Is it delicious?

I apparently only write in my blog when I'm in a good mood. In case I haven't complained to you yet: there are times when I'm not happy and comfortable. I was sick for a few days this week and being sick really makes me miss the comfort of home and friends. We had a goodbye party for Mathew and Chris, and the next morning I woke up and the first thing I thought was, "I want to go lie on the end of Marg's bed and recap the night and everything else that I'm thinking." In case you don't know, that sums up three years living with her in Boston. Ever since then I've been homesick and actually sick. But I got some rest, talked to a lot of people and generally feel better. I'm taking a vacation starting TOMORROW, so I'm just really excited right now. 

I talked to John Caprice the other day and it made me pretty happy. We shared very similar tales (I graduated with him and he's teaching English in Japan) Some things are pretty similar but some are very different. It was nice to share stories and hear that we aren't going crazy here - some things are really ridiculous. But its worth it. He said something that was worth remembering - "It's all about rolling with the punches. Because there is nothing to fall back on, but yourself." I couldn't have said it better myself. I would like to meet up with him somewhere in Asia.. we are both poor but its worth a shot. It would be nice to have some Boston in my life. 

Last weekend Julia and I did a dance at a welcoming for the English Department Freshman. 

Basically, we made fools of ourselves. We put together a "dance" to a Brittany Spears song. It included some hip shaking, the sprinkler, the shoulder dance, and the electric slide. Then we taught some of them the sprinkler, really really funny time. We also went to another gathering, for the school, and there were some really good dance / singing numbers. I'm really getting tired of sitting through things in Vietnamese. I know its nice to have us there, but they have to realize how a three hour long ceremony in another language is NOT appealing. Anyway, not a terrible time, just terribly boring. 

I was talking to Steve  Dixon about the boy who asked me about getting married (as i described last time) and I really enjoyed his response: 

haha thats a good line.

I wanna use that in a movie trailer.

one woman went halfway across the world, to escape her past.

"one ticket to vietnam please."

and to find her future.

"i can't stay here forever, I just can't"

"but what if you fall in love?"

"I won't, I'd miss my family"

"what if it happens.. accidentally?"

Cue dramatic music, scenes of hugging on the beach and laughing on sidewalks at carnivals. 

I miss sarcastic, quick witted humor. I told him he should pitch the idea to Kutsko, but he quickly said that he wouldn't be interested. 

I have class in the morning, then off to Saigon, then Hanoi for my orientation. A few pictures...

a tree on campus that reminded me of whitney.

performance at university ceremony

a few singers.

on campus.

Night music.

Monkeys.

I have always had a weird obsessions with monkeys. My interest sort of died in college, when I became fascinated with elephants. But I have always wanted to see a monkey in real life (not the zoo) I was so excited when I saw George, but it's so sad because he's always tied up to that tree and he looks miserable. He's just old, but still it was the first time I've seen something like that. Then I saw a monkey in a cage downtown. Well the other day Julia and I were biking home from class and there was a monkey IN MY YARD. I was so excited. I immediately got my camera. It was swinging from branch to branch between our two houses. It was so cute!!! Then it got a little too friendly and jumped right over to me and touched my leg! I screamed and ran into my house and slammed the door shut. I realllly wanted to play with him but decided it wasn't worth getting rabies. Then An came over and she stood in the yard and it jumped to her too! He was a feisty little guy. She said she had never seen one like this either, so it's not a common thing here. And he choose my house!!! Then he was just sitting on my sidewalk. I was actually terrified he was going to come into my house so I was standing in my doorway when I took these pictures. Probably the most exciting thing that has ever happened to me. Next, elephants.

In other news, I'm falling in love with this place, and with teaching. I gave my first grades this week, my classes are doing individual presentations and at the end of class I felt very nervous giving them their grades. All of the sudden I was like wow- I am a teacher. The whole week I had moments like that, and at the end of the week I just felt great about teaching, I feel like I'm finally figuring things out here. It is definitely a learning experience and my classes next semester should be a lot better. After one of those "wow" moments,  I pictured myself being here for longer then expected. Or coming back. Or going somewhere else. But I'm not sure of that, my heart is still in Boston, and there are a few other things I'm considering. But I am very comfortable here now.  And it's a lot easier to stay in touch with everyone then I thought it would be, so whenever I think of someone it's easy to see how they are doing. At least for the most part. And there are a lot more foreigners here then I imagined, so there is always something going on. The other day I went to one of my students house for dinner. It was so nice to meet her family and eat delicious food. We also watched Camp Rock, which I obviously loved haha. 

A few funny things that have happened:

-Julia, Alice, and I went for a full body massage. It felt great, but it was probably the funniest thing that has ever happened to me. There were six of us in one room and when we first lied down, the girls working there started giggling, so then we did. We were laughing through the whole thing. It's not as funny written down, but it was definitely a ridiculous experience. And then I got a pedicure. All for about $4. I am going to be spoiled when I come home.

-I started teaching a new class, and a male student of mine said, "So, are you going to me your number?" It was so funny the way that he said it. And then ten minutes later another male student said "Could you just write down your number here?" and handed me his notebook. They are so blunt, and I love it. While I learn Vietnamese, I understand my students a little more. Their literal English translations are a lot different from the "correct" way of saying things, which is why they say it. So the more I learn the more its helping me speak to them. For example, "Good Night" is literally translated to "Sleep Delicious" So it is not uncommon for someone to say "Have a delicious sleep" or something to that effect. It's really funny sometimes.

-I taught a new class at the private school I am also teaching at, and I was introducing myself to them and I usually have a question and answer session afterwards. One male student said to me, "Do you see yourself falling in love and getting married and staying in Vietnam forever?" I said something like "Oh well, I don't know.. I think I would miss my family too much." To which he responded, "Well what if it happened by accident?" I don't even remember my response, although I stuck with the family thing. I was teaching, so I had to pull myself together, but I couldn't stop smiling. I had trouble looking at him for the rest of class because every time I did he would smile and I had to try so hard not to laugh.  

I have some more pictures and a video of the monkey, but I'm having uploading problems.. not sure what to do about that! I'll work on it. Quote of the day: 

"The thing about our choices is that after we have made them, they turn around and make us."

updates.

Yesterday was Mid-Autumn festival. I know its a holiday for the children, and thats about all I know. I got two gifts - 1) a box of moon cakes. It was a really nice gift, but this is my least favorite thing in Vietnam. Think beans-and-meat-cake. 2) A bag of pasta, a bag of sugar, and a can of condensed milk. The other foreign teachers got this is well. We do not know what to do with it. 

Thi-Bay (another foreign English teacher) and I went last week to help some of the kids make lanterns. This was my favorite.

My roommates left today! I moved upstairs to the best room in the house and I'm very happy about it. Its brighter, bigger, everything about it is better and I've finally started decorating. I hope people move in, this house is too big to be alone in! Three more people are leaving these next two weeks, its weird. I really hope more foreigners come! I don't know how An does it! Constantly meeting new people is great, but when they leave, its a pretty permanent thing. 

An finished her final exams for school so she's done! And it was her birthday! So we've been celebrating An a lot. Which is okay, because she deserves it!!  We are going to Hanoi and Sapa Valley at the end of the month and I can't wait! I'm ready to travel. 

Pulling my life together for after this. There are quite a few ideas going through my head but once they get sorted out I'll fill you in. I'm also taking a survey of where I should move, if you'd like to contribute. But I do have it narrowed down to the top three, which you probably know.

People have been saying really random things to me lately through im's and email. (I've been stealing a good amount of free internet, I've apparently found the sweet spot in the apartment.) I would like to share some of them with you:

1) Hold on I have to Call Canada.

2) I'm going snorkeling, but I'll be in touch with you soon.

3) I'm going to walk a labyrinth tonight, I'll write more tomorrow.

You're all crazy, but I love you anyway. And I would like to add that Michelle and Chris are doing a really great job at making me laugh, but some things can't be posted for public view. 

I'm starting to teach a pronunciation class this week for first year students. I have no idea how to teach pronunciation, nor do I have experience teaching first year students who haven't practiced speaking at all, let alone with a foreigner who speaks too fast. (I'm working on it..) So I'm nervous about this. Luckily, I somehow scheduled presentations for my other classes for this week, so I must have known that I would need a break with doing course work. I've also corrected my first written assignments. I was warned that the kids have a small problem with plagiarism, but I have two big problems. One I googled and found the entire paper online - word for word. The other one I haven't found yet, but the vocabulary is at a higher level then mine, and I know something is wrong but I haven't figured out what it is yet. It is really frustrating. I definitely already have a higher respect for teachers in a lot of ways that you just don't think of as a student. My favorite thing is when I ask a question and everyone looks down at their paper like they are reading or writing something. I totally did that in class. But it is SO obvious. It is also funny how much you can see. I played a lot of sudoku in my college career, and I thought I was pretty good at hiding it, but its amazing how much you can see as a teacher..

I just finished reading The Art of Happiness by the Dalai Lama, and a guy who interviewed him. If you are interested in the basics of Buddhism, this could be a good book. I found it very boring and hard to get through, but maybe that means I'm still content? I can't say I don't recommend it, but its a very beginners guide to Buddism principles.

If you are unfamiliar with the soundtrack from Once, listen to it. They are amazing. 

I have too much to do.

Thoughts?

Remember when pouring rain = movie day?

...and not a half hour bike ride? 

slightly aggravated.

however, KFC was DELICIOUS.

long week ahead

This week I have to teach 13 classes. I'm suddenly overwhelmed with lesson planning. I also started taking my Vietnamese course, which has already been going for a few weeks so imagine going to a foreign language class for the first time in the middle of a review session. Very overwhelmed - and I've been up for a very long time so it should make for an interesting week. But I have promised people a new post so here I am!

I had a really great week. In my classes I taught a session on education in America and learned a lot about the education system here. I can't believe how much I'm learning from them, I hope my students feel like they are learning something from me! It is just a completely different viewpoint here. Right now I'm teaching all English majors. And in the beginning they told me they wanted to be English teachers, a few wanted to be tour guides, etc. I was amazed at how many of the kids really wanted to learn and teach English. Then I learned that 1) they have to learn English to get a good job to support your family and 2) If you are an English major with intention to teach you can go to school for free. You have to get a teaching job right after school, and if you don't you have to pay the school back for your education. But this is why there are so many dedicated English majors. At the same time, they really do want to learn, and they love foreigners because they just want to practice speaking English. We had a small get together the other night and some of the students and some of the other teachers came and it was really nice to just talk to them. Last night I went out with a few new students I met through a different school, and I met a boy who was interested in music. He wanted to know everything - theory in america, what's different, what's the same, what type of drum set should he buy, how much is a piano - he just wanted to know everything. And he wanted to study in America. So I gave him my email and I know I will hear from him soon. I have people stopping by my house and somehow calling me (once your give your number out, it spreads like wildfire) just asking to meet for coffee or dinner, they just want to talk. They really are so friendly. I've even met some adults on the street, in stores, restaurants.. even if they know very little.. they want to practice. The usual questions are "Hello! How are you! Where you from!" And although at times it is a little annoying.. it is somewhat endearing. While talking about education they were very interested in the SAT's. The system here is completely different. They have to graduate HS first, then they take a placement exam. They have once chance, and if they fail it seems as though it is an embarrassment to the family. Then they have to spend a whole year studying, and they can take it again the same time next year. They also have a few different subjects of study in testing, and each subject takes a few hours, which is also completely different. After they pass the exam, they have about two weeks to decide what they want to do. (Apply for college, pick a major, etc. There is no "undecided" option) We spend years thinking about this, and I can't believe how much pressure that must be. Then there are the students who are from the countryside, and either can't go to school because they have to work in the farm to bring in money for the family, or they get the opportunity to go to school, and they learn English so they can earn money for the family. I'm probably not saying this exactly how it is, but this is what I have put together from what I have heard. It's so amazing how much I don't know.

The amount of people who speak English just really amazes me. Yesterday I worked with some kids and I loved talking to them! How they know to say 'Hello' and 'Thank you' and 'how are you', to me. I'm everyday embarrassed by my ability (or rather, lackthereof) to speak Vietnamese. Or any other language. Which is number one goal for when I get back. - So much learning to do! But for now I'm trying to focus on learning Vietnamese. The two other Americans are learning with me and An is going to tutor us, so maybe we'll get somewhere. My hopes aren't too high, its really hard - but I have a good nine months to learn! Sidenote: I walked into my Vietnamese classroom, and there was a huge map of Germany on the wall. That 1/8 or whatever it is of German in me is really trying to tell me something. The other night I had a pretty long discussion with my friend Mathew about Germany and he even drew me a map! So still learning just as much about Germany as Vietnam, at least for another few weeks until they all have to leave!

I read Veronica Decides to Die, by Paulo Coehlo. I was not as impressed as my first book, The Witch of Portobello, which I still want you to read if you haven't yet. He is an amazing writer, but I think each of his books has a theme, and according to where you are in your life you may or may not relate to the books. This one was 'redemption' and well, I just couldn't connect with it. But still an amazing author, and his blog is pretty interesting, although I haven't had much time, or internet connection, to read more of it. 

Food update: I love everything, I'm eating too much. Mathew showed me a few new places (including a bakery!)  and everything I try I just love - the food is amazingly good. (Is that proper English? haha) My favorite snack, which you can buy for practically nothing, is fried bananas in covered in sticky rice. I guess that doesn't sound too great, but it is so sweet and delicious. Everything is just great. I also found a KFC! I actually don't even eat fast food at home, but I'm going to go there soon, it might be a nice change...

Traffic update: I'm strangely comfortable on a bicycle. I have no problem riding around, which isn't true for some of the other foreigners. Today, I turned left on red, just because I can. (Sorry mom & dad!) But I'm having a really easy time getting around. No problems!

I've been missing Boston a lot, a few of us watched The Departed the other day and then threw a small party and played Dropkick Murphys. I think I was the only one who really cared, but it was a good time. We also showed the Vietnamese how to do the electric slide - which turned into us doing it and them watching and laughing. So everything is going well! This week in my classes I'm teaching a lesson on creativity. I'm doing a small presentation on Charlotte Sometimes. If you don't know her, she's a new artist and one of my best friends from high school. Check her out! (Shameless plug). I spent a month with her on her first tour selling her merch, and she's an amazing person and I hope to spread her music around Vietnam!! 

The weirdest thing to get use to is the time here. Because of the weather (the other hardest thing to get use to) if you want to get things done (ie: go for a run, do anything that exerts energy) you have to get up and be done with it before 7am. They wake up around 4:30 here. Then in the mid afternoon when it is too hot to do anything every naps. I haven't been napping but I have been getting up early to work out, so I'm just tired. The other morning we went to get breakfast sandwiches (so good) and the guy said something like "The bread is a little soft, if you come in the morning its crunchy and good." My response was... it's not morning anymore?! I think it was nine thirty. This isn't even like island time its just.. really early. If you go to a party/ throw a party, you start at 7 and everyone goes home around 10. We had a small party the other night and when everyone starting leaving I was talking to Frank, another American who just graduated from college, and we both said geez, if we were at school we would be showering now and getting ready to go out haha. It's so different! I might not be able to handle Boston by the time I get back... 

On a different note, my thoughts go out to my cousin, who recently lost a good friend. I haven't been able to read all of the details yet, but I think it was at the train tracks in Belmar.. I don't know how many more train accidents one state can have before they do something about it. I'm sorry for your loss, and I'll be thinking about you. 

Also, I found out that an old friend from high school has just been diagnosed with Cancer. She unfortunately has dealt with this before, losing both of her parents when she was younger to the disease. I have lost touch with her since we moved away from Wall, but she is an amazing person. There will be a fundraiser for her on October 5th at the Wall Fire Company #1, 18th Ave. Firehouse from 1-4pm.  If you are in the area, it would be great if you go. Donations will be accepted at the door. If not, I think there will soon be a link where we can donate money. I'll keep everyone posted, but if you want more information please go to www.wfd1.net. 

Sorry to end on that note, but thats all the updates I have for now. And sorry I haven't put more pictures up. I keep trying and it isn't letting me upload them. I might have to try another website when I get a chance. I will eventually, but not any time soon. I'm too busy and well now that I'm more comfortable and living here, I'm not being as touristy. Sometime soon you will get some! I hope this will hold you over for a little while, because it may be a week or two before I get another chance to write a full one.  Another quote to end with:

"How we change when we have to." My Aunt wrote this in a recent e-mail. I think it's safe to say it has been years since I have seen her, but this pretty much sums up my life. As Marisa said (while talking about me and Whitney) I tend to have cabin fever. But I adapt well to new places and people very easily, so I think this is a good thing? Again, thanks for all of the letters and support, keep them coming! Love and miss everyone! xoxo.

Question of the day...

At first glance it was a cute lost kitten. After we gave it milk... well, it could be anything. Thoughts?

Straight hair!

I almost forgot to talk about my first flood. After it rains all of the toads come out (perhaps to mate?) But they are SO LOUD. IT is sort of like they are singing, and that is what I eventually fell asleep to. It was the funniest thing I've ever witnessed. I have a video of it but I'm having trouble uploading it, so maybe next time. My apartment is one of the best to live in in this row of foreign houses, there was only minimal flooding. Some other the other houses had water up our knees, full of all sorts of animals - snakes, bullfrogs, etc. I saw the biggest spider I've ever seen in my entire life.. and it was eating a cockroach. I guess that's a good thing because I hate cockroaches.. but do I hate spiders more? I didn't even know they came that big. I took a taxi with Chris and Matthew because we all had dinner plans and apparently a little bit of rain doesn't change things. When we got out of the cab water started coming in and we had to walk through it (and who knows what kind of animals) to get inside.  My sidewalk was flooded when we came home, so Chris got his bike and we rode up the sidewalk.. I wasn't about to guess what sort of animals I might step on. Overall, it wasn't too bad, I'm really lucky to be in the house I'm in. Next week I'm moving my room upstairs, so I really don't have much to worry about flood-wise. Very funny experience though. I've decided to enjoy the weather, because when it rains it really does cool down, and its nice when the sun goes down. I'm preparing myself for the dry season..

I'm getting use to the food here. Yesterday I drove around with Matthew and he showed my a few places to get some cheap food. The good places to go are little carts on the side of the road with a variety of things. In the morning it's usually Pho, a noodle soup. In the afternoon and night,  it can be anything. It's usually good though. And yes, I'm trying things that I have not identified. Everything is really good. Then we found a bakery where I found this coconut thing that I love. And fried bananas. And sweet bread! Everyone thought I'd loose weight here, but I'm beginning to not believe that..

It really is amazing here. You can tell how much they are developing, and I'd say in five years it will be a completely different place. I was talking to my friend Thi-Bay about that, how being here now is going to be a completely different experience then for those who come in even five years. Everything is changing, and for the better. And I think its great they we are teaching the youth of the country, especially since English is becoming universal, because our students will be the ones running this new Vietnam. And the sure do love the foreign teachers. 

Tomorrow is Independence Day, so I have the day off!

Oh, and I have straight hair. :)

Until next time, Think Different.