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, a bigger variety of foods and drinks, busier traffic and the feeling of living in a big city. Ha Long is beautiful, peaceful, cosy 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 a 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, do 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

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