Tuesday, April 30, 2013

Much as you blame yourself, you can't be blamed for the way that you feel.

I've heard it said many times that every relocation takes at least three months to get used to, so no big decisions should be made before you've been somewhere for twelve weeks. Don't get yourself into a situation where you can't easily leave after three months and also don't decide you hate everything and want to leave before the first three months. Well, considering I'd signed a 15-month contract before I'd even left Australia I wasn't too wise about the first part but luckily, as I approach twelve weeks in Vietnam, I'm happy to stay.

It's possible I'm starting to like Hanoi. I won't make any grand statements because a good weekend does not a perfect life make....but things look promising. Ah, yeah, I'm being a dick. I had a good weekend and I'm relieved that I managed to make more of a connection with this city. It seems that public holidays here are few but not far between. Three days this month and no more until September. Because it was a long weekend I decided to treat myself and get a fancy hotel room in the city (four star hotel, $60 a night with free breakfast). My apartment is in the outer districts so staying in the city centre made socialising a lot easier than it normally is, sometimes I feel like I'm living in expat exile.

A few photos: My hotel room, the view from my hotel, a pool at another resort on the lake, and a delicious drink in a lovely little café (a respite from the chaotic streets and humidity).







It poured down with rain last night and there was some pretty impressive lightening going on. Now the temperature is blissfully low, although the smell of piss keeps wafting into my room. Hmmmm. Trade off?

Time to go and mark forty exam papers before I go back to work tomorrow.

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