Frosty greetings from Hai Phong

Happy mid-week everyone !


Winter has finally arrived to Vietnam, though, I should say Northern Vietnam. The temperature has definitely cooled down in the last two weeks, and now we have had a few very perky mornings. I usually leave for work at half six in the morning, and driving a motorbike truly requires a few layers of clothing. I have created this new habit to go buy a new soft, warm jumper after all my morning classes before cuddling a hot coffee cup in bed. Luckily, the prices are appropriate to facilitate this new habit.

I am now very settled in Hai Phong, I have my weekly routines and my classes are going well. We have been busy with speaking tests so I have heard many presentations about Vietnam, Hai Phong, Christmas and TET holiday in Vietnam, and Vietnamese foods. It has all been quite fascinating, and definitely very educational. It has also allowed me to lay back a little bit and develop new methods to teach and communicate with my students.

I have actually somewhat learned how to play poker ! I have become a regular football supporter at the Maritime University of Hai Phong. Hanging around at the Uni has allowed me to meet even more foreign people, but also some amazing Vietnamese people. I have somehow become an unofficial motivational speaker; a friend of mine and my teaching assistant both teach English privately, and I have been visiting various of classes encouraging students to talk to me in English and to focus on their studies. I have genuinely enjoyed this ! The students have been very welcoming, and I hope at least some of them took my words to heart,

I have a new hobby as well; we spent our days off hunting all the secret cute cafes in Hai Phong. So far found quite a few ! Even though it is getting cold, the days are usually sunny and quite lovely. I feel quite at home in this weather - I really love wearing jeans or skirts, a nice jacket with a scarf!Sunday was spent driving around to see some of the city centre sights; the war memorial, central park... We found a cozy book shop so now I have something to read in bed in the evenings while drinking some tea.

Sometimes I find myself sitting back and looking at my life thinking 'how on Earth did I get here' and how random is this all. I have studied some Vietnamese and I feel quite at home here. Had you asked me even six months prior I could have never even imagined being where I am now. I do feel happy here, the life style seems to suit me and I enjoy the lessons I am learning along the way. Many people have wondered why would I choose Vietnam over Thailand, and I can honestly say that I think I made the right call. It might take a little bit longer to get into or understand Vietnam but it is truly a beautiful, mesmerizing country with very curious, helpful people in it. Yes, there is a lot of corruption and the people are sometimes way too curious but that's just how it is and it's okay.

Lastly, I want to tell you about my plans for the future because I am very excited !

I am going to spend Christmas down south (where it's still hot) at a friend's house. They have a huge party planned and I am happy to get out of Hai Phong for a few days. It's odd how the weather is so different when the distance does not seem like that much.

For new years we are planning to go even further up north to Sapa. You may have heard of Sapa, I believe it to be the most beautiful part of Vietnam. Acres and acres of untouched rice fields and hills. Perfect peace and quiet in a cozy cottage in the middle of nowhere. It will absolutely be freezing  but that's okay !

Vietnam's favorite and biggest festival TET takes place in the first full lunar month of the year (end of January usually). TET holiday lasts for ten days and during this time everything closes and everyone runs off to the countryside and the coast to spend some quality time with their families. My plan is to go to Cambodia, meet my friends there and spend some days touring around to see the ancient temples and ruins. After that, we will fly to Northern Laos and enjoy the rest of our holiday zip gliding, trekking and cycling around the beautiful villages of the area.


Have a lovely, cozy week !


Mira