Hanoi Botanical Gardens and Creative Writing
Hello Little Ducks,
Well Sam had day 2 of his teaching odyssey today, which he will tell you all about, I am sure. Today I had a fairly lazy morning – biggest outing was to get watermelon from the fruit lady at the end of our driveway.
This afternoon I went into the botanical gardens. I am sure that they have been mentioned in previous posts but we visit them so much that I thought I would take the time for some details.
The Botanical gardens are situated across the road from us, there are three entry gates, 2 of these gates cost 2,ooo VND per (white) person or motorcycle, 1 inexplicably is free.
There are always at least 2 or 3 bride and grooms having their wedding photo’s taken, usually a very frilly, fru-fru affair. Big White Dresses are the name of the game.
We often play badminton in the park (along with much more athletic Vietnamese players) and generally its a great place to hang out, get a soft drink or go for a walk.
However, on a saturday, on your own can be a monumentally trying experience. Certain taboo’s that I am used to are not part of the Vietnamese culture, now, I am as much of a sticky beak as any one (in fact I am sure I could compete in the Nosy Parker finals), but I at least know how to pretend not to look, people here are perfectly happy to stare, and point openly, for ages, and don’t look away even if you catch their eye.
Now this happens all the time and I am getting used to it. However, walking around the lake with 60 or so pairs of eyes on you is daunting, and always makes me think I have something on my face or my skirt is ripped or something.
I was writing a letter and two boys (about 15) came up and stood behind me and started reading what I had written, their English was minimal and the letter was hardly scandelous but it was still a very surreal experience. The stupidest thing is that I felt rude for putting the letter away before they had finished reading it!
Speaking of writing…I observed one of the classes that I will be teaching, creative writing to 7-12 year olds. The class actually looks super fun! One of the girls Nam Fuan is adorble and latched on to me, she kept trying to pull my hair out t see what it would look like on her. The freckles continue to confuse.
Love you. Miss you
xoxoxo
Rose
Comments