Deidre

We have spent two of our weekends in central Hanoi. Hotels are cheap and it’s fun being here as a contrast to the University campus.… Read More »Having it all -the cost

I sit by Hoan Kiem Lake writing a postcard. A small turtle swims by.  

In the market I gaze at dragonfruit, bright red, green purple and orange unknown vegetables. Next to them meat, innards, bubbling seafood containers, giant slabs… Read More »Frog, fish and Dragon fruit

Perhaps this is a point to re-iterate the fact that we are piloting a 'mature' volunteers scheme here in Vietnam. I have to accept that… Read More »Volunteer – Vocation or Vacation?

This weekend we are staying at the Golden Buffalo in my  brother’s hotel room in the heart of the old town whilst he is in… Read More »A romantic again

Autumn is here. I have been assured that that is why I have a heavy cold. Indeed, I notice a drop in temperature -from intense,… Read More »Vietnamese Autumn

We feel rather ashamed that we have got nowhere with the language -there are six tones i.e every syllable which can be pronounced in six… Read More »The word ma and TV

Peter has bought an 8" long prawn from the market for tomorrow's lunch. He drops its temporary plastic bag home in the gutter as we… Read More »Giant prawn

Sunday outing – Hanoi Museum of fine arts. Guggenheim has donated a huge collection of 18th century engravings by Goya which depict the horrors and… Read More »Goya – a gift

After two days my students cease to be a bewildering sea of Vietnamese faces and start to remind me of students from my teaching years… Read More »Proverbs 2