Apologies for the lack of photos recently: real life has caught up and we have been so busy! It doesn't stop the sense of wonder most days though, stepping out and realising where we are, and how much we are right in the middle of some incredible development in an amazing country.....
It's continued to be hot here, but we are told it will begin to cool down a bit in the next month: apparantly autumn is amazing.
Looking mad at the Hoa Vien Brahaus: they do a great pint and fried Czech cheese!
The reality of sleeping arrangements for many people... Often those who come in from the countryside to bring a family member to hospital, or just those who live in fallen times.
The newest instrumental addition to Monday Night Club- he's only been studying violin for 3 months and is very good. His name is Hwan, and he is a remarkable person.
Rainbow before the storm is over
The new choir, complete with accompaniment!
Government posters being transported. The design hasn't changed in years....
Dodgy electrics
Tearing down to build the new. The former outskirts of the city are turning into grounds for high rises and everything modern. The trouble is that the country doesn't yet have the infrastructure or the money to sustain such fast growth: shopping malls are all the rage, but no one can actually afford to shop in them...
Staff customer service training at Swing!
Hugo found a cajon at a cafe attached to the gym we've gone to a few times.
Streetview
Lovely meal with Hugo's student Huyen and her family. It was an amazing Vietnamese traditional meal.
Lucky: we haven't been able to take him out as much lately, due to time etc, but I try to cuddle him a bit every time I come in! He is getting a bit crazy now, I think he needs to be fixed, but he is still so cute.
Colour colour, everywhere....
Dung the Barber!
Vacant lot which is advertised to become a luxury shopping centre... I think they ran out of money for the project....
Rain gear!
Very old clock. And the phone is labelled just in case it is hard to find :)
The open spaces near Ly Thai To statue by the lake. It is popularly used for rollerbladers, dancers, exercise, generally people just enjoying the space...
Daily life....
Crumbling French buildings everywhere. ..
Mua bao (rain storm)
Ca phe nau da
Cityview
Balcony
Having lunch at our favourite place: Swing!
Hugo and I both have work at a new centre on this street. Its only 1km from our house, and is an amazing place. The crossroads are so full of what I imagine a more traditional Vietnamese life, nothing flashy and where everyone on the street knows each other....
Final night of my Friday club: they brought me a lovely cake!
Inside the newest shopping centre: Royal City. Its a bit like a taste of Vegas style buildings, and the underground mall includes a bowling alley, multiple fountains, a waterpark, ice skating rink, and hundreds of restaurants. Its very easy to get lost, but I managed to find a giant cup of tea!
Hugo and one of his lovely adult classes. They are so sweet.
