camera has died and I have yet to find a place that sells plug adaptors!!!

I have Skype now at home so if you have it to send me your details via email and I'll add you on! Very excited now as I'm going to Hong Kong Disneyland! I've never been to any Disneylands so I'm sweating in excitment and anticipation (try and beat that Sar - i sweat when I'm excited - I win!)!!!

Anyway, I'll leave this here for now, enjoy the photos and get in touch! I'd love to hear from you!

Take care,

love Rooj xxx

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