January

Happy January everyone,

And happy birthday to the best mother in the world :)

I hope your 2016 has started just the way you wanted it to, or better !

Unfortunately, I cannot say quite the same; work has been super hectic and now I am ill again and trapped to bed. We have had loads of schedule changes at work, and it seems that schools are taking the second term by the balls. I have been made the new primary school teacher which is not necessary ideal to me. I lack experience with kids and, honestly, I cannot take the screaming and constant repeating at all. I think one of the reasons why I have been ill for so long is this new stress with work and being exposed to all the kids. It is endearing to see all the kids so excited and happy when I walk into the school but it takes up a lot of energy.

I have spent this week running between school and bed, drinking at least four liters of tea on a daily basis. A lot of my friends finish their work contract this week so the weekend is meant to be hectic. Besides the farewell party on Friday, it is my friend's birthday so the whole weekend is planned. I'm just praying I'll be able to rise from the dead by then. Just waiting for an antibiotics delivery.

I am having a dry January. I would like to think that I am not one of those people who jump on a hype, I did do this last year as well for two months (along with being a vegan)! I really wanted to do this now because I have been feeling quite ill for so long and just been very tired in general. Also looking forward to my trip to Cambodia and Laos during TET holiday so just waiting for a special occasion.

My new years resolution was to start applying for jobs in January so that I would have a clear plan for the future before my contract is ending (The UN application is LONG). Last Saturday, I spent four hours looking into jobs and updating my professional profile, it made me feel rather good and productive. Had about ten cups of coffee and fell in love with law all over again.

That's all for now ! More coming up soon :)


Love,


Mira

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

I hope you all had a peaceful Christmas filled with tasty food and a very pleasant, cheerful new year!

I, for one, really needed some rest during the Christmas days so I flew down south to Ho Chi Minh City to see some sun. My friend stays down there so I stayed with her. The apartment and the area were super nice and the weather was ideal. I arrived there during the Christmas eve, enjoyed the drive through the city to the apartment.

We spent Christmas evening inside, chilling and having some beers and sushi. Later we left for the local party street to play some pool! Ho Chi Minh is the biggest city in Vietnam with 8 million residents. The city is huge, wide spread and the streets are always busy. Ho Chi Minh is a popular tourist location filled with western people. Compared to Hai Phong the gap between westerners and the Vietnamese is definitely wider. Most of the local Vietnamese people know some English but don't really seem interested in making friends with the westerners. Especially during Christmas the touristy atmosphere was dominant; plenty of half naked people acting like idiots after drinking too much, something you rarely see in Hai Phong.

I slept like a baby in Ho Chi Minh. My friends hosted a Christmas dinner during the actual Christmas day; they ordered some roasted chickens and spent the morning preparing the food. The Christmas party was a great success; we had 20 people joining us, food was yummy and everyone was in good Christmas spirits. Later we toured around the city, stopped at some local places for drinks and enjoyed the little festivities around.

All of my friends were working or busy on Saturday so I headed to The Rex hotel to spend a day at their rooftop pool. I was blessed with a boiling hot weather for the entire four days so there was no better way of spending the day.  After I had roasted myself enough I wondered around the city and the shops. As a very tall person I have really struggled to find clothes and shoes in my size. Ho Chi Minh definitely has a wider selection than Hai Phong so I had big expectations to find something suitable for myself. I did manage to find myself some yummy food, a few clothes and some souvenirs for my family. I don't really trust the post here so some research on sending the package must happen.

Ho Chi Minh is a pleasant, vibrant city full of choices and different cultures. I would highly recommend it to every tourists who wants to enjoy some sun and a lot of entertainment. I am more than happy to work in a more local, communal city but the trip down south was great and very necessary to my mental health - started to feel a bit crazy already in Hai Phong. Sometimes a person just needs a break from the daily life.

I was looking to spend new years in Hoi An after I realised the bus journey to Sapa would take too long for me to make it there before midnight, but unfortunately, the flights were too pricey for those days. I had to move onto plan B; headed to Hanoi after work on Thursday. I was on my way to the bus stop when my TA's mother drove past me and offered me a ride, she is such a sweetheart even though we don't really speak the same language! We ended up chasing the bus down the street trying to make it stop again for me, I did make it ! Luckily, some of my friends were on the same bus so the 2,5 h ride up to Hanoi was rather pleasant.

Vietnamese people will definitely make sure that they receive every penny from their work. The bus had at least 60 people on it. 

Made it my hotel nicely, dropped my bags there and headed to my colleagues hostel with a new friend from my hotel. Hanoi was super busy, we stayed at a very popular hostel area so the streets were packed with all sorts of people. The atmosphere was great and we had a big group of people. Originally we wanted to head to the lakeside to see some fireworks but later decided to head to Hanoi Rock City club instead. The club was quite unique; quite a big roofless drug hole that serves fancy cocktails in its downstairs. Midnight came around quickly, unfortunately, there were no fireworks but the night was good anyway. We ended up staying up for ages with a bunch of people from our hostel. 

Friday was spent touring around Hanoi, stopping at every cute coffee place we came across and some secret ones. We walked around the lake, got a rickshaw ride and sat on some gorgeous rooftops. 

Rooftop cafe overlooking the lake

Lantern lounge with some yummy falafels 

Lakeside strolls. 

After strolling around the city for hours we retreated to our hotel to enjoy some chess and red wine. I also managed to learn some Vietnamese games. 

We spent the following day in the same manner; strolling around the streets, eating and hunting things from our shopping lists. I managed to find myself a cute lantern from the lantern street along with stamps and stickers for my classes. The last few weeks had worn me out so much I decided to head home that evening instead to have a peaceful evening by myself. 

Christmas and new years were both lovely, couldn't be happier to be able to explore Vietnam and to see other cities. 

Happy 2016 for everyone ! 

Mira 

Queen of the mountain

Happy Tuesday everyone, 

Unfortunately, I am writing this post from the bottom of my bed because the winter flu has finally caught on me. Not to worry, earlier this week I went all in on buying Christmas chocolates, cookies and tea for the cold evenings and now all of that has proven to be very useful. 

Lets talk about the weekend ! It was really one of a kind. 

We had a little Christmas party on Saturday so we gathered up at a friend's place to have some red wine, cookies and to practice singing Christmas songs. From there we headed to our normal Saturday spot where we were had Santa hats, mulled wine, Guinness and Christmas songs - just a very happy, cozy evening. 

I headed to bed early because I had arranged a hike for Sunday !

Got up early Sunday morning, had breakfast with my hiker buddies and luckily, headed towards Yen Tu mountain with a car. It is actually an interesting experience to be in a car in Vietnam; the roads are clearly designed for motorbikes and cars have no privileges in the traffic, just louder honks. We were looking to climb 8 km in three hours so it was very good that we didn't have to start the day by navigating through the cities on a motorbike for an hour and a half. 

The landscape in Vietnam is stunning, endless rice fields with distant mountains casting their blue shades on them. We found a beautiful temple resort before we actually found the root of the mountain where the hike starts. 

I bought myself an authentic 'rice hat' (unfortunately, this is the nickname I have always called them. Cannot remember the Vietnamese name) for the hike up. We were trying our best to hold back our excitement and pace ourselves. Prior to our trip we were advised to put aside our pride and buy a bamboo stick as soon as one was offered so that's what we did ! And for a good reason. The highest pagoda on top on the mountain is about 2 km above the sea level. The hike there is 8 kilometers long, full of steep steps and some pagodas on the way up. It is also possible to take a cable car up but in that case, you would miss all the pagodas and views on the way up. 

We got hot, sweaty, it started to ache muscles a little bit, and was dehydrating. But most of all, it was breathtaking and worth every second of it. We played some word games on our way up to keep our mind occupied as we continued to lift our feet rhythmically. We did stop at every platform to have another  'Oh my gosh' moment and some pictures. 

The final resting stop is 500 meters from the top by a 1.5 ton bronze Buddha statute. We bought some ice creams and water and sat down to enjoy the view. This is the first stop that is actually completely on top of the mountain allowing you to have your first 360 degree view. Turned out it is actually also possible to shower here ! I was desperately looking for a restroom so I could wash my hands and splash some water on my face. What I found appeared to be an army bunker with a shower; shampoo and towel hanging right there. I didn't actually shower but managed to transform myself from a drenched rat back into a human being! What an experience. 

Final 500 meters and there we were; on top of the world. I won't even attempt to do justice to the view by words. Everything is put to a perspective when you stand on top of an enormous mountain marveling the view; blue mountains reaching further than you can see, clouds surrounding you from all sides, the vales echoing an ancient tune. 

  Mira

Lovely Pre-Christmas

One more week and it's all over.

But lets enjoy it while it lasts !


We had a very lovely, productive pre-Christmas week here in Hai Phong.

On Tuesday I actually randomly got together with an old friend from South Africa  who was traveling around Vietnam ! It was very refreshing, and of course, fun. Had a lovely hot pot dinner and moved onto having some coffee and drinks with some live music.

A friend of mine had organised a Christmas celebration at a local orphanage for Wednesday. We wrapped up gifts and headed there after work. The kids were absolutely adorable, and the event worked out really well. We played some games and sang songs. At the end we gave the kids new toys and everything. It really boosted up my Christmas spirit and was a great experience.

After dinner we moved to my friend's house to have a little dinner party together. The boys had been promising to feed us some eyeballs, but until I saw the pig heart, eyeballs and brains on a plate I didn't believe them. Well, all I am going to say about that is that you have to try everything once, right?

On Thursday we were developing our pool and poker skills again. Pool is starting go quite well ! Poker not so much.. Friday was my first girls' night in here ! It was great; some yummy red wine in an old cigar club. Not exactly what the boys thought we were up to !

Now I am off to do some more Christmas shopping.  I found myself a perfect Christmas tree dress so I am excited to wear it later for our special live Christmas music evening.


Love,


Mira

Ten days to Christmas

Happy mid-December everyone !


The fact that it is the end of the year and nearly Christmas has definitely added up the pace at work and brought pressure for all social events. It is rather obvious that the homesickness is hitting all of us and that the fact that we don't have any days off is wearing on us. Lately, our social events have been great and I feel that we have relied on each other more now that we are fully able to comprehend that this is the family we have for this year.

We did a road trip on our bikes on Sunday. I just had Bob checked up and oiled so he was running like a Ferrari. We started the morning with a cozy breakfast at our favorite rotation cafe ; The Universal Cafe. From there we headed to the highway and towards the Do Son beach town.

We were blessed with a nice, warm day and good, clear roads. I am quite proud of myself and my driving, I am happy I drove myself - the traffic in Vietnam is crazy with 16 dead motorbike drivers a day. The boys were a good sport and the pace was chilled so we had some time to actually enjoy the drive. 

The beach was nice, but rather shallow to swim in. We decided to head for the view point and secret pagoda on top of the Elephant Mountain. The climb was gorgeous; it wasn't too high, but the sun was fully grilling us on the way. The view from the top was worth every sweat drop; 

There were three pagodas overlooking the ocean and the city. You could hear traditional Vietnamese music echoing from the city entwining with the wind bells clinging. The vibe of the place was out of this world. Describing the serenity won't even do justice to it. 

Down the mountain back onto the beach to have lunch, swim and play football. We decided to take a secret road back through the rice fields. It was breathtakingly beautiful, we were lucky to hit the sunset perfectly. On the way we stopped for a beer and the guys were playing football with these adorable little kids. 

The rest of the journey home was rather dark, but I am happy with how smoothly it went ! Evening was spent watching my colleagues and friends playing their basic Sunday football match. 

Have  a lovely week, 

Mira 

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

Big sissy

Happy Birthday Nora, you are my favorite. I hope you have a lovely day and that you get all the good that you deserve.


Reaching quarter century is awesome, and I am proud of all the things you have accomplished in it. You are my inspiration to the fact that geeks can be cute too. Without a doubt, you are the smartest person I have ever met, and we both know I would still be stuck in primary school without your help and guidance.

I thought I could reminisce our journey here together -

Koli National Park, Finland

We have been to some great places together. 

And some amazing places apart. I would have never spread my wings so wide without your example.  

We were together in the ups. 

And I was always the crazy one. 

But you had my back anyway. 

You taught me about kindness and caring - now we are both vegetarians and humanitarians. 

You showed me that quality amounts to more than quantity. Though, looking at those cakes we were clearly out of our minds on this day, haha. 

We could always have a piece of home with us on our travels. 

Nottingham, UK

And you made me fall in love with England. You took me to one of my favorite cities first, which led to the best decision of my life. 

Nurmes, Finland 

You are small and cute. 

Ja sä olet mulle todella rakas. 

I will see you soon, sissy. 

Love, 

The youngster