Jan 2009

I arrived back from Cambodia with a slight tan, after enjoying five days of hot weather. But it was back to fairly average weather in Hanoi. At work I had to prepare all sorts of Christmas games and dances, for the Christmas parties (three, in fact) that my school was holding for the kids and parents. For my 2's class, the Little Ducks, I choreagraphed a dance to the Wiggles song "Romp Bomp a Stomp". They were pretty cute when they performed on the night, but three or four kids were sick (fortunately the kids that were there were the "better" ones, and I really needed them to "gel" the performance, you know what I mean?). Here are some pics of the night, and the photo of me, would you believe it, was taken by Bob, one of my 2 year old English students.

As seen in my previous post written by Mum, she came to Hanoi for two weeks mid December. It was really nice having her over, showing her the kindergarten I work at, apartment, regular routine, and introducing her to my friends. So, family and friends, come to Hanoi! All my friends have mentioned to me that she is "pretty chilled" and "really cool". But I already knew that.....

My birthday was great. I had dinner at Green Mango Restaurant, where I held the fundraiser back in November. Just a few friends for dinner, and some expensive bottles of wine. But, it was lovely, I had a ball......

Christmas was nice. It was my first Christmas away from family, and first Christmas during winter. So it was pretty funky. My boyfriend and I spent the day together, just doing all sorts of non traditional "Christmas" activities. I was pretty happy with the giant bear that I got from him though. When I mean giant, I mean giant.....

I visited St Joseph's Cathedral that day, considering I missed midnight mass. I like the contrast between my purple winter coat and the big door!

New Years was good. Apart from the fact that when we were in Roots Bar, no-one knew when it was midnight. So we did a fake countdown. Still effective. Didn't get home very late, nor did I drink, due to the fact that all recent relationships with even the smallest amounts of alcohol have made me a little sick. But I still had fun with my friends, one of which is going back to the States in a few days

I loved having New Years Day off, and my boyfriend even came to Hanoi for one day because he did not have to work. So that was awesome, so we hung out with our friends, all of us extremely tired, and some extremely hungoer.

So today, having the worst cold due to the weather, and only working in the morning, I've been lying in bed trying to keep warm watching Sex and the City re-runs drinking Artichoke tea (ok it sounds disgusting but it's popular here and I love it).

It's 8:30, haven't eaten, no food in the house and have no energy to even get out of bed. I'm sure I'll survive.

So the last month of 2008 was great. Lots of reasons to celebrate, however my man did move down to Danang, so that's one reason not to celebrate. However things do change, whether you like it or not.

My plans for 2009? Who knows...... Not sure where this year will take me. I want to stay in Hanoi until at least July, possibly even longer. I need to enrol in a new Vietnamese language course, but it is so so difficult, and I don't find it particularly interesting anymore, but I will. I want to learn a little Portuguese also. I want to continue working where I am, because I love it, and I am incredibly attached to my students. I want to stay with them at least until the school year's out. I am currently looking for a new apartment, somewhere closer to the centre, but still close to work. Oh, and I want to save an undisclosed amount by the time I leave Hanoi, which is certainly achievable.

The Vietnamese New Year and a celebration of family and tradition, comes at the end of January. My school closes for ten days, so I will visit Hoi An with my girlfriend, maybe get some dresses made, and then go to Danang to visit the boyfriend.

2008 has been challenging, good times and bad, I've met lots of people, formed new friendships and relationships, travelled far, and achieved a lot.

Farewell 2008! But bring on 2009......I'm ready.

Oh, and no comments about the amount of weight I have put on! I am aware of it, and do not need reminding!