One week down..

Good evening,


Now it has been exactly a week since I got invited to teach in Hai Phong, I am still here and have agreed to stay for at least two more weeks.

Hai Phong has nearly 2 million people, compare that with the just over 200 000 that live in Ha Long - the cities are obviously very different. Hai Phong is fun, lively, noisy, big and exciting. There are much more foreign people, bigger variety of foods and drinks, busier traffic and the feeling of living in a big city. Ha Long is beautiful, peaceful, cozy and tiny, it has a lot less variety than Hai Phong, but it is sweet in its own way.

During the last week I have had some amazing sushi, much needed Mexican food, and loads of Vietnamese street food. I have been taken to the movies, live music clubs, work meetings, pool halls and dinner parties. I have met so many exciting and awesome people from all over the world. I have felt close to home surrounded by South African and English people. I have had the pleasure to get to know a different side of the Vietnamese culture. I have smashed coconuts at 4 am after drinking coconut wine from them.

I have been teaching in various of public  high schools, I would like to think that most of that has gone very well. I have definitely been testing around and trying different techniques, done my best to get to know my students, and to make them excited to learn English. It really is a privilege to have knowledge that might change someone's life, and to be able to pass it on. Some of the students are really a joy to teach, very bright and active. In two of my classes, I have been held back to give autographs to my students. They were so adorable. So many class selfies as well.

I do miss Ha Long, I miss my gym and my bed (if my flatmate is reading this, she is probably laughing). I miss the people, Ha Long feels like a small community, and it is great to be part of it.


We will see what happens. One week down, many to go..? At least I find my life very exciting.


Have a great week !



Mira



Ps. Pictures coming up !