New Beginnings...

Wild weekend!

lozza — Mon, 13 May 2013 01:00:00 GMT

What a weekend that was.. Duno where it all came about, but it was bloody awesome!

Finishing work on friday was magical... The last class that i'd taught were a bunch of little shits, just wanted to kick them out the window! They were so naughty, and about 98% boys, so you can imagen.. Not in a good mood with the office at the moment they aren't being too fair with wages, and took off $100 for the day i had to miss because I had a scooter accident, and which I told them about with at least 24hrs notice, 12hrs more than whats written in my contract.. So yeh, wasn't happy with that at all...

Besides that- Got home on friday after school and just felt in a funk still? Got a bottle of wine, and drank it out on the deck listening to old songs while Tim was playing guitar inside.. He later goes off to band practice leaving me with my bottle of wine, so I harrass Macs to come out- she gets round and after another bottle, we're skateboarding in the house wearing silly hats- the flat is a bomb site and she's yelling "f you vietnam" from the balcony... haha.. I got in touch with a friend Devon who was planning on going to the old quater aswell, so we met him and went off to "hair of the dog" which is both filled with asians and backpackers- actually had a good time, needed a little trashy dance, and even found me a pink rabbit ballon which was tied to my wrist.. I turn around at some point find Macs pashing on with some guy hahaha... But we got there quite late and it starts shutting down as its midnight and the police are outside.. Its total chaos trying to find the scoot, find mac, find Devon- some kids are trying to bite the ballon off my wrist with their teeth at some point?! hahaha.. I find Macs and she's too drunk to drive so leaves the bike at the hostel where this guy lives- Devon and I check with her 1 more time that she's ok, and she seems it- not gona get in the way there ;-) so its just Devon and I left and we head over to this hidden bar, which is down some tiny alley way and its right by on the river playing crazy techno/electro music- its wild and reminds me of a squat- beers are a bit much at 50K each, but meh! What can you do right? At some points guys are grabbing at me to dance with them and annoyed me, so bless Devon was my honery Tim for the night and he'd come over and get them away, super cute!! I bump into a guy who also doesn't wear shoes and he takes me out back to some of his friends where there is free beers- ahaha, warm, but free, can't complain!

Don't remember getting back, driving or anything much.. I wake up butt naked, black feet and a pink rabbit balloon on the ceiling- Can't remember keeping hold of it?! What on earth Tim must of thought waking up for work? hahaha

Thankfully not feeling too bad, but there isn't any water and I'm hungry and its the festival today and I aint missing that! Get some food, drink and have a bit of a snooze waitin for Macs to wake.. After some confusion I get there around 1630 and its a lovely day, beers, food, flea market and awesome music- We had a little walk around the market, looked at some books, ate some food and bumped into loads of people- shame Tim couldn't be here, its just up his street! some of the music was good, like our friend Bush who djs and this amazing beat boxer who got people going.. Towards the end of the night though there was just too much crazy veitnamese music for our liking and at around 2130 we head back to Macs for a shower and a change of clothes for her, cos she wants to meet this guy again.. hahaha and cos I'm such a good friend I'm going with her...

We get there, and the min we walk in he's there and Macs over him ahaha, we stay for a drink at the backpackers , steal a palm leaf and meet up with Devon and a few others at a bia hoi... Again got there too late, onlly stayed for 1- so we head to Hanoi rock city to meet up with tim, sunny and a few others probably.. We arrive and its packed! We find Louise and the guys from the festival, have a little dance- then I see Tim walking in, haven't seen him properly really since my birthday cos he's been busy working, and my heart just fllutters! haha, I've missed him and we have the biggest hug <3 macs ends up leaving not long after, she's pretty tiered, I'm surprised that I'm feeling ok to be honest! Tim and I dance, drink and chat with some others until I just loose all my energy and its home time- We bump into Nickojai and Heather leaving aswell who were alsso at the festival and they look as bad as I do, super sleepy!!!

Getting into bed was amazing and soon enough i'm zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz AWESOME WEEKEND!!!

Birthday!

lozza — Wed, 8 May 2013 22:31:00 GMT

Getting back to work was quite tough, just not in the mood, still in holiday mode!

Weekend was pretty chill spose.. Except for Friday. We went to a performance art night that a friend had organise and it was enjoyable apart from the storm and flood we had encountered half way there- got there soaked and ended up getting SO COLD.. Saturday Macs & I went for a little shop- then met up again later for Sunny's house party- Tim didn't end up coming cos he'd done his back in, and I guess its nice to have a evening to myself, but at the same time a shame cos everyone was there!!! The new house is pretty choice! Bit jealous. Party was packed, but I was so tiered, Mac's too.. We stayed for a bit, but headed home early.. Found Tim asleep in bed, awww!

Sunday was chilled- as its tim's friday's we try and go out and that to the park where some of the guys spin poi, play guitar and that.. It was pretty social, but nice! Proabably more enjoyable for Tim as he plays guitar and spins.. hahaha, still nice to chat with new people and get out the house...

Come Monday we head to Sunny's in the evening to watch game of thrones, which is always nice- felt stupid though as i walked out with out my bra on and just a saggy tee-shirt! lol!

Tuuuuuesday we had curry with Macs in town, then Tim and I headed to an exxhibition of the performance from that Friday gone, but weren't there long- We did head over to Heathers place afterwards.. Didn't know anyone, nor Tim, but chatted with some pretty nice people.. Shame we ate though, there was a massive feast and guitars!

Woke up on my birthday with happy birthday from Tim which was nice- and also the kids in the kindy sang me happy birthday when i came into the room which i didn't expect and was lovely!! The 2nd class came up and gave me lots of hugs!! awww.. Dashed home though as the heavens opened and everything was flooding.. Cleared up mind come lunch time. Tim took me out to this French bakery for lunch- its a bit posh, expensive for Hanoi, but still heeeell cheap and very good quality.. it was a lovely lunch, and we took home some cinnimon ice cream home for dessert:)

The rest of the day was pretty chilled, class was ok.. and i got back home at a nice time. Once Tim got home, I got my present which was wrapped in the doona cos he didn't know where to buy wrapping paper from! hahaha and also a MASSIVE bunch of roses which we don't have a vase for- so they're sitting in the bucket by the bed!! :):)

We went for a little boat ride on the lake by the house in pedalow swans which was lovely- it was so quite and it was hilarious!! Had the best time... Got back and Macs was waiting for us- She'd bought a little ram cake and some lovely hair pins that we're also wrapped in my t-shirt.. hahaha.

We headed to the bar betta and ordered dinner- Sunny turned up just in time.. People started arriving after work so we had to move downstairs as there was no space- Everyone came, and it was nice to sit and talk and had a few glasses of wine- Flo wasn't too happy that I wasn't drunk hahaa..

we got back at a good time, and both fell asleep!! Even though i worked, it was still a lovely day- can't wait to practise more of the uke though!! Oh- didn't mention- The present was a kewi flagged ukulele :DD

Cat Ba!!

lozza — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 22:12:00 GMT

So getting up and leaving for 6am wasn't too bad.. Didn't go out to the park to spin poi or anything on the sunday evening.. So getting up wasn't too bad... We got a taxi pretty easy from the top of the road and went to the Old Quater to get picked up to be taken to the bus station- The guy that came to pick us up was a guy on a scoot- and flagged down a taxi for us to get into.. Bit strange and we were a bit unsure, but we got there, cab was already paid for and we got on the bus, managed to get a seat and within 20min max we were off... Had a bit of a snooze on the bus, and i was surprised that it was an actual coach and not a local bus which i've heard horror stories about! haha, live stock on the buses is common here.. Crap i'd sit next to a smelly pig or carcus and that! or a rooster!!!

Got into Hai Phong and waited another 45mins for the next bus that took us into the ferry point.. Wasn't a long boat ride- but on the boat Tim bumped into a friend and her boyfriend who were on the same idea as us.. once we arrive into Cat Ba town (after another 40min bus ride which we had to stand for!!!) We stopped for lunch with them, and it was super hot, all of us were starving... Food was ace, and seeing as Tim & I still had another boat ride to this island we wrapped it up and found out info on where to get this boat from- Was a bit of a pain, and in that heat, maaan it was tiering, thankfully we had no luggage... Got a scooter taxi to the port on the east side of the island and waited for our taxi boat which we had to arrange after many phone calls to the island reception!! Thankfully we're on and we're driven through mazes of floating villages which were so colourful! It was lovely, the islands we were passing were beautiful!! When we approached our island, it was paradise! There were a few people on the beach and it was quite and just perfect.. we get into our balcony which is over looking the sea and quickly change into our togs and dash into the water!!! It was awwwwesome!!!

Tim played some guitar in the evening after our dinner, which was nice fresh seafood and rice and that... We managed to get a cork screw and polished off 2 bottles of wine.. I was pretttttty loose, but nicely. Heading to bed with the sea just outside the window was amazing!!!

Next day we're off on our kayake.. This is after our 1.5hr yoga session on the beach and free buffet breakfast:) We sailed around the islands and coves and there were a fair few. It was nice to get out into open water and have some excercise! We were out we think for about 3/4hours.. It was a shame though, the amount of rubbish that is washed up and dumped on these islands is sad, you just wana get a bin bag and fish all the crap outta the water!!! When we got back we had a swim, i read my book and had a little sun bake while Tim played some more music, it was bliss!!! Watched a movie before dinner and drank another bottle, watched more movies and sat on the deck for a wee bit.. I love it here, best, relaxing time ever!!! It will be sad to leave tomorrow, 1 more day would be amazing!

Unfortunately it was pretty bad weather next morning. When we got up for the brekkie it wasn't too bad, but come around 10:30 we were told there is only 1 more taxi boat and its leaving in 30mins! Nothing packed, I jump in the shower in a bit of a strop! MAN check out is 12 and I DON'T WANA LEAVE! and i don't like to be rushed! gggrrr..

Getting back on the main land it was misrable! Its a shame we had so much time to kill before the boat, we could of gone to the beach- no dramas too much, just scoffed down plates of food, an sat upstairs over lookin the pier chatting with some guy from the U.S..

The boat ride was a bit ott, the boat was packed, stools taken out for people to sit on, on the deck, it was so crowded.. Guy vomming outta the window, guy went for a massive shit in the toilet- so there were waffts of poo smells and vomit!! The other funny thing was i noticed is they like to sniff bread.. I found out later on though that apparently it helps you with travel sickness??!! only in asia, you sniff bread on the boat and buses!!! mmuuhahaha! The other bus though was a bit crap- hyper active kids playing with the seats infront got me going, and all the hollering and that! aaargh.. It was good to get home, kinda.. We stopped for a curry and i pretty much fell asleep once we got in.. Got work tomorrow!!!!

Its all about the long weekends this month!

lozza — Sun, 28 Apr 2013 12:39:00 GMT

April in Vietnam is the BEST. This week I have 5 days off.. Its just wonderful. Sat-Thurs. Last week it was a long weekend having fri-sun off. Even though that weekend was wasted, not this one!

Macs & i went on a drive yesterday, tried to get to a coastal town called Ninh Binh (which is pronouced Nimbin) but we couldn't find the way out of the city. Scooters/motorbikes aren't allowed on the freeway, and when we tried getting on the freeway we could see why, its crazy up there.. we got lost had to turn around to avoid poilce. it was a nightmare! However we gave up that idea and found a free way taking us west of Hanoi into the mountains. It was a lovely drive, and it was nice to be able to drive.. no traffic, no horns.. just fresh air, fields, mountains and rivers. It was lush. We stopped for some lunch which came to a total of under $3 for 6dishes & 2 teas.. Super cheap.. The old ladies there were mezmerised by us.. Going to the toilet was a biiiig mistake. I've gone back into my way of no shoes and as I was walking down the side to this "toilet" i passed a woman cleaning out pig intestines, and gunk all up on the floor, a pigs head in a bowl and a pig in a shed.. and this is normal.. its hard not to pull a face at the contense of this pig on the floor haha.. saw the funny side at least, floor was a bit slimey... Did my water next to the pig in the pen and by the time i got back to the table there was a gaggle of women standing around a pig carcus talking rapidly about what cuts of meat they wanted.. It was quite a sight.

We get back on the bikes and drive to a dead end sorta, and saw either a boat crossing to the otherside of the river or a dirt road- we took the dirt road, had a drive around, saw some old cotton mills on the side of the river, villigers coming out to say hello and point/wave at us.. After awhile though the road wans't going into the highway we believed it was going, so we turn around get gas and drive to another mountain village which was beautiful at sun set... The drive back was hard, my shoulder was so stiff, I was cold, sunburnt and the road was just going on forever!!!!!

Getting back in was looovely, so tiered! As I was in the lift going upstairs Tim's called asking if I've had dinner yet, and did I want some! :)

We ended up just staying in, watching movies- Wana save myself for the rest of the week...

Super excited for tomorrow!!! Tim and I are going over to Cat Ba, and booked a bungalow on a beach for 2 nights as he has the days off aswell!! Can't wait. It was a drama getting these tickets mind as he's working Sunday till 7 and the last train out of Hanoi on Sunday to Haiphong is at 8 so we wouldn't miss it.. Getting the 0920 on monday would of go us to Haiphong at like 12pm, and then the 2hour boat over to the island would have made the journey pointless... Before I gave up though I went down to a travel agency and asked about the bus.. There is a bus leaving Sunday, but it would mean sleeping over night in haiphong (spending more money on accomodation..) So instead we got a deal of 315,000 each ($15) for a pick up at 0630 to the bus terminal, 2hour bus ride to Haiphong, then 2hour boat over to Cat ba.. Meaning we get there by midday, which is perfect.. Booked. Done, leaving tomorrow morning bright and early.. and our bungalow is amazing, its on its own beach on a smaller island off the main land... Super amazing. Gona take no luggage, just the guitar, yoga mats and my togs- no need for towels there incuded, ooh! and brekkie too!! :):) its pretty damn hot at the moment too, so hoping for sun baking and snorkling! I'm sure we'll make it to the main town of Cat Ba 1 night at least.. i'd like to check it out:)

Super glad that I've got the time off to spend with Tim and just to get away from children for awhile, man they are a handful! the rest will be needed, for both of us!

hot! hot! hot!!!!

lozza — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 20:14:00 GMT

I just need some loose clothes cos it is hooooot in hanoi at the moment. Then it rains, then its hot.. Its gona rain soon, and it needs to- so humid.. Adn it doesn't help with the construction workers killing the power every now and again and we're left with no electricity-and its not just the aircon, its the fact that i have to walk up 6 flights of stairs cos the lift isn't working! hahaha

Work is good. The children are used to me and are fun to be around. This arvo though i had a class of 50- Like honestly whats the point??! I guess you just gotta sing songs and distract them, I'm like a duke box!!

Long weekend was ok.. Tim's gig was awesome and loads of people turned out.. it got a bit shit at the end though cos on the way to the bar afterwards 3 seperate men on scooters would drive past and grab my boob- tim saw and went bonkers- put him in a really bad mood, i couldn't get him outta it! However we smoked some shisha had a little dance, he cheered up a bit.. but we went back early.. Woke up on the Friday like death.. Had to sleep off the raging hangover i had.. It was a shame cos Tim and I don't get days off and I spent it in bed... and saturday and sunday, going out a little bit for walks, but it was damn hot, i just melted!!! mmmuuhahaha

Apparently there is another long weekend, and I'll get 3 days off!! Hope Tim gets them, we could road trip!!! Need a brake from Hanoi.

Starting to miss travelling, and moving around, Ilike it here, but aaaarrrgh need some fresh air, tramping, swimming, a beach!!!!

As from this week I'm back on my gluten free diet- I've been so ill recently and i should of cut it out a long time ago.. and alcohol (for a bit). Bless Tim, he's following a bit with me, he still drinks beers though and a bit of rice.. we're even doing yoga on our brakes, its been good so far, feeling much better.. Just hope I can keep it up

Still surprised at how domesticated i am.. and Tim yesterday without prompting took all the clothes from the line and put them away.. I usually just do it, i really dont mind, and it really made me smile that he helped knowing I was a bit under the weather..

Gona have to take another shower i'm melting and stink! hahaha

Plodding along

lozza — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 15:47:00 GMT

nothing much has been going on- when did life get so boring! lol

work's been ok, got paid which was nice, treated myself to some proper makeup from mac, probably spend a little too much money on it, but nevermind.

didn't do much this weekend, went to a bar which has a really nice roof top terrace, had a good time.. but stayed in saturday, just had no energy neither did tim really- had a good night yesterday to kinda make up for it-- went to a park with some people that i didn't know, tim knew 1 guy from somewhere- ended up being a great night, sat round a bonfire playing music, doing fire poi.. it was nice and really nice to meet more people- been invited to a double date with one of the other couples there, haha. tim and the guy ben have a bromance going on lol, he's gf is pretty sweet too, should be a giggle!

Its gona be a long weekend this week, apparently its a national holiday.. but my rosta has come back and i'm working? hhhmm, maybe its next weekend? or has my annoying boss got it wrong, or am i 1 of the unlucky few that is working.....

Gotta get out of the city soon for a trip, macs got back from ha long bay and said it was awesome!

hhhhmm, maybe i should email that woman, sort this out cos i don't wana work this friday if no1 else is! dammmmn it! hahaha

Drama!

lozza — Mon, 8 Apr 2013 19:26:00 GMT

The last couple of weeks have been hard. Very hard, not just with work, but 2 motorbike accidents, both Tim and I got food posioning and i had to miss a few classes cos of the accident. Mine wasn't that bad compaired to Macca's. I had a bit of road rash on my knee and my elbow. I wan't going fast and this guy just randomly sweervd, god knows why and i saw it happening, beeped and all, but no. He had to swerve and smash into me. No one stops in here to help you as they're liabel for your accident.. Hence why they just drive off.. I was stuck under the bike so I couldn't lift them off me.. Called the bike guys and they came to collect it, called my boss- had to cancel the class I was on my way too.. And as Tim was working I managed to get hold of Sunny who lives close by and he came to get me- Took me back to his, my foot was killing, couldn't walk well- we watched Game of Thrones till Tim came over.

Macs though had a pretty nasty crash just this weekend gone. Got a phone call just as we were getting into bed, and straight away I knew something was up- We left for the hospital, met this French guy who'd helped them and found them in the public (nasty) hospital. Macca was ok- in alot of shock, some bad cuts up and down her and had no memory of what happened. Erica though, shit! Face is totally swollen, her teeth will need some work, but nothing chipped! They were both so lucky. Apparently a taxi had been in the wrong side of the road and she attemped to swerve and hit it! Taxi just drove off.. Left them lying there! Thankgod for Nelson, the French chap. He spoke with Tim and gave us directions. We were moved to the private French hospital down the road, thankfully. The other hospital was very dirty, blood stained sheets, that wasn't theres...

The other hospital was good, clean at least. Had to fill out forms and get them x-rayed. It wass a long night. We left around 6am after being there 4/5hrs! The police came for details etc.. And turns out they want to deport Macs?! Which they can't do, it wasn't her fault. Thankfully her school represted her with Vietnamese staff translating.. They want her to pay for the cab, which hasn't been found?! Sounds as they're trying to get money out of her, and she had to appear in court today which is so ott!!! Should be ok. All they want for this cab is 2million dong, which is around $100... its nothing! but its still the point. They're also making her pay for not having a license, which is only like $50! Drama! She's back to school tomorrow though, but Erica will have to stay here a bit long as she was only passing through to visit macs and Tim as they taught in Korea together...

Apart from that and the illnesses its all been good. Found some new places to drink which are so quirky and obviously owned by an expat. They both have awesome roof decks and good music.

Tim's band have a gig next week which is exciting!

Met up with Mike the other week round at Flo's flat.. We all got together to watch the new series of Game of Thrones.. Had beers, pizza's, good night. Shame that Mike's off back to the U.S though. Glad to have seen him it had been a month! Evan is due soon, and thats very exciting!

Can't believe its my birthday next month! This year is already going so fast! Gona try go to Ha Long Bay with Tim and maybe macca and a few others... It'll probably be joint with Macs as her's is on the 16th! Can't wait!!! Maybe I should start reminding people?! lol. Getting out the city will be well deserved.. Need a brake from Hanoi for a little while for sure!

Life is good

lozza — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 17:01:00 GMT

So I've started full time teaching, signed contract and everything so it looks like i'll be here for 6months, and I'm pretty happy about that.

The house is awesome, Tim even got a hammock for the deck which will be amazing in summer... Its definately getting hotter..

Teaching has been good, tiring though as I have to drive

around the city all day.. but its nice just teaching for an hour in the morning (2 1/2hr classes) then back home for lunch with Tim who has roughly the same breaks as me.. So its nice to get home, eat food on the floor and nap.. Then usually I have class in the afternoon till 4ish, then Wed-Fri I have classes till 6ish. So I have it easy and its good money.

Last weekend was good. Tim treated me to sushi one night.. just came home and there was a massive platter and beers waiting <3 and trust me sushi aint cheap here, I was very surprised. On friday we went to Sunny's show at madake which was awesome, and before hand we had drinks here and chatted, smoked a bit.. Its been real chill.

Been having these headaches though since friday night- and it was a shame cos on Sunday we were invited to a metal concert in 1 of the uni's here and I just couldn't enjoy it. The lights were hurting, we'd got lost on the way and i was super tiered.. Did havev an awesome meal though afterwards:)

When I was driving home the other day there was a police car trying to get through and of course it being Hanoi its near impossible!!! But the policeman in the car would bash the car with his trunchon.. it was hilarious.. AND the other day when I went over the bridge to work a guy did a u-turn at a place you shouldn't really do one, but again, being Hanoi no-one really follows rules.. but this police man jumps out from the pavement and starts bashing him whilst he's driving, just crazy! bbaahaha..

Hoping this week goes quickly, been feeling a bit meh, esp with this headache that just won't go away :(

Definately getting into life here, eating with chopticks is normal, driving like i'm the only person on the road is normal, beeping like a crazy person is normal.. Even kissing my teeth (which they ALL do here) has become normal.. I dare i say it.. having a maid is slightly becoming normal.. but it does annoy me. i haven't had chores in nearly 6months and I miss them. Haven't washed my own clothes since I left Aus nor washing plates for that matter- and weirdly I've become a house godess! Tim must think I'm a saint! ha?!

AINT NO BODY GOT TIIIIME FOR THAT....

lozza — Sat, 16 Mar 2013 18:51:00 GMT

Ah the studio was so much fun, such a good turn out! At first it was just a few of us there, but as the night wore on more and more people arrived, and I thought they played their best so far, very well together I was very pleased:)We had a beer down in the old quater afterwards which was nice, but by that point I was ready to go home...

Work's getting to me a bit, its super boring. I had 2 2hour sleeps.. 2!!!!! And its ok to do this.. I wake up with really bad pins and needles though. I'm gona ask for more time off as I have 1 day off a week and teaching part time. I just can't sit in this shop all the time considering I don't get paid that well for it.. Just enough for rent.

Tim signed the leese and on Friday before the party we head over with Macca to the old place to pack as much stuff up as possible. We manage our bags, a massive granny bag strapped to the back of Tim's, his guitars and other random stuff we've aquired. It was a sucessful journey.. We get in, and unpack while Tim pops back to collect his board.. Its so much fun unpacking finally and the room feels awesome. Macca's and I get ready, drink so drinks and we head out to this St Patricks day party...

Half way I'm just dying of starvation, I'm gona turn into a beast...

The party isn't too amazing, and Macca's and I don't know anyone and it just felt awkward, no one was really making an effort to talk outside their little groups and we're drunk and wanting to party. We tell Tim we're heading out to Hanoi rock city and we'll catch up with him later on as he wants to stay with his buddys.

Driving there wasn't that bad and I was impressed I reconised the way! Tim's directions to HRC weren't right and we drove around in circles for a bit.. Found it eventually, wasn't as busy as last week it was alright.. We bump into some others and chilled for a bit, but soon enough we were straving and wanting to go home...

On the way home we drive along screaming disney songs, beeping and hollering around.. Such looneys.. Steal a plant and Macca's climbs into the granny bag and she fits! I end up dragging her around the apartment in it, aaah it was too funny, guess you just had to be there.

Tim gets in after being downstairs, locked out with no credit to call... We order Mexican for us all...

Its taking aggggggges and Macca's fallen asleep, snoring on the bed..I end up eating her burrito :-) We end up sleeping on the floor as I didn't have the heart to move her off the bed. hahaha, first night in the apartment and we sleep on the floor.. hahahaha.. least we had the yoga mats....

Juggling 2 jobs, new visa, new flat & still having fun

lozza — Thu, 14 Mar 2013 17:34:00 GMT

Geeze this week is just half way through and I'm tiered.

Tim and I were round at Sunny's on Tuesday night with the others, and after dinner we spoke to the landlord about taking one of the rooms this weekend.. All is good, but he doesn't want me staying untill Devon moves out which isn't for another month leaving me homeless as I was taking Devons room, but he's changed his plans and staying another month. I mean its totally fair enough, but its left me in limbo and I'm probably gona have to move into a hostel! hhhhmmm

We get home and Tim just suggests we get our own place. I mean wow, this is fast, but it makes sense. I do feel bad as he's wanted to get into that house for ages and I'm worried he's making a daft move just for the sake of me.. but he's adimant and we start looking online.

We actually find a few nice looking places and we make arrangements with the landlords to come over to view.

I manage to get out of work for our first viewing in west lake, and I'm pretty pumped, west lake is awesome in the French quater near the water, very hipster and artsy aaaaaand the room looks awesome with a huge balcony- which is good for Tim and his poi, circus tricks..

As I pull up Tim's there already with the guy and we drive a few minutes down the road to the flat. Its on the top floor and straight away I love it, so airy and bright, fully furnished and the balcony will be amazing in summer, its huge.. We can do so much with that space, few hammocks etc... Having said that we didn't wana just jump straight in without looking at the others. The same landlord took us further down the road to view 2 more places.They were nice, bit more but still fair priced, but in fairness there was just TOO much space for what we have.. We're still on room 1.

Heading back to work we clean a few bikes and I head over to the school for afternoon class. I'm so iered by this point and neck a red bull! The classes went well. First class was a bit bigger than last week, but they were fun to teach and they were happy and keen with the games we played. Second class was a bit more tiersome as 3 of the boys in there had such bad English and 2 others were near perfect at 11! Still we played games and it went well, but I'm glad to be finished.

I head over to our other viewing, and meet the guy and his boss and drink some tea, and not long after Tim arrives. The flat is ok, nice space, but its dark? We look at each other and just know its room1.. BAM! When we leave I text the guy and by the time we arrive back in the old quater for dinner, he and Tim are organising times to meet tomorrow so he can sign the contract. So stoaked!

We meet up with Flo and Lucas and have a nice dinner. We have luc lak and its amazing. Its like chips, cubes of beef onion and tomatoe in gravy.. Its intense! hahaha. Tim is tiered and I am too, so we head home and watch some tv and head to bed, this week is tiring me out and tomorrows going to be a long day with 2 jobs, packing and band practice! Its gona be fun mind, having a few people over to have some drinks at the studio :):)

Too much dancing

lozza — Tue, 12 Mar 2013 16:20:00 GMT

AAAAAHH The weekend was so good.. Maybe had a little bit too much fun knowing that I had work the next day. But I needed to let my hair down. School has been good, not had that many classes, but I think in the next couple of weeks they'll be giving me more classes.. I hope so anyway! Definately feel that I've found the age group that I feel comfortable with so finally I'm feeling settled a bit more about teaching..

Saturday night was a giggle, met Macca after work and came down into the old quater for some dinner and drinks. Tim's with the boys probably playing computer games.. So I thought it would be nice for Macca & I to get to know each other a bit more.. And we had a blast. Bumped into Devon from the house and then Tim's friend Marco who he skates with.. We sat at a beer corner had some drinks and then made our way to Hanoi Rock City where they have a drum and bass night.. Met Tim along the way as we didn't really know where we were going and it wasn't too far off.. Ended up having a great night.. Slid down some skate ramps, had macca stuff a tampon up my nose cos I had a nose bleed and danced sooo much! Bumped into some guys that I sold a motorbike to and they were pretty loose.. Really had a good night. Drove Devon home and then went to bed, gotta get up for work tomorrow..

HHHMM Waking up drunk, not going to work. Sleep in till around 2pm which I haven't done in agggges it was nice? Tim came back for a bit but I was so tiered. So my day was just lazing around in bed, sleeping:))

Ended up going out again cos its Flo's birthday. He's the guitarist in the band. We cruise over after dinner, took me fooooorever to get ready so slow and dopey... We get over to Flo's place and I just can't wake up! Have some redbull and we play some card games and get a bit drunk.. We stayed for the cake which was awwwesome and then drove over to Madeke...

Half way to Madeke Macca's bike starts playing up.. Happens to be a flat tyre.. I drive it back to the house for her, she jumps on the back of Tim and its quite hard to controll, can't drive over 20 for sure.. Get it back fine, and then I decided to jump on my bike as the last time we had 3 on Tim's his bike also got a flat tyre... We head out to Madeke, and Tim's pretty tiered by this point.. But the music is good and I get a bit of energy back.. Devon's there, some other guys that I've met before but never remember their names!! Devon even managed to MC on the stage which was awesome to see.... Ended up being a good night

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGGGGGGGH!!! Lost the scoot key.. Its nowhere, I have no pockets and its not in my wallet. I've probably left in the scoot agian. I head outside and the bikes been moved to the other side of the street.. hhmm.. I find Tim and Macca and tell them its nowhere.. I gotta get the bike out of here tonight, can't leave it in the street it could easily get nicked! After Tim searches the dance floor for the key without any luck I ask him if he wouldn't mind pushing the bike along with his foot as the steering hasn't been locked.. He's up for it... Thankfully cos I'm not suppost to be out. Its not like I can call my boss and explain I've gone out as I'm suppost to be sick.. As we head back to Tim's bike he's bent down and picked up THE KEY from under his bike.. EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE SO HAPPY! We're all bouncing around hugging each other squeeling.. hahaha. Must of slipped off the seat when I went over to get stuff from the boot and it must of fell, thankgod! And thankgod it was still there! We're so pumped now we get another round in and dance a bit more... By the time its closing I'm so ready to go home, I'm worn out! Tim drives Macca home and I drive Devon back and head to bed. Tim's only like 15mins behind and comes in telling me about how he nearly died cos he was going 85kms, drunk and nearly face planted going over drain/pot hole. Note to self, don't drive back with Tim...

Thank the lord we both have the day off tomorrow.. we never get lie-ins I've woken up feeling really ill, my throat is swollen and raw.. So we just sleep in all day, watch some SNL, order mexican, listen to Tim play guitar.. It was lovely. Ended up going to band practise with Tim.. Needed to get out of the house.. As usual it was an awesome night.. Apart from the news that the bassist is heading back to South Africa on Monday and that he'll be leaving :( What they're gona do as a farewell will be to invite people over to the studio on Thurs, so they can jam and have some drinks with friends.. It'll be awesome I'm sure and I'm sad to see Adrian go, we're all hoping he'll come back.

Too much!!!!

lozza — Thu, 7 Mar 2013 03:21:00 GMT

Yesterday was really cool. Bao, one of Sunny's friends who lives in the house intvited me to his school to watch him do a demo lesson. It was really interesting cos the center is teaching pronoucation. The students pay to be there, so they listen more.. Stayed there for 3 hours, learnt some new methods which was good.. but geeze I was tiered. After school had a call from Tim saying that his guitarest may need to leave the country which would suck, he sounded quite miffed:-( I grab some food and head home... Filling out the rest of my Canadian application ready for tomorrow when the last round of applications are taken for the year... Tim's fallen asleep early for a change bless him, he was super sleepy zzzzzz

Not sure what to do about the motorbike job.. I'm suddenly getting jobs thrown at me and the agency that I did a demo lesson for during the day orignally said they'd get back to me in 2 weeks, and late on in the arvo she's calling me telling me to go to 2 schools?! Its good, obviously i'm getting paid.. But i feel bad for texting work telling them I can't come in till so and so etc.. I hung out at the shop after the demo- It went well.. Had kids punching me in the stomach? lol! They were like 4-5 I think.. Did some flashcards with them, sang some songs and ran around the room for 30mins! I think kindy is more for me.

Waking up today was a headache.. Had to get up a bit earlier cos I had to be at the center at 08:30 and cos I still don't know my way around too much I give myself an hour even though its like 15mins.. Traffic is HELL in the morning.. Tim and I drive some of the way, chasing each other down the road before we split off.. I find the center OK, get in and met Ms Hung, who's very pretty and typically Vietnamese.. We sit upstairs watching some dance rehursals are taking place.. After about an hour of watching these kids dance around I'm told its our turn??? huuuh? I get a mic shoved in my face.. OOOH thats right I'm getting up infront of these 100odd kids and teaching?! OOOO-K... It was easy duno why I moan, it just threw me off guard and they were so sweet.. After like, 15mins we go back downstairs and I'm told thats it, home time.. Its like 10am?! Tim's not back till 11ish for break and I don't have keys.. hhhmm.. I track down the Big C thinking I can get some cheap clothes... Nope, all too small. DAMN IT haha.. End up getting some girlie bits all came to under 10bucks inc makeup which back in Aus would of cost 15 alone, its just crazy cheap!

I get back to the house, and wait for 10mins before Tim arrives.. We have some lunch down the road, grab an ice cream and have a little walk back. Its becoming warm now and I'm suuuuper excited about the summmmer, rooooooof toooooop :D

Bless Tim, he leaves me the keys so I can continue sleeping.. He comes back at 3 and thats good cos then it means I have time to grab a coffee by green lake and then head to the school to collect my flashcards.. I grab a coffee (which is amazing, its like chocolate milk..) and head over. I'm happy that I remembered the way:) I get there, get the flash cards and head out..

UUURRRRGH I drive around in circles DAMN IT.. The traffic is SO bad, SO bad..

This address doesn't exsist and I call the center... I had to sit outside a chemist charging my phone from the adapter outside cos the battery was going flat.. UURRRH. She finds me, but I noticedd I haven't got my scoot key.. FFS! I walk up and down where I'd been walking, thank goodness the shop owner that I sat outside found it and gave it back!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Geeeze,.. The woman is a bit stressed cos they want this new contract with this school and I'm about 30mins late.

The place we end up in is definately not the address she gave me, so HA! Can't get pissy with ME as you GAVE me the wrong address...The class had only 4 girls in, very quite.. But we play some games, an towards the end I was impressed with myself for engaging them for so long, and at the end they had definately opened up a bit.. which was nice to see!

I get back and realise its TIIIIME for my Canadian visa application. Its all done, I stayed up late last night finishing it.. So it should be a case of just submitting right?..

WRRRONG! Hasn't opened? Tim calls and tells me that its definately not opened yet cos he's logged in since 18:45 ready for me :) He's quite busy with lesson planning when I get in, so i just finish reading my book and chat with Sunny on the phone..

I'm hungry so I pop out to get us some food.. As I'm about to pull off i hear "LOOOOORRIE, ITS OPENED...." I race upstairs, and after a bit of waiting my visa for Canada has been sent off!!! YYYEEEEEH BUDDY! F**k I'm excited.. I call Sunny and scream down the phone to him ahaha. So hopefully if I'm approved I'll aim to fly out January time.. Sunny will be flying out this September.. I'll see how money is around that time. May even go back to London for 3-6months before after finishing off SE Asia, as I'm here.. make some money see the fam and fly out of london.. ? HHHMM we'll have to see..

GOD I HOPE I GET IT!

Busy bee

lozza — Wed, 6 Mar 2013 15:45:00 GMT

Wow, what a first week this has been. I've been very bad at updating and I'm just gona summarise whats been happening instead of a daily update....

So, since saying good bye to the boys I've just been job hunting and hanging out with Tim. He's been super cute coming over to Sunny's with lunch and then poping by with dinner.. I met his friend Mackenzie (aka Macca) who had just come in from Korea, and she's awesome. Didn't end up going out with them that night which was annoying as there was a really good punk rock gig on.. But you know sometimes you just can't be bothered with going out.. This was one of them nights and I think it would have been nice for Tim to spend some time with his buddy instead of me all the time.. So I just watched some game of thrones and chilled.

One afternoon Sunny poped in and some of the other guys from the house & I went out to "green lake" and had some beers and played some scrabble which was a nice afternoon, and it was good to get out the house for a bit... Sometimes you just go crazy, but I'm taking as much relaxing in as possible till the crazy teaching starts... Met some of the other guys who live here and they seem nice enough- 1 girl in particular I got on with really well, so hopefully catch up soon? I'm really enjoying the community here!!!

Managed to get a job!! In a motorbike rental shop, not very well paid, but it'll do for now, and I'm starting tomorrow! In the evening Tim took me and Macca down to the water front so that he could meet with his buddy's for a longboarding sessh, and that was nice to meet yet more people and it was a good chance to get to know Macca more.. She's a laugh! Everyone here is so friendly! One of the guys that came down called Bush is actually a DJ and we've been invited to check out his set at this regaee bar down town..

We missed Bush's set which was a shame cos we were waiting on Sunny.. haha.. But we had an awesome night, and Tim introduce me to his band mates and they seem pretty cool will be nice to meet them again properly. As we left to go home.. Macca, Tim and I noticed that his tyre was a bit flat and wouldn't be a good idea to drive 3 of us on the scoot home.. So we ended up meeting his scooter guy who thankfully lived in the area and was able to meet us to collect the bike.. We met him after getting a bit lost lol and ended up getting in a cab home.. We got in quite late so we just fell asleep quite quicky.. ANNND itsmy job interview tomorrow and I dont' wana be hanging... I swear since Vang Vieng I just can't drink! hahahaha Stupid tubing..

First day of work wasn't too bad. Managed to walk there without getting too lost.. When I got there I had a little chat with the boss who doesn't speak the best English but the other guy Albert from Canada explained the job and said I can start tomorrow!!! Its not the best paid job but its enough for rent for now.. I can always do teaching p/t which at this stage may be better suited? Seems like alot of people here take a few p/t jobs..

We ended up going to a fantastic conert that Tim got tickets for. Tokyo jazz club.. uuuuhh It was SO good. Shame we got there to late, but it was still awesome. Bumped into some of the people I met last weekend there which was nice. But I can't and don't really want to drink that much cos I have an interview tomorrow for a bike rental shop.. But I have a few, had an awesome dance and took photos with the police officers that ended up getting into trouble with the boss man for letting us all take photos, haha. Afterwards we went to Madakay which is a bar/music performance place... I was pretty tiered by this point.. But I was pretty keen to check this place out, seems like its the place to be... and it was, so many of us westerners.. Good vibe and we caught some of Bush's set and it was siiick, really enjoyed it, haven't been to a dubstep/dnb night in agesssss and it was awwwwesome.. Bumped into some of the guys from the house aswell so we all had a little boogy:) Tim and I ended up going home early though cos I was just super tiered... Felt a bit bad cos I was happy to jump in a cab on my own, but Tim insisted on coming, bless him... Had such a good night, little bit gutted I couldn't stay and drink.... Nevermind, got pleanty of time!

Work was tiering but I'm enjoying having the girls here. Mingh is Mr Phung's daughter. She's super sweet.. Took me for brekkie and introduced me to some other foods I haven't tried yet, so thats been cool.. We've been sitting in the shop chatting, playing kaeokee and helping her and her friend learn English:):) Oh and braiding my hair:) Love them both..Had a bizzaree morning where I was asked by Mr Phung to help him on a job.. we drive a little bit and get to his father in law's house.. The scoot isn't turning over... So its obviously not working.. How are we supposed to get this back? Oh thats how, with me sitting on it and him pushing the bike (while he's on his) and he's driving whilst pushing me down a freeway.. if a car came, he'd push out hard so i'd sail through the traffic and he'd collect me again.. It was so funny- Only in SE Asia and thankgod I have insurence! LOOOLZ I've been told I have to try learning manual today.. UUURRRH Super nervous.. Put it off for awhile, but ended up going for it and it was awesome! Mingh's friend had been learning too, she's like 19 and tiny on this huge honda win.. and she took me for a drive around the lake- stalled a few times, but she inspired me to get up an go, so I did it.. And so HAPPY I did, cos it was awesome, and I got the hang of it quite quickly.. I'm gona be taking it home soon.. I'm still enjoying the semi auto I've just started to learn on though!

Mingh said she'd take me to some places to shop cos I still need trousers/tee-shirts etc.. So I get in touch with Macca and she met us afterwork, and we drove out to some places that she knew and let us wonder around bless her.. I didn't end up really buying anything wans't really my taste, but Macca did and I enjoyed hanging out with them both- Tim called half way through to see what was up and what was the plan for dinner.. He's mentioned pizza.. YUUUMM.. We've gotten into this habbit of ordering western food late at night and end up scoffing it in bed hahaha.. It takes me awhile to get back, got a little lost.. but I get there.. We order pizza AAANNND there's artichoke and ham which I'm just sooo keen for.. YUUMM. Tim's offered me to stay with him at his, which would make sense as I'm round there all the time and poor Sunny has to let me in in the morning's so I can change etc.. So it is easier.. Just super weird and fast, but thats travelling for you. We head over to Sunny's.. Pack up and head back and then I unpack again!

Woke up late on my 2nd day!!!! but managed to pull it off thankgod. Went to the same brekkie place Mingh took me too which made me relax.. Needed some food. When I got in my boss had racked up shots of vodka for everybody.. Can't say no, haha?!

Albert showed me some bikes and went through the in's and outs of them all so I can understand better and obviously can upsell which was cool.. Ended up leaving early for class... Which was cancelled anyway, but came back to help them put the bikes back into the shop for night.. Got back home & chilled

Yesterday was pretty cool... Managed to get the day off with Tim.. So we lay in, drove down to the Old Quater and had some brekkie/lunch.. We found a cool little Pho spot and scoffed that down.. Then we had a little walk over Long Bein bridge again which was nice and it was SUCH a nice day.. The walk is still amazing and we sat down and had a beer... We ended up sitting on a beer corner for around 3hours.. The beer is like 6000vnd which is like 20c so we spent 150,000 between 2 of us on rounds and rounds of beer, had a great time. Met some cool people.. But ended up leaving to go to west lake for a chill out with poi and the guitar

We never made it to west lake. I was quite drunk and sleepy so I had a small nap.. Then the guys from the band came round but Sunny was going out so we had to leave his.. Ended up going to a bar down the road.. Had to leave and get food though I was starving! A GF of mine who I met back in Chiang Mai (Kirby) met up with us to hang out- and Tim arranged for us all to hang out at the stuido whilst they practised..

There was a good group of us there, and it was sucha good night.. The music was awesome, beers were flowing.. Such a good night, thankgoodness I woke up!!! Adrian the bass player from South Africa got me doing tambareen which I'm apparently really bad at?! lol.. It was nice that Kirbs came out and her and Macca got on so well..

After practise we headed back to beer corner and the same group of guys where there. They were so funny.. They had bought everything that was being sold by the street vendures.. Books/masks/vodka hahaha.. dinosaur balloon which we all had to kiss.. Got kicked out though and Kirbs ended up going out with the guys whilst Tim, Macca and I drove home.. Got work tomorrow and Tim looks shattered! Such a good night..

Gona try now keeping this blog updated, cos I'm worried I'll forget things... But so far Hanoi is amaaaazing! Looking forward to moving into the main house in a few weeks mind..

REUNION!!!!

lozza — Wed, 27 Feb 2013 19:27:00 GMT

Tim heads out to band practise and I get back into Petes... Don't feel like much, I'm not feeling well? Bit of an upset tummy...? I end up just having a wash and taking a moy that lasted too long.. By the time I've woken up Tim's called to see if I'm hungry and comes over with some food.. Its quite late in the arvo and I'm definately being super lazy- I need to get a scoot still! We help Pete move rooms upstairs which doesn't take long at all.. Its a really nice breezy room:) Very pleased for him but a bit jealous cos this would be the room in the flat that i'd want.. haha.

Stijn messages me saying they're back in Hanoi and its partttty tiiiiime. Tim and I head out to meet them at the hostel for a few beers. Its so nice to see them!!! The photos look amaaaazing! Super jealous. Tim, Pete and I have figured seeing as they havne't been either to go for my birthday in May seeing as the weather is gona be nice round that time.. So its savesavesave...

We have some draft beers at the side of the road on little stools which cost us 5000VND which is about 20c/15p... super cheap. Its the same price to drink water!! Its nice to have a catch up with them all... We bump into Adrian, Tim's bassist in the street which was quite random.. Tim and I get chatting and I'm telling him how daft it is to be paying for this hostel when I've not been back in nearly 5days... I don't want to presume Pete will allow me to stay and I don't want to crowd him, but it is daft and wasting money- And besides I did put him up back in NZ.. But I feel bad asking.. Tim though is offering for me to stay with him.. I'd like that I guess, but I don't want to get in the way and I don't want to feel like baggage? Its annoying.. lol. Anyway, i'm grateful he's offered and he's gona talk to his flat mates and see if they wouldn't mind.. so we'll see.

We get some food with the guys, but nothing on the menu is taking our fancy, we want fuh! We finish our beers and head just down the road for some fuh. Its soooo gooooood. And we get back to them in the nick of time just as they were paying. They wana go bubble bar again, hahaha.. only for a few, don't feel like drinking much and also Tim has school early and I don't want him to be out late for the sake of me...

We have a great little night- Laughing gas, sheesha and some beers, but by 11pm its home time. Say my final goodbyes to the boys and we head back on the scoot....

It was funny seeing the group again, alot seems to have changed, in a nice way.. its like we've all grown up and found new paths and I'm still so blessed I was part of that for the month we had.. Gona miss them, LOTS x

Interview

lozza — Tue, 26 Feb 2013 19:09:00 GMT

I get up quite late, and there's a message on my phone from Pete asking if I've eatern and if not he'll bring back some food.. Bless him. Can't remember again what its called, but its fat noodles, beef, eel, onion and lettace with quail eggs.. Its delish! Starting to like the food here.. But still missing the spice!

I slowly start getting ready for this interview and work out that its around 6clicks away so the cab shouldn't be stupidly expesive.. Walking up the ally ways was hard, felt a bit lost at times, but I manage to get to the main road and hail a cab which was the company Pete recommended. Its a ok drive, the traffic is a bit slow, but I left in pleanty of time and I'm even early! The school is very nice and I'm getting stared at the whole time and being told I'm beautiful and where is my husband... lol. I meet the director who's lovely and a guy- for some reason I was thinking it was a woman?! He surprises me by telling me his teacher for the afternoon class can't come and if I can take over for an hour! eeeeeeeerrrrrrrrr whhhhat? I'm not prepaired, nothing. But I agree and head down with him. F**k I'm scared. We get some flash cards and some playdough and get into the class room. They're all so cute and can speak very good English, better than some of the kids I taught back in Thailand...

We end up having a nice afternoon, still crapped myself and I was glad that there was another teacher in there, cos they're wild. They don't sit for long, they constantly scream... Wow I was tiered after just 1hour.. Am I really cut out for kindy?! We played with playdough, making animals, sang songs, played a few games... It was a nice afternoon and they even paid me for that hour, which was nice of them.

I have a missed call from Pete when I get out and I'd forgotten that we arrnaged to have dinner, but I didn't realise at the time that I was gona teach.. He's cool though and says to meet him later. I give Tim a quick buzz to see where he is. He's been at his band practise all afternoon and we did arrange to meet up maybe for some shisha and a beer?

I decided on walking back. For some reason i really want to walk- Its about 45mins, but didn't feel like it till I stopped and my feet were vibrating. Thank god for google maps though otherwise I may have got a little lost.. But it was a nice way to see a bit more of the city. Meet Tim at the top of the rabbit holes and he takes me out for some food. I am SUPER hungry after that walk... We have the same fuh dish, but without the soup.. It was very good, yuuuuum. We then jump on the scoot and head over west lake for some shessha.. I love the drive and sitting side saddle (I'm still in my teaching clothes) and I'm enjoying this feeling of things starting to work out.. Friends, job, home.. Just a shame my boys have left.. Miss them heaps!

The bar is looking out over the lake, and its very pretty.. We enjoy a few beers till I realise that I need to get back to a computer cos its time for the Canadian visa applications to open... Bless Tim he gets me back to his very quickly.. But what was the point. The website has crashed, he has bad internet reception and we're still trying at 2am... Its not long before I give the middle finger to the website and go to bed zzzzzzzz

I love Hanoi!!!!!

lozza — Mon, 25 Feb 2013 18:58:00 GMT

We wake up quite late and head for a meeting that Pete needs to get to for his website. Its in this quirky little cafe that does croque madame!!! Super happy and it was so good, just like how they are back in France. I was very pleased. We had a little drive around town and then as Pete was late back to his appointment for the denist I said if it was easier for him just to drop me back at the flat instead of driving me back to town... So I just take a shower, put on game of thrones and chill out. There's another party tonight for 1 of their house mates who's leaving to go back home to Germany.. so its nice just to chill for a bit.

People have started arriving by this point but I really wana get back to the hostel and pick up some spare clothes... So before that we have a little walk to get a coffee by the lake and it was the best ice coffee I've had in SE Asia. Its like black coffee with creme at the bottom and you slowly stirr it in and its like chocolate milk, WOWOWOWOW! Its amazing, could easily have about 20 of those, no problem! We are just on a eating mission and eat cakes at the bakery before we head on the bike to meet a friend of Petes. We meet this guy and have tea at the side of the road which was really nice and it was so cheap. He was telling us that there are stuio flats to rent out by west lake for like 100$ a month, mayyyy look into that? We say our good byes though as its getting late, and Pete still needs to do his work for his lessons next week and this party for his room mate has started ages ago.. So I dash in, grab my bag and we set off.

It was really nice sitting on the roof, chilling out listening to Tim play guitar, had a few beers.. Very lazy/slow day but its gona get so much more hectic when work starts to come in, and i've got an interview for a school that is set up for teaching orphans which i'm looking forward to. Its only part time but its a good way to gain a bit more experience, cos I'm still petrfied of teaching!!!

Get into bed at around 4am cos Tim and I jus couldn't stop chatting away.. It was a really nice evening:)

Old friends.... and new places

lozza — Sun, 24 Feb 2013 18:37:00 GMT

I remember waking up at some point of the night with Stijn asking for a blanket.. Think we had them all?

Getting up again, missed brekkie. Stijn was still asleep and Matt had left for the tour and left me a little note which i'm gona add to my scrap book <3 Such a lovely guy I do hope to meet him again some where.... I head back to the hostel and grab a coffee. Plan to meet Pete soonish, so I just stay away from bed and stay on the computer. Its a nice day out and I decided to wear shorts which was deifnatley strange. The rest of the group come over trying to book their tour and it seems they've found more people to add to their group- MAN I'm jealous!

Skype Pete to arrange to meet here at 2ish. I'm really looking forward to it. Haven't seen him in 2 1/2 years, back in NZ and he's been here nearly 6months so I'm hoping he can show me some new places... When he gets here he's on a bike, apparently cost him $100, super jealous its an awesome machine but I am nervous about getting on the back of the bike in this crazy traffic! hhhhmm

Isn't too bad and its awesome weather and I'm seeing new places. Can't wait to get settled and get a bike and I start thinking about if Catba is a good idea, I can't run away from teaching forever....?? We have a nice lunch in a place that Pete knew and managed to get the terrace table which had an awesome view over the road. The food was LUUUSH too. We have a little drive around so I can buy a phone. Its about time and if I'm staying for awhile I need to be contactable... We stop in some clothes shops too, still wouldn't mind a coat/shoes and trousers.. Bless Pete for putting up with it:-) We find a phone, on sale for $70AUD which isnt' too bad for a andriod smart phone- This has to be the last one for awhile, can't afford another phone braking/getting stolen.... Get a chip too and I'm alllll set up, super excited.

I'm really enjoying this drive, seeing other parts of Hanoi and that its a lovely city. We head back to Petes and bump into some of his roomies when we were picking up beers from the shop and they're nice:) Where Pete lives is in these ally ways, they remind me of rabbit tunnels.. They're super tiny, narrow and you have to beep at every corner cos they're aren't any mirrors, its chaos but super cool- I'd get SO lost in these its insane. Getting into the flat was a relief, I'm tiered! We drink some beers n chill out- The flat is really nice and full of expact teachers and I'm told there is a room coming avaliable only in a few weeks.. hhhmmm.. More reasons to stay perhaps, is this a sign?? There's actually a house party tonight so we drive back to my hostel so I can change my clothes and head on over.. Its not too far from where Pete lives and we had to drive across this amazing road through west lake which is just super beautiful, wow... I'm really enjoying Hanoi and espcially getting out of the old quater....

By the time we get to the party everyyyyyone is loose. Playing beer pong and all. I don't know anyone and I'm feeling people are just very involoved in their drinking.. The view from this apartment is amaazing and I get lost looking out the window smoking ciggerettes looking over west lake. I chat to some people who were very nice and have my photo taken cos I'm wearing my crazy blackmilk galaxy leggins.. Its a nice atmosphere but I'm not really in the mood to get loose at all. I end up meeting another of Pete's friends and we hit it off straight away, he's very charming from Canada and is a musican who also teaches. We have so much in common its rather scary and Pete's got the biggest grin on his face " I knew use would hit it off..." and he's right... hhhmm, feeling very giiggle and girly, whats with that?!!?!?!!?!

The party dies down after awhile and a group of us want some food. So we all get downstairs to the garage and get on the scoots heading to "food street." When we get there I reconise it to be the same place we did kareoke in just the other night, hahaha.. We get some "fuh" Not sure how its spelt.. but its lush. Its like noodle soup with beef, coriander and onion and you get this bread that is like douhnuts with out the sugar, mmm its wonderful:) We drive back and head to bed.. Such a good night. The community here is brilliant and I can't wait to be a part of it

Long Bein Bridge

lozza — Sat, 23 Feb 2013 17:31:00 GMT

Getting up was a struggle, not feeling to bad, but not great. Coming downstairs there all here, but I've missed brekkie:( Frans & Hannah wana go to the lake and Matt, Bini and I end up joining them.. We head towards somewhere that Bini can make some calls and then onto some food. These phone calls end up taking a long time cos she can't connect.. And its already midday and I'm hunnnnngry!

We find a place towards the lake, a local joint and head up stairs for a seat- Frans & Hannah end up going ahead cos they're not hungry. We're not sure what to order, and it seems they just come upstairs with a bit of everything and you tell them what you want and then they write up the bill... GEEEZE its a bit expensive and cos Bini doesn't have any money Matt and I end up paying like 110,000 each, way over my budget and I'm a bit annoyed. I know she needs to eat, but still bit irritated! Anyway the food ends up being amazing and we scoff as much as possible cos we might not eat later, lol.. Bini ends up leaving half way through wanting to catch up with the others?

We walk to the lake and its so pretty. There's an old temple on a smaller island in the middle and we see if its possible to walk out to it, so we stroll around the waters edge just chatting away and I'm really enjoying Matt's company.. He's so interesting and he's only 18! As old as my brother and he's done and been through SO much.. He's just lovely. I'm really enjoying the wideness and open space compared to the Old Quater and we walk and see that we wouldn't be able to get across.. But we see a massive bronze statue of an ancient warrior who faught back in 825! Old guy. We have a little chat to a couple who are here on holiday to visit family, but now live in Melbourne.. They're super lovely and tell us that the temple is thousands of years old and then we realise no wonder we can't go to it, it would be a shame to ruin it. They point us in the direction of where there is another famous lake where there is a plane crash in.. Sounds coool.. but we thought to walk over the bridge to the east of Hanoi where Matt went yesterday and apparently on the way over there are rice feilds and loads of trees in the middle of the city- I saw the photos and I'm keeeeeeen...

Its a long walk to the bridge but how ever much you walk in this city you will always see new things/places and thats whats so enjoyable about it. When we get to the bridge its 2 lanes with a train track in the middle and a tiny foot path- Its about 1.5clicks, but its just amazing, words can't describe.. I mean there are slums on the water front and so much debry, but for some reason it just has so much charm and its just amazing, seriously amazing. There are even little woman along the side of the path selling corn, herbs, tomatoes and its obviously just been picked from the plantation below the bridge. We look out over the water and see fisherman but they're rowing with their feet, and using the arms to bang against the side of the boat to attract fish- It was wierd, but very cool:)

We pop down the side of the bridge on a foot path and walk around the plantations. People live there, and they seem not to mind us being there.. I suddenly notice how quite it is and its lovely to be in a wide space and no noise.. You can just about hear beeps from the traffic very very far away and its so blissfull, totally loving it. We help a guy unload a box from his bike and watch him take it down to the river where people are swimming.. We get shhh-ed away though after awhile by a guy in his undies, haha.. We walk for aaages around this field and its lovely. We continue back to the bridge where we see people digging this wierd paste coal and putting it into an oven.. Seriously strange.

We've been walking for 4hours and I'm deifnatley feeling it. We continue walking for another 3clicks and get to the house where Matt had tea with this family, and they're in and welcome us in. They can't speak very good English, so its all hand signals and gestues. Bit concomfortable at first but after awhile we sit down with the boy (Can't remember his name..) and talk about music, and school and it was actually very enjoyable- and he has the fluffyest cat I've ever seen, totally adorable.. Called Kitty. We must of been there for about an hour drinking tea, but its getting late and we've still got to walk back as its gona get dark soon. So we take some photos together and head off.

We get to the hostel finally, my feet are dead... I arrange with Matt to come over for free beers later. Getting back to the dorm Bini is in, but instead of getting into bed i just crash on the computer, if I get into bed i'll fall asleep for sure. It gets to 6 and we head over for some free beer. Getting to the hostel there is a small group sitting on a tiny roof and they're pouring this beer from a plastic bottle into tiny tea cups- hhaha.

Matt and I decided we are keeeen for some KFC and decided to head over to the nearest one also on the way to the booking agency so that he can try get on the same tour for Ha Long Bay with the girls.. Nancy comes with too and we walk over to KFC. AAAARRRRGH it was SO good, but far too much over my budget for the day, never mind cos sometimes you just need some crappy food. After waiting like 15mins for my burger (!!!!!) We grab a table upstairs which has a lovely view over looking the lake and its very pretty and we have the whole floor to ourselves. We meet Nancy downstairs who went out for some street food- We head to the booking place and I am SO tiered. I just don't feel like going out at all, but still wana have a convo with people, but just not in a loud bar, so I was very glad that Nancy suggest a nap back at the room and then maybe go out?

Man I can't get outta bed, and there is a doco on about wierd piercings & tattoos which is just up my street and I get waaaay to comfy. Poor Frans was in and obviously wanting a quite one but not long after Nancy & I arrive Matt and the girls come back and we all pile in bed together watching this program. haha. Nancy does manage to get back out, but Matt and I are comfy and decided to crash- The girls head back to their hostel as they all need to be up early tomorrow for the tour, so its an early night for us and a more comfy bed too :D

In need of clothes ASAP!

lozza — Fri, 22 Feb 2013 15:12:00 GMT

Get woken up at 9am by Bini asking me if I wana grab some brekkie.. Seems daft to chimp out in bed all day, so I get up and come downstairs. Man its cold... brrrrr... Brekkie is good, onmlette and toast and some extremely bitter coffee.. Should do the trick. Frans turns up and says some of the guys wana head out to get some clothes so we arrange a time to meet back here...

Getting outside and seeing the crazyness is awesome. I'm so pumped for the day!! There is SO much to take on its like being back in India again, I'm loving it, but I need some clothes asap! We start walking towards a market thats marked on the map which isn't too far, but there is so much to take in.. You can't walk the pavements there's just too much on them, your getting beeped at all the time, you just gotta walk! We walk past some food stalls and notice that there is dog thats been cooked and just lying there ready to be bought, totally sick, can't even look! grooooooss!!!!

Can't get anything in this market, its far too expensive.. Just insane. i mean its cheap for us if you convert, but I tend to think in local currency and figure out my budget that way it just seems too much.. So Bini and I stroll off in search of shops as opposed to markets in the hope they'd have fixed prices cos they sure don't like to bargin here! We walk around which seems to take forever, and all the streets look the same... We find some awesome Chinese temples just dotted around the streets which was nice, and un expected. We end up finding nothing though, so walk back to the market, but its still stupidly expensive.. I find a army shop and want a coat from there, and its 600,000VND which is like $30, which is good value, but again hhmm bit much in local currency.. I give up at this point and we head back towards the hostel via some food- We find an ok priced place, and order. It just rank, I can't eat it.. Then when we come to pay they try charging me 15,000VND for a water, when in the shops its 5,000.. I'm getting stressed with this constant battle with money!!! We walk around for a bit longer, hoping to find something but we don't and head back to the hostel i need a moy!

Waking up after my moy was good, but still sleepy... We head over to the other hostel where the boys are and the free beers:) Stijn and Nancy end up having a sleep themselves and arrange to meet us later. So the rest of us head out to get some food. We find a nice bit of street food, but we all hardly get under the table they're so small.. I'm sitting with my legs so spred it actually hurts! haha. The food ended up being really good, but still not spicy enough! I miss Thailand for its for its food for sure! We walk towards some bars and get given a random flyer for some bar with free cocktails and laughing gas.. DOOONE! We head there but its dead, but we get our drinks and its not too bad after a few.. Nancy & Stijn arrive a bit later and we all do some balloons together:) I'm gona miss these guys!!!!! Its been a month and its nearly over, they're going to Ha Long Bay or Sapa and I'm off to HAiphong then to Catba for some work (if it works out)

Stijn somehow manages to waggle a free shisha! Super happy cos we've been going on about it for ages, and its always been so expensive! The manager even gives us free shots, the nights going well. But I'm sad/happy sad.. Talking with Frans & Stijn about our adventures was nice..

Hannah finds out there is like a dance floor upstairs, so we head up there.. Bini is so drunk at this point bless her, she's getting looooose! WE are quite drunk at this point, we're taking photos, and hugging and i cry... Man I'm gona miss them... At the end of the night the police come up to close the bar down and we're told there is an afterparty. So we hang around to find the details out. But by this point Bini is needing to be taken home- So Stijn, Nancy, Frans & I take her. Dom & Hannah get in a cab to this bar, and we get the address so we're able to catch up later... Along the way though Bini drops her purse and its just snatched up by a guy and she bolts towards the car, but its gone. SHIT! We get back and tell her to sort it out when she gets up, so Nancy & I put her in my bed cos there is noway she can make the climb to the top bunk.. and head on out.. Walking out though I just can't help but pinch a beer from the fridge which is right by the door and not even locked! IIIDDDDIOTS!! hehehe...

We get to this address, but can't see anything.. We get out anyway and walk up the street.. Hearing music we're like aaahh we found it...? We haven't but we can do kareoke! Done. They take us into the lift and to a booth and get us some beers. MAN IT WAS HILARIOUS, like Chiang Mai all over again.. Super hilarious, we even get the vengaboys!!! AH such a good time, hilarious!! We're all ontop of the sofas screaming away into the mics.. Frans even falls asleep at somepoint.. I have no idea what the time is?!

Having a few problems with money- They're trying to charge us for the "time" of the room, which they didn't warn us about.. Typical. Bless Nancy she can speak a bit of Veitnamse and we end up paying a small fee and the beers. When we go to leave the boys head towards the lift, but I notice the way out is just next to us?! Odd, why did they take us into a lift? Makes me feel that they were trying to confuse us cos they could see we were totally smashed! Very odd.. Nancy & I are obsessing over KFC, like going wild for it! Can't find 1 but find a small street cafe open.. At 4am! Geeze.. The food was ok, still not spicy! aaaargh! Layer on some chilli oil, but its not the same.. :(

We grab a cab back, and head to bed..

Welcome to NAAAM bitchhhhez

lozza — Thu, 21 Feb 2013 14:27:00 GMT

Waking up, its raining and I need to pee.. i get off the bus after pinching some umbrella and pee at the side of the bus.. Good mooorning Veitnam!

We have to walk across the boarder and get our exit stamps outta Laos, and there is alot of confusion.. After waiting for awhile a manage to get the guys attension, flash him a smile which works a treat and he takes it off me.. Still takes fooorever to get a stamp, but its done and I just need to get back on the bus, I'm high on valium and I'm falling asleep so I scoot off to find the arrival desk for Vietnam

There isn't one.. Well not close by- apparantly 1km down the road, we walk for a bit, but its raining and seems crazy that they'd make us walk down the road, so we wait for the bus.. Get back on, drive down the road, through some craaazy mud (thankgod we didn't walk!) and we arrive at the Veitnam boarder to chaos... So many people, so many buses I'm cold and wet and hope its not gona take too long..

My mouth feels like arse and tastes worse, I grab my toothbrush and decided to brush my teeth here- Can't have a shower so the least I can do to feel fresh is to brush my teeth, haha.. Stijn joins me and we're both standing at the boarder brushing our teeth at some broken sink, outside freezing cold and to top off this bizzare moment its raining... WELCOME TO NAAAM!

We get to the desk after a small walk.. Not much of a que but we have to pay $1 for the stamp?! Poor Dom's handing out more $$ as no-one expected to be paying for the stamp.. We had over the passports and wait.

UURRRM why is our bus unloading our luggage at the side of the road, and then driving off? We all look at each other confused and worried that we're moving buses, to a smaller one! aargh don't say that! I jump back on the bus with Frans cos i left all my stuff out on my seat and get my main bag- I'm guessing that its like when I did the cross to Malaysia on the train- you gotta take your luggage and be responsible for it.. Some ones talking about x-raying?!

Get my passport back.. Grab my bag, walk down, back on the same bus!? no x-ray?! and get comfy again.. What a drama! haha, WELCOME TO NAAAAAAAM biiiitchez haha!

After a snooze we stop for lunch around 1pm and thankfully we can use kip- get some spring rolls and rice which was nice, but needed some sauce and we're off again, back to my snoooozzzzze

We get into Hanoi around 8pm, suppost to be 5, but 8 isn't too bad.. The boys were sitting close to a group of American's who seem pretty cool and we all jump in a cab back to our hostel with them..

But I mean, are these clown taxi's? Like seriously.. 4of us, luggage with a non exsisting boot, how is this gona work?! But it does, somehow?! lol

The taxi metre is jumping up and its obviously ripping us off on purpose, 500,000 for a 10min ride isn't right at all... so we just keep an eye on it.. the other cab is somewhere close to 600,000 which I think is around $50 (AUD) We get the the road of the hostel (not the actual hostel, still gotta walk?) and we've worked out that its something like 10,000 per km.. So we work out what that is and tell the driver we're not paying your 600,000dong but obviously they have no idea what we're saying and I tell the guys to just put the money in the car and walk off, what can they do?! We do that and start walking, but Matt is grabbed by one of them and its a bit confusing.. Not feeling threatened though.. WE manage to just get Matt free, drop the money in the car, and walk.. They don't walk after us nothing! What can they do against 8people?!

We can't find the hostel at first and end up walking too far, but we do eventually.. They don't have space in our 1 for the other group of 4, but they have a room with 2 double beds in and our original booking with 4 beds in the dorm- I want dorm, so I'm staying here.. Need my space, really not keen to share a bed..

Dom, Hannah, Bini & I take the dorm- Frans, Stijn, Nancy and Matt take the beds across the road which is part of our hostel anyway- free beers between 6-7, free brekkie, hot shower, internet.. Its not bad and I bagsy a bottom bunk, yeeeeeeeeeh buuuuddy.. We arrange with the others to meet up in a bit for food. Gotta sort out my bag, its wet and muddy and everything in the bottom compartment is soaked as smells of damp :(

We meet the others, and we head off for some food and a ATM.. En route however we notice a scoot swerving towards us and a mob of about 50 people chasing after him, with knifes and a ladel (haha?) totally mayhem and alarming to say the least! Turns out the guy had stole something from someone- note to self, don't piss off the locals!

We find a place for some food and its really nice, not spicy though!:( By th end of the meal the guys wana get drunk, but Hannah, Matt and I just wana go bed, so we head back. Can't get into our hostel? urrrm?? So we walk to the other one, which apparently is just round the corner?? Can't find it.. But we do bump into the boys who tell us there's a bell.... doh! We get back, see the bell and get to bed, hahaha!