So I decided to live abroad

That's Hanoi

2009-06-16T10:52:00.013+07:00

Yesterday when the kickstand of my bike ran over my foot if left a small cut. Since I was at my friend who happens to be a doctor, I asked him what to do (facetiously). He then showed me his toe which has been fighting an infection, from a similar small cut, and this reminded me that in Hanoi things don't heal. So we had this big medical session, involving H2O2, Neo-something-American-named, bandaids and bandages. FOR A CUT ON MY TOE! That's Hanoi.

When I was sitting at lunch yesterday, and my friend was trying to make an appointment. "Name is David. Yes, David. D-A-V-I-D. No, a D. Yes. No. Yes. D for DOG. Yes. No. Yes. D-A-V-I-D. Ok. Yep, last name Cameron...." That's Hanoi.

When my housekeeper told me that my landlady was a VERY bad person for wanting the house to be cleaned out when I handed the keys back. That's Hanoi.

When a couple of weeks ago, I got a flat tyre on the way to work, and there were no repair shops along the way because it was too early in the morning for them to be open. And this guy stopped and took me through all these back streets to find a place that could fix my tyre. Totally took 10 minutes out of his life, which basically rescued mine. That's Hanoi.

A taxi driver who told me that since this last person I met was also Australian. I must know them. That's Hanoi.

My friend at school telling me that Hanoians call tourists big fat chickens in Vietnamese. Especially when they think they can have the person buy something from them, or that they're new in town. Of course, those words take a little while to learn in Vietnamese, but, that's Hanoi.

Being cheered on when running, being yelled at on a bike, being sworn at by some youths, being harassed by some sellers, being adored by some kids, being jeered at by some workers, being laughed at by some women for no apparent reason (maybe for the above reason?) being waited on by the best staff ever ALL within 3 hours. That's Hanoi.

Being told by a friend that you need to lie, and say you are leaving Hanoi and going home to your husband and children, as this will make the local Hanoians happy, and then you do and you feel a little bad about it. Well, until they rub your belly and grin, then you just feel annoyed! That's Hanoi.

Sitting with your neighbours who breed roosters and pretty tropical fish, drinking water and eating nuts, while they discuss life issues and you input important political debates which show off your extensive understanding of the language such as:

"In 2 days I go to Melbourne"

"Is that your friend?"

"I have one brother and one sister"

"No thanks."

When all you really want to say is: "Can you shoot that rooster because I'm sick of it waking me up at 4 am." That's Hanoi.

The end of living abroad... for a while

2009-05-31T19:36:00.007+07:00

So I'm coming to the end of my time in Hanoi. 2 years. What an amazing experience. The friends I have met. I am here for another 4 weeks, and will spend much time collecting bits and pieces for my trip home- but am definitely getting reflective of my time here- especially after my boss advised me to write a letter of "lasts" which, he believes, helps every expat move from one place to another. I have about 20 things on my list.

This of course, doesn't include the list of 30 or so things I would like to buy before leaving Hanoi, including about 8 backpacks, cd's of relaxation music (ironic in Hanoi?), scarves, dragonflies, stamps (not the postage kind), instruments etc... now, where I find the time to do that in the next week before my things are packed up is another question!

Being here has worked me harder than I ever have in my life. I have been through ups and downs, and wanted to leave so many times (especially in that first 6 months!). I know that wherever I go next (Sth America anyone?), I will stay at for some time... I want to settle a bit.

My life here has (unsurprisingly) been so different to life at home, but as I embark on being the fittest I have ever been, I also have realised what's important in life more and more. Health. Family. Friends. There's no surprise why people have listed these things consistently as their most important aspects of life. I wish I wasn't so cliched, but I know that the only way I would be different is by finding another word that represents those three mentioned above.

Living Abroad. Trying to get perspective? It will show you what life's about. While I would try not to preach- this one's a gimme: Try it, at least once.

Completing the Trifecta

2009-05-09T12:01:00.011+07:00

Following a long weekend here in Hanoi, I popped up (?) to China, more specifically Beijing, for a jaunt around the nations capital. Beijing was a fascinating place. In my 4 short days I was able to climb The Great Wall, visit infamous Tiananmen square, visit Mao, go to the Forbidden City, hit the downtown bars, walk around the parks, and indulge in chinese foods. Of course, living in Hanoi, this also meant indulging in a cheeseburger, as I never see the arches for like, 6 months at a time.

My first impression (and I think that's all I got, as it was such a short visit) was that Beijing was a modern city. It was not unlike Singapore to a tourist. This was interesting, as we know China is a developing country; and I saw a first-world city. I think China is the type of place that you need to spend, say 6 months, travelling around the countryside, to really get a feel for it.

Anyway, the focus on this post is to reflect on one, main event. One of the most important things that I did was finish off completing the trifecta of embalmed communist leaders. And they say some are good in the state they are for another 100 years! I know I have many more to see, but I have now been through the tombs of Ho Chi Minh, Lenin and Mao! Strange for a suburban girl from outer Melbourne! It's amazing to see the difference in the way each country presents and represents their beliefs and reverie for their leader. The white gloves that are

manhandling you through, as the guards will not touch the people with their naked hands. The proximity of the serious guard who has his bayonet posed in your direction ready to strike. The cold and darkness of some tombs, and the over-the-top flamboyance of others. And of course, the new one for me in China- the souvenier shop, right at the head of the embalmed leader. Interesting.

However, I had a fantastic time, and the part of the great wall that I was recommended (the walk from JinShanLing to Simatai) was amazing. Would definitely pop back for a visit there one day.

A weekend in Hoi An

2009-04-24T21:59:00.012+07:00

One of the things I love most about being in Hanoi is the weekends away. Within an hour you are in a totally different ethnic area of Vietnam. This weekend I headed to Hoi An, a heritage town of tailors and daiquiris and of beaches and motos.

Anyone who has done a tour of Vietnam will no doubt have stopped overnight at Hoi An. Women would have marvelled at the tailoring techniques, men would have marvelled at the money women can spend at the tailors. For me, Hoi An is the place to go to the beach, (hopefully) see some blue skies after the Hanoi grey-ness, have a drink (and fantastic dinner) at The Mango Rooms, and while I'm in the area, have some new clothes outfitted.

This weekend I have come down with my father and step-mother, who are not as excited about the cocktails (dad being a religious-whiskey-only-drinker) and am trying to entertain them with the idea of My Son than Yaly. For a place I know so well now (been here at least 5 times in the past 2 years), and usually a place I have come with expat friends, it's difficult to think about what a tourist to Vietnam would most like to do in Hoi An. I sat down to read about this in our hotel, the awesome Palm Garden Resort, to think about this. They suggest, bike riding, jet-skiing, pottery village and of course My Son.

While planning out a day trip to My Son for them, and a half day Yaly, half-day Mango Room for me, I have to say, I have begun reflecting on my time here in Vietnam. The attention everyones pays to you even for a cheap room, the relaxing view I have aquired over things like: time, queues and changing things. Here in Hoi An, and having tourists to show around, shows me how much I've learnt about the nuances of Vietnamese life (including telling the taxi driver off for trying to rip off my parents).

Anyway- For those of you who have stumbled across this looking for advice about Hoi An, rather than my personal life (how strange :)) - here it is:

1. Yaly is the best for good quality (not cheap) tailored clothes.

2. Staying in town can be nice, and culturally rich, but if you need to chill- head to the beach resorts.

3. My Son is worth seeing if you're interested in culture.

4. Go to the market in town- like any Vietnamese market, it's an experience, and for some reason, I particularly like this one.

5. Mango Rooms. Do it. I promise you, you won't regret anything on the menu.

6. Cooking classes are definitely worth it in Vietnam, including here- you can cook a mean fish dish.

7. Try to stay more than one night- especially if you want your clothes to be good value!

Oh Vietnam... am I wishing I had more time here now??

Another Day in Hanoi (aka the day my glasses attacked me)

2009-03-14T18:25:00.012+07:00

I haven't blogged in a while about life in Hanoi, which was my intention when I began this blog, so I thought I'd give you a run down of my Saturday here in Hanoi.

I started my morning by going to my favourite cafe in town. And it was booked out. Now, it's always been popular, but never so much as I can't find a seat!! Times, they are a'changing. I actually heard a tourist on the way up going "it's great that the latest lonely planet explains it in so much detail, because last time I was in Vietnam, I couldn't find it". Great for some maybe- but I wanted a seat! :s

My weekly spa treatment involved my hairdresser explaining that I needed colour on my roots because my hair was "no colour", which is actually something I've been saying all along. It's kind of Ash Blonde when it's freeflowing. I wonder if there's an option on any of those visa forms that says "no colour" when asked to list "hair colour".

Speaking of spa treatments. Dear god, the facial lady almost broke my nose today. I know you have to be tough with my skin, but it's also MY FACE! I think as she was about to tear the end of my nose off (perhaps not realising there is no bone- only cartilage) she may have mis-understood my "can I have a massage" to mean "can I have a Michael Jackson". This was all going on while the lady next door was instructing her "waxing specialist" how to wax (about the 5th time I've heard it, having directed twice myself).

I bought 3 pairs of prescription glasses today for 50USD. Not a bad deal, but definitely the price has gone up since I first came here. And considering the lady was adjusting it to my head and some plastic part (no idea where from, considering they are so clearly authentic Dior like the arm of the shoulder states) flicked into my eye and had my ear tearing for about 5 minutes. Awesome.

So after all this, I decided to go get a coffee at Highlands coffee just off Hoan Kiem Lake, on Hang Gai, and sat upstairs in the super cool area. Unfortunately, the pebbles on the wall actually were coming off the wall and falling and hitting me on the arm, head, leg, wherever. I thought I might've been on candid camera, but as far as I know, I wasn't, so I drank my latte and headed out.

Finally, I just got back from seeing the latest Tom Cruise "Valkyrie" movie, about 3 months after it was released, and am now depressed! Of course, nothing to do with the movie, more about the phones going off, sound going off, picture vanishing for a period of time, then, adujsting the reel so it fitted onto the screen, subtitles in the middle of the screen.. the fun of trying to see a simple movie here. And what a great genre of movie to bring your 2 to 10 year-olds too, as we found many of the vietnamese who saw it did.

And alas, the day is over. Am I spoilt? Yes indeed- not many can say they spent their Saturday's in a similar way. Now who knows what Sunday will bring, and indeed, next week, where I have organised 66 13-year-olds to go trekking in the Vietnamese jungle with myself and 5 other teachers. Well wishes appreciated.

Communication in Communities

2009-03-01T13:10:00.032+07:00

Wandering around Hanoi today, I thought about a difference between Hanoi and Melbourne, in this case, the difference in communities. Of course we all know the collectivist/individualist differences but specifically I wonder how technology plays a role in these differing communities.

Technology and Social Networking have been discussed as the predominant features of the 21 century. They have been the basis so many posts of late about the point of social networking, and the idea that millennials are keen to use the internet as a means to connect with others is not new. With most of the research being for individualist societies, I wonder if the internet and social networking have the same meaning for different types of cultures, and further to collectivism and individualism in societies.

Living in Hanoi has given me another perspective on this. For those of you who have lived/travelled to Hanoi you will understand what I mean when I begin to talk about street food/meals. Mass community gatherings to eat/smoke/discuss politics that take up the entire footpath. Hanoians prefer to be outside than inside. And, if everyone's outside, surprise surprise, you meet a lot of new people! I remember that when I visited Melbourne this Christmas, I can walk for 5 k's in Melbourne, and not talk (not even a hello!) to an actual person outside. Of course you can see people running with music in, cars, riding bikes, supermarkets, cafes etc)- but just sitting outside talking to people that they don't know? Never. And maybe it's because inside houses/cafes in Melbourne is so nice- perfect temperature, private - it doesn't matter what you're wearing, and now that the internet is out there- you can chat to whoever you want. And, if you want to meet up with others- you can organise it all inside: you don't wait outside for people in your community to join you. And-when you do meet up with friends, you are not so open to having others join them (imagine coffee with your girlfriends and a stranger just sits down and joins you comes in and just joins in your conversation- can you imagine what you might say to them?) In Hanoi, it's so different. It's ALL about being outside- the reason is fairly simple - I prefer to be outside because inside my house is usually moldy, dirty and constantly damp... so we go outside.

You may think, is this way we interact even related to the Individualist/Collectivist societies and internet use? I think so, when it's connected to what people want out of the internet. I mean, do we want internet for the individual or for the community- or, does it swap when we hit the internet- that is- we are seeking what our society doesn't strive for?

People in Vietnam are taking more than ever, to the internet. If different cultures take to the internet more quickly, how does the internet cater to them all? Indeed, if a site can do this effectively they will get a multicultural worldwide phenomenon- look at any of the successful social networking sites and tell me they don't do that. This leaves me with some questions:

1) Will the internet will close the gaps between individualists and collectivists? Does it cater to more one than another?

2) Facebook, by population is the 8th largest country. Is it collectivist or individualist society (i.e. strive for the greater good, or individual success)?

Hanoi photo: Mimi_K under this license

Empty Street photo: Dr Craig under this license

Me Vs Mold

2009-02-15T20:19:00.002+07:00

My whole time in this house I have been fighting with a little thing called MOLD. I fight and fight and its relentless attacks on me are slowly breaking down my front lines. In fact, it now has my house under seige.

So, how to get rid of Mold? You can't. I give up. I will leave the country. I have tried bleach, I've tried having someone in to strip the walls. I've even tried screaming at it.

And then a heartless attack this afternoon. All I wanted to do this afternoon was play my clarinet. But no. MOLD has taken control of the object I love most. I think this is Psychological Warfare. If I come down tomorrow morning and my Macbook Pro is growing mold, I will surrender. Who knows, maybe it will take me and I will become a superhero called the Mold Warrior. I'm not sure whether this super-hero will fight for the good or bad of mankind. But I must become resigned to the fact I will become one, as there's nothing I can do. Besides, if you can't beat em, join em. And I know from personal experience, one thing's for sure: once I'm the Mold Warrior, nothing CAN DEFEAT ME!

Photo is my own.

Filipino Fun

2009-02-01T14:21:00.002+07:00

I spent the last week in Puerto Galera, or more specifically, Sabang, in the Philippines. I intended to spend TET away from Hanoi, sitting on a beach and reading, and not doing much else. Instead, I ended up diving for the first time, and then completing my PADI Open Water Certificate so that I can now say I am "a Diver". Interesting, as I never intended on Scuba Diving being a part of my life- despite good friends talking about it- my ear and sinus problems most of my life, and my recent lung difficulties made me think it would never work. Plus, I already spend plenty of money on skiing and other expensive hobbies.... retirement plan is not looking great!

But; given the all clear from the doctor in Australia, being exposed to some fantastic diving facilities and being the only non-diver on my trip in a group of 7 to the Philippines changed all that. And I am changed. A new Diver in the world, and trying to plan where I'll next go. I had an amazing time, even though I only got to do 4 OW dives. I found the course interesting (well, it's basic science!) and then, my last dive, on the wreck... the fish were amazing! I know I could do that again and again. Very happy my profession gives me holidays to do this!

The views underwater. There's nothing to describe it. It's like being small fish in an amazing, endless aquarium. The fish you see are awesome. Sure, I am still scared of the potential failures in the equipment. There are definitely situations where you could be screwed. But I need plenty of practice that's all!

I would love to go back to where I was in Puerto Galera because I only got 4 dives, but I suspect there are also way too many other places to go in the world! As I am currently planning to head back home to Australia in August but via Asian places to visit...and now dive. It's looking like Indonesia, Thailand and maybe Kota Kinabalu are in the list.

So, I had yet another amazing holiday in Asia. In this case the Philippines, thanks to the staff and instructors at Atlantis Puerto Galera. My instructors were excellent. And the staff: super friendly. That's another thing. While Vietnam is such a wonderful place to visit and travel, it is not always an easy place to live.... I wonder what other places are like?

Picture of the Sabang Wreck (2005) from: nathanmasser under this license

What am I?

2009-01-22T17:14:00.004+07:00

Ooo... I am a "Self-improving Travelling Lifelong Learner!" I bet the IBO would be particularly happy with that last one- I must be in the write career, with the right organisation!

Got me thinking about where I am at the moment in my life. And because my one of three readers told me to, I am gonna write about it here. NB. One of those readers is my mother.

When I entered teaching, I knew I wouldn't know enough about the stuff I was teaching. Because kids ask questions about everything and anything I probably didn't think of at School and University (Thank goodness- if we all thought the same way the world would not be so interesting!) And in a discipline like science- I knew there would be some things (probably Physics related) that I definitely wouldn't know. SO! I headed out as a teacher trying to learn most of the "stuff" that would be on the curriculum- for the first 5 years. I learnt quickly that only the experience in the classroom can help you with that. Of course there are everyday questions that challenge me about my discipline, but I think generally, I know my stuff.

Besides everyday, kids want to know stuff like:

"If there is extra-terrestial life, will it be found in my lifetime?"

"What's the purpose of doing a graph by hand if we are all going to just tell robots to do it in the future, or speak it to the computer?"

"Can we spend time trying to invent a new element?"

"What happens if I put my family in a black hole?"

And I thought I would commonly be approached with this kind of question: " Can you find a different way of explaining the law of...... ?

key: "...." means something I thought I wouldn't, or didn't know.

And the thing is, now I feel I can answer that latter question: after 3 years, I'm pretty much done with this part of my teaching. I know my stuff, and I can answer (most) questions. It helps that I taught the same thing for 2 years, for sure. Now I'm ready to focus on the methods of teaching. And THAT'S what excites me. I suppose I better get a job at a school next time that feels similarly to me!

I'm already working on getting my combined blog with my Grade 11's for Psych, My Psych wiki (still in early stages) which I hope will be contributed to by other colleagues, and of course I have my Psych Facebook Group so I can create events for my students such as "Paper 1 exam" and send them messages reminding them to study. This is all new for me. And being responded to well. And that, my friend, is exciting.

photo from: DucDigital using this license

Being an American, being an Artist

2009-01-21T18:25:00.005+07:00

"Obviously, I am not an American."

"The American's have fallen under the spell of a good speaker".

I had the pleasure last night of dining out at the US ambassador's residence last night. Interesting. I felt that I had reached my 'peak' of celebrity-linked-ness. This was afterall, the AMERICAN AMBASSADOR to VIETNAM....O the history.

Anyway, I only stayed for a while, as anyone who knows me, knows my schmoozing isn't particularly effective: I may or may not have made several bad jokes relating Hanoi general life to Washington during Inauguration time.

I headed out soon after the whiskey and the cuban cigars had broken out (are you allowed to buy from Cuba if you are American?) to meet up with a more relaxed group perhaps- my work friends. Had an awesome night watching the inauguration of the new (44th) president of the US. Again, I made several bad jokes (...well, he did have a rough start with that oath!).

Earlier in the day, I was conversing about Mass Psychology and crowd persuasion with a colleague (who was incidently, American). We were mostly talking about speeches, and how they work. How they try to speak personally to people, while literally speaking to mass group.

It was then interesting to see the different responses in my friends (and in myself) from hearing a good speaker during the inauguration, and thinking: "WOW, change! He's talking to ME! I know this, because I WANT CHANGE!" Now whether this change is in: job, fortune, family, health, community, etc etc, doesn't matter- because the effectiveness of the speechwriting and presenting the speech convinces everyone he's talking to THEM. Just like all songs with general lyrics such as "I have loved, I was hurt, ohhh I can't make decisions".... can anyone relate to that? I'm thinking yes.

This all tied back to the embassy function for me. The whole reason I was there was my link to being an artist for HITS. Wow. I've never been thought of that way, and I liked it. But being an artist also means being able to communicate to others in a particular form... isn't it? This is maybe something to think about for the future!

Being an American. So much stigma, so much stereotyping, but from what I can see, also a sense of responsibility, and a sense of hope.

Being an Artist. So much difficulty with success: How do you remain personal, yet able to have your artistry engage others in a way that makes them think: YES!

These were my two thoughts for today.
Photo of Change Sign: taken from Atlantian5 with this license

Home for Christmas

2009-01-01T17:18:00.000+07:00

I decided to take the winter Christmas break off as a chance to go home to the Australian summer. The idea was that it will help me decide if Melbourne/Australia is the place for me to go after Hanoi. Now that I've handed in my resignation for Hanoi, I need to think about my future in a big way and the main thing I'm thinking about is:

International VS Australia

In a few ways: Work. Friends. Lovers. Life.

Obviously there are pros and cons for both, and it's very difficult to compare the two. But I have to make a decision at some point. Being back hasn't particularly made it any easier... but I suppose I'll go home. I'vebeen trying to think about what made me want to leave Australia in the first place; and other than travelling, I can't really think of a good one. I'm not sure ever why people decide to live overseas. There's a bunch of different reasons I suppose. ARGH! I just can't seem to figure out what to do- this blog is making me out to be the most indecisive person ever :). oh well. Looking like Australia at the moment!

Photo: Stewart Johnson (2007)

Learning how to be better, technologically speaking

2008-11-23T20:41:00.000+07:00

Have just spent a 2 day inset at work, trying to figure out how to be quicker, better (smarter?) with my computer use.

One thing I learnt was how important it is to link in blogs- this helps people find out more about if they're either lost or confused, but also if they want "extension". Cool.

Definitely a process though- and I'm just taking my time through all this until I'm comfortable to tell others that I actually have a blog. I know my mother would be happy to hear that she doesn't have to rejoin facebook to find out what I'm doing from the other side of the world.

There's some cool resources out there too. Anyone interested in how education and blogging works should check out my two colleagues' blogs: Adrienne and Clint also, the presenter of the PD that was awesome Jeff Utecht.

The grass is always Greener...

2008-11-09T23:26:00.000+07:00

It's been a while since I've been on this- I've been having a wonderful year in Hanoi, since I came back from a terrific trip around the world from June- August 2008.

It's strange to think that this is how my life is now, travelling andliving by myself... it's definitely a lifestyle choice that I don't think I realised I was making at the time. Now I'm stuck in the middle of wanting to go back, but loving meeting and working with people from overseas... especially professionals who have chosen to open their minds and see the world with their career. They make you look at the world more holistically. Let alone the students and the community here. Although I long for the comforts of home, I'm not sure I'll ever really settle there now, which might be a good or a bad thing!

I always said when I became an adult I wanted to "throw a spanner in the works". I just always get caught up with "what if's". How do I stop thinking that way!?

Hanoi isn't my home forever, but I'm not sure where home is now...

Thinking about home, thinking about travel.

2008-06-27T14:14:00.001+07:00

It's funny the amount that I travel when I'm overseas. When I was at home, I travelled only every few holidays, but in Vietnam; as soon as 3 days tie together, I'm out of Hanoi! So when the 8 week holiday came along, I took off around the world. 1 week in Russia, England, Montreal, Calgary, Alaska, Vancouver, Japan... and back again.

It's funny, because I spend all this time travelling, and all I can think about is home, but it's exactly the same when I'm back home. Grass is always greener... it's like, there's so many choices, you never know if you've made the right one, children, marriage, career, travel, house, country, city, family, friends, money.... what's your priority? and how do you know, when you make that decision, that it's actually the right one?

Living abroad

2008-06-09T21:45:00.000+07:00

When I decided to live abroad, in 2005, I never thought I'd be in Hanoi by mid 2007. I never disliked or was frustrated with Melbourne. I (for a number of reasons) decided to live in England; a relatively safe country for Australians: heck 3 out of my closest friends had already lived there one year when I decided it was the thing to do.

I was never really interested in Asia, but through circumstance, and some impromptu decision making, I made it here. Do I regret it? Of course not, but personally, it has been the toughest part of my life as yet. I still plan to leave next year, but I'm not sure whether that will be home, or another country. It's still a while away. It's been an experience. The top one, would have to be 4am sitting outside a brothel with the pimpin boys drinking, not being able to communicate through language barrier, and actually not realising that I was, indeed at a pimped brothel. I always wonder if they couldn't sell me. I was driving the customers away (as they were scared of a westerner), so they asked me to leave. At least, I think that's what they were saying. It could have been 5$/hr?

Day 1

2008-06-08T11:00:00.000+07:00

This is my first attempt at a blog, and I plan to tell no-one about it- so it's kind of a journal for me, and anon viewers. Maybe later I'll tell more people! I can already tell that I'm bad at it, because I actually set this blog up about 5 days ago, and still I hadn't entered anything in!

Hanoi is going well, I'm about to head off around the world for a few months- I'm sure (?) this blog will work well during that time to vent out. 1 year of definite staying in Hanoi... who knows what will happen?