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Published: October 17th 2010
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Sam and I on our bikes
This was taken just outside our apartment So I'm past the 4 month stage now!
The time has flown by and so much has happened. A few weeks ago I wasn't really enjoying myself and was pretty close to coming home, but I'm very glad I didn't. I knew it would just be a phase and that I would get past it. Turns out.... I was right! I definately don't think that HCMC is the place I want to be forever, but for know.... life is pretty good.
This month it has rained every day! October is the wettest month of the year and its definately lived up to it's reputation!! The Vietnamese love the rain because it provides a cool break from the hot humidity, but we are sun worshipers, so we can't wait for November!!
Some strange, but funny goings on in HCMC We have settled into life here quite well now, but at least once a day something shocks us or makes us laugh about this place! Even if it's on the way to work and your at traffic light.... all you needs to do is look around to put a smile on your face! On one side you will have an old
man on a motorbike carrying 2 shopping bags full of goldfish and on the other, there will be a whole family on there way home from work/school. Dad driving, Mum on the back, their son between them and a little girl on a specially made 'motorbike stool' on the front with her little mini helmet and mask.
On Friday, we went to the river near where we live to fly Jamie's kite. A policeman came and told us off?!!?!?
for flying a kite!!!!!. He obviously couldn't speak any English so we never found out excatly what the problem was! He just gave us 'The Vietnamese Hand'! 'The Vietnamese Hand' is something that all Vietnamese people do. It was frustrating when we first got here because we didn't understand what it meant. It looks like they are saying "maybe" or "ok" or something. They hold their hand horizontal and shake it from side to side (hard to describe). It actually just means "no" or "we dont have it". So we went to the park near our apartment, which is right behind where we work. District 7 is known as the 'Beverly Hills' of HCMC. It has wide roads and grass
and stuff!! Shocking.... I know!!! When people get married, many of them come to D7 to get their wedding photos taken. They get these pictures taken 1 month BEFORE their wedding so that the pictures can be displayed on the big day! We started flying our kite, when a Bride, Groom and their hareem of photographers and 'dress fixers' came over and asked to borrow our kite as a prop! We got some really nice pictures, but unfortunately there wasn't much wind so i hope they got a good shot and I hope that they choose that picture to be displayed at their wedding!
On Saturday night we were taken out for dinner by some of Jamies adult students. They took us to a traditional Northern Vietnamese restaurant. It was so beautiful. We sat on cushions on the floor around a low table. The first thing that arrived at the table was a plate of green veg. I have no idea what it was, but it was nice. The next plate that arrived looked interesting?!!?! We asked what it was athought they were saying 'beef' because Vietnamese people have trouble with 'f's. When Jamie was about 2 seconds away
from putting it in his mouth... we realised they were saying 'BEE'!!!!!!! We looked closer and right enough.... BEES!!!!! Well.... I had to give it a go! It made like a popping noise in my mouth!!! So horrible. I mean it tasted ok, but BEE!!!!! The rest of the meal was really good... beef steak, fish, chicken, sticky rice, fried sweetcorn and fruit and sweet tea for dessert. Ha! Another weird thing..... they dip their fruit in SALT!! There was also traditional Northern Vietnamese dancing!
As I said... it's been raining alot and last week I went into the city to buy my new laptop. The rain in Ireland is
nothing complared to this!! The storms here are amazing!! Thunder that sounds like its right about your head and lightning like fireworks!! Last Sunday was no exeption and as I was leaving the shop, brand new laptop in hand, the crack of the thunder was unreal!! Typically... when I left the apartment it was a beautiful sunny day, so I forgot my raincoat. On every street corner they sell cheap raincoats, but they are rubbish! It ripped the second I put it on.... and I was wearing jeans! Its
The Bride and Groom
There were so many couples getting pictures taken that day. a 20 minute drive back to the flat!! It was the craziest ride ever!! The rain HURTS! Don't know how I could see infront of me, but as usual.... Vietnam made me smile..... the wee ducks for sale that sit at the side of the road every afternoon had rain coats on too. Brillaint!
Vietnamese people love their Karaoke!! There are Karaoke places on every corner here! A few Sunday nights ago we went out for a few drinks and ended up at a Karaoke place! It was SOOOOO funny!! There was about 15 of us and we got escorted down to a soundproof room with 2 microphones and a TV. We stayed til the wee hours of the morning singing/screaming 'Ghostbusters' and Michael Jackson!
So many weird and wonderful things that go on here!!
Such an amazing experience!
The kids are all excited for Halloween and Cleverlearn is covered in decorations. I will have some brilliant photos by the end of the month!
I had to go pick up a package yesterday from my AMAZING mummy!!!! I've made friends with the man who works there and we are going to meet up for coffee every
week and exchange languages!! Really want to know more Vietnamese, but lessons are pretty pricey so this is a perfect alternative!
Right I'm off to pack my bags, as Im off on my holidays!!!!! I've taken 5 days off work and am going up the coast with Pete and some of his friends to a place called Nha Trang. It's a beach resorty type place, so lots of relaxing to be done!! Just hope it's a little sunnier up there!! Fingers crossed!! (which... by the way is a very rude gesture in Vietnam!!!!)
Lots of love from Siagon!!!!!
Your Kimchi !!!!!!
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