Lately I’ve been developing some new (and old) things with my lesson materials. This was caused by recently becoming a private tutor again. First, I got some online students through a friend with a connection to these students in Taiwan. I redesigned the lesson structure and content somewhat to be more appropriate for 1-on-1 and for communication skill teaching. It follows more of a hierarchical outline structure rather than the often stream-of-consciousness style of the free group class content (for…
Farm trip
I was invited to join a group that was going to someone’s farm for a picnic. It was about an hour out of the city. They had prepared many different foods for us. There was a sour green fruit that I didn’t know. I got to walk around in an orchard. There were many species of fruit tree growing there. It was a fun trip! Q. tell me about a memorable meal you had. Q. what is something that you…
Phan Rang cat
Since we came to Phan Rang, my cat has been really scared to go outside. In Thai Nguyen we used to go out and play a lot. Now she just wants to stay home. But it’s not good for her health to stay home all day. So I want to expose her to the outdoors little by little. This will help her get used to Phan Rang. I got a new cat backpack. It has a clear plastic window so…
Local produce
I saw grapes for sale and bought some. The seller said that they were grown in Phan Rang. I wanted to try them because I know that this region produces grapes. I’ve seen grape fields around here. The koi fish at the coffee shop all expect me to give them food, I think. They’re all gathered and they’re looking at me. They look like delicious dumplings. Q. What does your region produce? What do you produce? Q. What do you…
Going out and the weather
Every day this week I’ve gone to the cafe to work on my computer. The weather has been nice. I took the cat to the cafe today. I had been leaving her home because new cities are scary for cats, but now she is ready to ‘đi chơi’, I think. The staff at the coffee shop all do crochet. Whenever business is slow, they pick up their crochet hooks and yarn. One of the staff made this necklace for my…
First day in Phan Rang
I got off the train in the new city. The sun was very strong. The air smelled like a coastal city. The first meal I ate was banh canh. It was pretty good. It was different than the banh canh in Da nang. I have since found that this city has a lot of different foods. I went and bought a box and some sand at the pet supply store. My cat used them. What a relief. I was afraid…
The train ride
I took the train from Hanoi to Phan Rang. I had been considering going by plane, but I ended up taking the train option. I’m glad I did. I was hesitant because I thought it would be exhausting. It wasn’t too exhausting. I was in a bed. I slept or watched Youtube the whole time. The whole ride lasted 27 hours and went most of the length of Vietnam. It feels like a long distance in a way that it…
Moving out
I’m out of town now. I moved out. On the days leading up to it, I felt anxious. I couldn’t stop thinking, and I didn’t get much sleep. On the morning I moved out, I finished packing and cleaning. I took a photo of my full suitcase and my empty room. I said farewell to the people I met. Finally, I got on the bus to Hanoi. Q. What is your first thought when you wake up? Q. Have you…
Out of laundry soap
I’m out of laundry soap, so I need to get some more. The Winmart doesn’t have the single packet soaps, so I need to go to the other store. I sold my bicycle already, so I’m walking. It’s dark, so I must be careful. I walked 1.5 km, so I’m tired. But now I’m home, so I’m glad. Q. things = [forgot my assignment, ate a whole pizza, witnessed a crime, challenged a gangster] // “I {thing}, so…” Q. walking…
Fresh start
Out with the old and in with the new. It’s time for a change. I got a haircut. I look different, and I feel different too. These old clothes hold memories. It is now time to make new memories. A new day is a chance to make a change. It’s time for a fresh start. Q. Would you ever dye your hair? Q. Agree or disagree: I express my personality through the clothes that I wear.