Basic information

After seven weeks I have a daily routine. I get up at quarter to seven and have breakfast and a stroll through my quarter which is busy with people going to work, to school or work out. There is a lake and a temple and soft morning light. School starts at 8.30 but I ususally show up earlier and have tea with my teachers. The scene is dominated by the jovial and charismatic Dr Bảng who is supported by Mrs Hà, Mrs Thù Anh and Mr Bình. They all care much for me and they are very patient and dedicated when explaining me Vietnamese. Although progress is small, the language fascinates me. Learning a tonal language is like discovering the third dimension. They also show me how to worship at a temple and how to cook nêm spring rolls. Often we have lunch together at a cheap food stall. During noon the whole city sleeps. At two I get up and go exploring the city. Or I go swimming at a nearby pool, a shithole says my house mate Gary. Maybe twice a week I meet a girl from the neighbourhood to speak German and Vietnamese. The day gets exciting when my beer-thirsty friends Andreas, Ivo and Axel have finished work. When Axel has finally got permission from his wife, we usually go to a bia hơi beer garden where beers and time fly by so we will probably not go anywhere else that evening. Sometimes we go to a club or bar but most evenings do not end any later than 12 as the party police has still not relaxed their tight regime. Thursday is a highlight when we play football together with some expats and locals, organized by Teamchef Raimund and his Teamcheffin Klara.

Having a routine really helps to feel comfortable. Sometimes I still have to be upset about some flagrant Vietnamese manners but mostly I enjoy. I feel not like moving to Saigon in a month.