Sin chao!!

I have survived my first week in Vietnam - which is an achievment with the way the road. are here. It has been such a busy week and we have crammed a lot in but from what I've seen so far I think I am going to like it here.

I will admit I did have a moment on the plane where I wasn't sure if I was doing the right thing but everyone here is great and we get along well so there is always someone to talk to and no time to feel lonely. I thought they would have to land the plane at one point as they asked for medical assistance for a man in front of me who was on his own and on his first flight! He was fine they think ha was just travel sick.

It has taken a while to adjust to sleeping as bedtime here is only mid afternoon at home but the accommodation is comfortable and better than expected.I have eaten with chopsticks since getting here and am (slowly) getting the hang of them, although I was offered a fork one day so obviously doesn't look like I am doing it right!! As for what I have been eating I have no idea so far as the food was paid for the first week and just bought out buffet style but maybe it's better that way.

You can live very cheaply here but still getting used to what we should be paying as some vendors see westerners and think rich so completely overcharge. I am enjoying haggling though as normally its only over a pound or 2 but even if you save 10p it feels like an achievement. The money is very confusing working in thousands and millions throws you completely and trying to keep track of what you are spending in the supermarket is almost impossible.

The supermarket was a stressful experience complete overstimulation with too much light, noise, stuff and too many people who just shove you out of the way. It sells everything from motorbikes to mobile phones and furniture to food with a whole aisle dedicated to instant noodles. Yesterday I built up a bit of a fan club with 3 boys following me around wanting to ask and answer questions to practise they're English. All the locals seem fascinated to see what you are buying as well starting into your trolley.

The Vietnamese language is not my strong point changing the tone of your voice with the same word changes the meaning completely and the change is so subtle even when I think I have it right people just shrug and smile lol. Pointing to the phrasebook seems the only way to communicate at the moment as the area we are in local people do not speak much English if any.

We have had a quick tour around Hanoi so far and West Lake is beautiful while the old town is very vibrant especially when the night market is on although would like to explore other areas as well as the tourist ones. Most street bars have tiny stools outside to sit on and they have a great atmosphere. We have had a welcome dinner and threw our own welcome party in the block we live in which was a good way to get to know people more. When bottle of Vodka is £2.50 and a keg of beer about £20 its easy and cheap to have a good night in aswell.

The roads are mental.!!! Lanes do not exist and apparently driving the wrong way when a road is one way is acceptable too. There are zebra crossings but they mean nothing! You have to just pretend you are invincible and walk slowly but confidently through the traffic and they just drive around you it's bizarre. One day a few of us could not pick a point to cross the road so ended up crossing with the ehlp of 2 Vietnamese guys who we thought were going the same way. They then crossed back the way they came once we were safely across the road! Everything travels on motorbike from chickens, to a family of 5 including babies, to trees and fridges. You have to walk in the road mostly as the pavements are filled with parked motorbikes.

We were told we wouldn't get hassle fom Vietnamese guys or their friends would intervene if they were bothering us. 5 minutes later 'Tiger' appeared wanting to show us his six pack and telling me I was very beautiful with nice white teeth! He was also fascinated with another girls chest!

Vietnam is completely different to anywhere I have been before and I am loving every minute so far. There are very few building that are just houses everything is a shop or restaurant or Karaoke bar. Next week teaching kicks in and I have grade 1 and 2 classes mostly with 31 sessions a week and up to 60 kids in each class so wish me luck!

Today is a National holiday here so will be watching the fireworks later in the old town before heading out for birthday drinks and a boogie.

I have probably missed out loads and will try to keep up with writing more regularly once things calm down a bit.

Hope everyone is ok and I'll post another update soon.

xxx