Belated entry this week was busy lesson planning (and a little socialising) at the weekend as we got our syllabuses so late! I have finally started teaching now and the first day was much tougher than I had expected. I found myself facing a huge language barrier and a lot of blank Grade 1 faces! I was given a lot of ideas to improve on by my TA like one word instructions and shout. I asked i it went well but they are hard to read and just say 'it's ok'. Although...

Still no sign of timetables so no idea what time I am getting up tomorrow, where I am going or what grade I am teaching!! I know they said go with the flow but this is slightly ridiculous. As the teaching hasn't kicked in, it still feels a lot like a holiday at the moment and making the most of the time to do the tourist thing before exploring further out. I have visited Hoa Lo prison, the women's museum, Hanoi social club, the Hanoi stadium and the water puppe...

Complete contrast to the mood last night today. We were up bright and early to head to the British Embassy to sort out work permits. After waiting outside for ages lots of us were told that our documents weren't notarised in the right way and in order for the process to be shorter they are going to do it all again. Thankfully BME are paying for it. They also told us we were supposed to have individual appointments rather than rocking up as a whole group! Organis...

What a night! One of the best and by far the cheapest birthday nights out I've had. Not many places back home where £20 gets you 2 cabs, dinner, 5 cocktails and a shot! First proper lie in before tea and cake with the girls. Headed into the Old Quarter for bank holiday fireworks which didn't happen so went back to Lucky bar for more cheap cocktails. I learnt an Aussie drinking song for when you have to down your drink and we picked up a few strays along the way....

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 wou...