the usual

Even though it was a public holiday for some, today we were back to the usual pursuits - applications, resource development (me) and going out for food and a little exercise.

Usually we start the day with fresh fruit for breakfast. Much of the fruit on offer is familiar (bananas, mangoes, avocados, strawberries) but we've also been eating guava, water apples, pomelos and oranges (which have green skin). A favourite local blog is VietGeoff, who has done all the hard work on fruit info for me here.

We purchased our first kitchen item from our local supermarket - a coffee filter. Unfortunately, I missed getting a shot of Omo Spiderman and the dancing stained shirt who were doing washing powder promotions in store. Maybe tomorrow...

Also went to the local photocopy shop to get some worksheets printed. There seems to be a photocopy shop on every second street in this city. Our local one doubles as a water delivery shop. 

Tonight we dined in (M made tuna pasta) but a couple of nights ago we checked out another local barbecue place. We could tell that lamb (cừu) was the specialty - and it was amazingly good. They were also serving heads of garlic roasted whole - next time we're learning the word for garlic before we go so we can order it. (It was too late to point to ask when we saw it!)

All quiet on the southern front

No military parades passed us today. The city really does feel like everyone has departed for their family villages, leaving just a handful of scooter riders and visiting foreigners.


I did some lesson planning (just another single lesson this week - so far) and worked on applications. We had a few outings, including a trip to our favourite coffeeshop, Nguyen's. 


From their roof, I got this shot - not sure if they are shrines or have some celebratory function, but we've seen a few of them around. 

And another great shop name, hehehe.

For all your poro shirt needs.

Saigon virgins

Hash house harriers (those 'drinkers with a running problem') are everywhere, and Saigon is no exception. So this weekend we went for a run with the pack. 

Members and first timers (virgins) meet outside the very swish Caravelle Hotel, and alight the bus which departs for a destination known only to the hares. This Sunday it was in Dong Hoa (we think!) about an hour's bus ride from Saigon. 'Basil Thrush' gave us an entertaining commentary on the bus ride there, and thought M and I should be considered revirginised because we don't have a current pack. A motley collection of expats and natives arrived at the assigned place. Those with new running shoes had to drink a celebratory beer from one before the 'On On'. It looks like I'll be hashing in my Keen sandals for some time.

With a group of about 50, there were plenty of both walkers and runners, with the trails cunningly laid to cross each other a number of times. We walked through vegetable farms, orchards and rubber tree plantations, past padogas and wandering monks. 

Jackfruit laden tree

Rambutans

On setting out I had asked one expat whether I should be worried about snakes - he looked around and said 'I have no idea what's out there.' But the presence of small children soothed my worries (surely they would be eaten first?), even when tromping through the dried leaves under the rubber trees. 

We were almost out of the plantation when I heard a rustle of leaves, saw a movement, and then realised it was a snake heading very quickly in my direction. I leap forward and Big Mac, walking behind me, leapt back. And away it went. So I had the dubious honour of being only one of two people who saw a snake! Not sure what kind but it was quick!. Old hand Big Mac swore it was only the second time he'd seen one in three years. 

Once all runners and walkers arrived at the hash halt, there were the usual merriments, including 'punishment' for certain member transgressions - that's what the ice blocks were for. Sitting on one of these for 5 minutes must hurt...

 

One notable harrier was given the ice treatment for turning up about 10 minutes after the rest of the runners - on the back of a motorbike!


On the walk home, we passed the People's House, looking splendid. 

Great fun, and an excellent way to get out of the city with some new and interesting people to talk to. On on!

Put out more flags

local market - quiet due to holidays

Our local supermarket has almost everything - but no teatowels. Souvenir idea, anyone?

Dong storage solutions

Le Duan St near Reunification Palace - cycling presentation

Hey it's true! The moon IS a balloon. 

Kh Cat B Trong was 'ere

Another delicious juice - this time strawberry

Best shop name of the week - Bong Bong Balloon (Elegant Maternity)

Technogeek palace 

Flag

Flags

Best flag display - outside the Communist Youth Union