It's been a very busy few weeks here so I'll cut this entry into a few parts to try and avoid rambling (as I end up doing in most entries!).

November started with test weeks which were extremely boring and just consisted of asking 'what's this?' while pointing at pictures and words. This mainly received blank looks from grade 1 even though they were perfectly capable of telling their friend the answer when it was their turn!

Can't believe I considered staying on here with this company, there is no way I could deal with their disorganisation for that length of time. They told my TA on Wednesday it would be a good idea to make masks with grade 2 while the speaking test was going on - it wasn't. They couldn't do anything by themselves, swamped the TA asking for help and were so noisy that I couldn't hear what anyone was saying.

Walked into old quarter last weekend to find my bearings from where mum and dad will be staying. I had just sat down by the lake to read after walking all day when a guy came over asking to speak English with me. I felt bad saying no so agreed and he seemed nice until 3 sentences in the 'you're beautiful' and 'do you have a boyfriend?' started - everytime why can't it just be a normal conversation?! I made it clear I didn't want one and he seemed concerned that i would have no-one to talk to if I felt sad. We chatted for a while about all sorts from adapting to life in Vietnam to suicide as you do. He asked if he could e-mail me to practise English and then invited me to his room for dinner - I obviously didn't make it clear enough that I didn't want a boyfriend!

Visited the Temple of Literature Thursday in my lunch hours even though it rained again (always rains on a Thursday). It was ok but I wouldn't say it's a must, the middle courtyard is just full of souvenier shops and if anything it's more impressive from the outside.

The Halloween party lifted everyone's mood after a very repetitive and tiring week testing and marking (although it's the only marking I've had to do since getting here) Nearly everyone made an effort with costumes even though fancy dress and decorations were hard to find. I became the boys eyeliner assistant for the night (apparently I was the best on offer which says something about how girly we are because I'm pants with make up). Have to say I did a pretty good job but I think the boys may have enjoyed experimenting with the make-up slightly too much. Think my oufit turned out pretty well aswell considering it was thrown together from what i had in my wardrobe and a 50p sword. A few of the TAs came and said they had a good time but most left to be home before midnight as they had a curfew! we had apple bobbing but you had to hit the apple by dropping a fork from your mouth while standing up (never seen it done like that before) but I hit it first time and was very impressed with myself! No food anywhere most of the night and ended up eating noodles at a place around the corner with some Vietnamese Arsenal supporters watching the game at 2am. Will make sure I go back for a picture of him in his Arsenal hat for pops before I leave.

Braved getting my haircut for the wedding and really glad I did, I really like it. A few more layers than I'm used to but it's a really nice shape and considering they spoke no English it could have ended horribly. Mum says I'm looking bit ginger though so might have to invest in some DIY dye after payday.

Another intern went home ill on Monday and I had to cover both mine and her classes in the afternoon. It was only for testing but the company don't see it as extra work so I get nothing extra for it. Tuesday afternoon had another phone call asking for cover as they had no-one else and were begging. Later found out the boys said no and were left alone. Even after telling them my glands were swollen and I felt ill I was still pushed into cover - no such thing as tea and sympathy here! I was then left waiting for a taxi for over half an hour after school; another day I was left thankful that I hadn't signed up for a second semester.

Started netball this week and it was really good - competitive but fun and not too serious. There were lots of new starters and most of us hadn't played since school. They also sometimes go out for food afterwards so will be a good way to socialise with other English speakers who aren't all teachers. As much as I love being around the other interns it's like any other time a group of teachers socialise together sometimes you just get drawn into talking about work without realising. The lady who runs the club is an Aussie and works at the International School where it's held so I asked about how much experience was required to work in an International school here. She said they take what they can get and I would have no problem getting a job with my qualifications, she even asked if I was looking for one! Don't panic I will be coming home but it's nice to know that this option is available too. I will definitely be going back next week and want to find a team to keep it up when I get home.