We are well and truly into the rainy season which simply means instead of being hot and dry it is now hot and wet. Still averaging about 35 degrees during the day but unfortunately it also rains most days which has put a dampener on many activities such as my usual walking and running.


Not that we have let it affect our social activities including a pool party in torrential rain. What a night it was...just as we were about to walk down to the pool the heavens opened up. Sat around for an hour or so as the power went on and off, the rain teemed down, thunder and lightening prevailed.....however we were not to be outdone so got a taxi to take us 800 metres down the road and partied on. The university had provided some money towards the evening which covered the cost of our food.....drinks were at our own expense.


Other that that evening life have been very quiet. A few dinners out with friends but otherwise it is simply go to work - go back to the apartment - go to work again. The lack of amenities is really doing my head in but I am now saving my money and not wasting it going into Saigon. There is really nothing of interest there anymore it is simply a change of scenery which I cannot be bothered wasting my money on.


Our students have also had to do extra hours this quarter so our team organised for our classes to do their version of "Dragons Den". Initially the students were reluctant but gradually they took to it with an enthusiasm not seen before. They had to develop their own product and then prepare a presentation to "sell" it to the Dragons (Judges). I was so proud of my students who came in second place....before the project their English was very difficult to understand to the point that I often had to get them to write down what they were trying to say.as I could not understand them!!!! When they took to the stage in the finals they produced a polished performance, spoke clearly and enthusiastically without the aid of any notes and use gestures and intonation like a native speaker :)


This week they have had their mid quarter exams. Not the greatest results but I can see they are improving so I am hopeful that with 4 weeks to go I can get them to successfully pass this level. It would give me a small sense of achievement to finish off my time here which has not been exactly what I was expecting.


I am on the countdown now till the end of my contract. Have made a pact with myself to try and find one positive thing in each day I have left..............I have to take something good out of this experience or else I will always look back on this as the "year from hell".


Another teacher has left suddenly which has been tough on me as we had become very good friends. I only hop that at some stage in the future we will meet up again in another country. That is the one beauty of this life.....you never know when or where you will meet up with people again.

Anyway nothing more to report on so I will sign off for now. xxx