In recent years, Vietnam has experienced a surge of media exposure that has brought visitors flocking. Whether it be the moped-strewn Hanoian streets, or floating villages of Ha Long Bay, this once closed country has earned a place on everyone’s bucket list. If you’re wanting to experience the aptly named “Land of smiles” for yourself,Continue reading “How to teach English in Vietnam”
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Moving from offline to online teaching: 5 things I’ve learnt so far
Swapping from school to screen is a decision many of us have had to make in the last twelve months. Though it may not be the tropical climate you hoped for, online TEFL is a great way to keep your mind engaged in “teaching mode” before we can travel again. Most importantly, it’s vital inContinue reading “Moving from offline to online teaching: 5 things I’ve learnt so far”
Creating an eco-concious classroom
Faced with habitat pollution, poaching, and an influx of waste, Vietnam finds itself in a battle against time to save their diverse ecosystem. Whilst western societies can afford the infrastructure needed to deal with the multitude of plastic, Asian countries struggle to cope. Inundated, the Vietnamese often have no choice but to burn the plastic,Continue reading “Creating an eco-concious classroom”
Hanoi in autumn
I last saw Vietnam in the oppressive heat of June- wilting in the shade and dozing beneath rice hats, so I was surprised to find a sprightlier city when I returned. As Vietnam is naturally tropical, it seems safe to assume Hanoi’s exemption from seasonal change. You can imagine my surprise then, when leaves theContinue reading “Hanoi in autumn”
Being a woman in Hanoi
As I wrestle with the bolt to lock my front door, I suddenly feel eyes on me. For a moment, I delay turning around, instead pretending to search my bag. The sun has left behind a faceless heat, hanging in the air and making my bare back drip with sweat. Finally, I meet the staresContinue reading “Being a woman in Hanoi”
Ninh Binh Province: an honest review
As the dead rat squished beneath my sandals, I realized that I was long overdue a break from the city. Luckily, Hanoi is spoilt for choice when it comes to weekend destinations, and Ninh Binh province hosts one of many national parks that encircle the capital. After just two hours on the train, you reachContinue reading “Ninh Binh Province: an honest review”
Surviving Culture Shock
It’s my Seventh week in Hanoi, and I’m only just writing my first blog post. I could say that I’ve been busy, too swept off my feet by Vietnam to write anything, but that would only be partly true. The euphoric buzz of my first two weeks had faded into a jitter, and I foundContinue reading “Surviving Culture Shock”
Mis-interpreted Middle Fingers
One image that’ll stick with me forever is this: a sea of ink- stained middle fingers rising up around me, followed by a chorus of: “Fuck you, teacher!”. I wobbled in shock, repeating “excuse me?” to the beaming faces gazing up at me. “How are you, mother fucker?” a boy of seven replied. ItContinue reading “Mis-interpreted Middle Fingers”
Jigsaw City 