How can I even begin to describe my first two weeks in Vietnam? Well, for starters I should apologize for not updating my blog. The days just seem to fly by; between training, planning for my classes and meeting over 150 new students time has evaporated and I’ve fallen woefully short of my goal to post weekly updates. Better late than never…

I arrived in hot and humid Hanoi amazingly well rested from my long plane ride. I managed to meet up with a fellow Apollo teacher from D.C. in the Visa line at the airport; the school had arranged our overnight stay in Hanoi and our transportation to Hai Phong the following day, so it was great to connect so early on. We dumped our bags at the hotel and hit the vibrant streets of Hanoi. I had my first Bahn Mi, which is a Vietnamese sandwich on a type of light, french baguette (there are remnants of French culture throughout Vietnam) usually filled with pate, fried egg, sliced cucumbers and carrots, although there are endless variations depending where you go. I also enjoyed my first beer (pronounced Bia)…the Vietnamese love their fresh beer made daily (Bia Hoi) and served everywhere for fifty cents to one dollar a glass.

We walked through the old quarter, made our way to the West Lake, veered into interesting alleyways, found markets of every description (food, fabric, meat etc.), stopped for coffee (and more bia) and visited a lakeside temple.

Hanoi is an assault on the senses – there are strange and wonderful smells; the air is filled with the sounds of honking horns and scooters; there are lush trees and flowers everywhere; the buildings are a fusion between colonial charm and mystical Asia; the food is beyond description – fresh, vibrant, balanced (and cheap!). In short, my first 24 hours in Asia is something that I will never forget. My love affair with Hanoi has only just begun…