“Sorry, I live here”

Going to Bui Vien- the tourist hub of Ho Chi Minh City- has become a Friday and Saturday night ritual for my group of teacher friends. It gives us a chance to go out, have fun and forget about the weekday stresses. Often I get asked “So how long are you staying in Saigon for?” or “Where are you travelling to next?” to which my friends and I jokingly reply with “Sorry but we live here”. Sometimes I feel envious of those with the financial ability to do that; however I know that I am gaining a great experience and really discovering the “Real Vietnam”.

Having been living in Ho Chi Minh City for nearly three months now, I am finally starting to get used to my surroundings. I live in District 7 (originally I thought I was in the Hunger Games!), which is a distinct Vietnamese area. I often get looks, as it does feel like I’m the only white girl in the district, but locals here are so friendly so I never feel intimidated in my area.

I live with four other teachers (4 English and 1 Irish) and a Vietnamese family live on the ground floor. This includes a 70 year old part- blind, deaf and dumb lady, who we have developed a kind of sign language with. Often, we don’t have a clue what each other is saying, but it is nice to have a grandmother like figure who always greets you when you arrive home after a long day. I had an incident (see my “Getting Around” post), where somehow she could tell I was upset and gave me a hug. It was the best thing ever.

Although every aspect of life here is so different to the Norfolk country life I have been bought up with, I am trying to immerse myself in it as much possible. This keeps me on my toes and busy all day every day, and doesn't give me time to have any potential homesick feelings. I know that if I didn't keep busy each day, it could lead to this.

For those working in a completely different culture half way across the world, it can often feel like a very surreal feeling. Friends here who have been away for two years have told me that this feeling never really goes away. My parents often tell people in passing that their daughter is teaching English in Vietnam. This will always sounds bloody weird to me.