Still Transitioning...

It's strange because it feels like not a lot is happening here, which I'm sure isn't true. But I'm still transitioning and trying to figure out what life is going to look like. I'm hoping to hear this week about moving in with my host family, so I'll keep you updated on that. When that happens living in Viet Nam will be a very different experience for sure. As for now, it seems as if I'm still easing into the full culture.

With that said, Calah and I did get a taste of being surrounded by only Vietnamese on sunday. The Gioi (te zoi), the government run publishing house that she is an editor for, invited us on a field trip, along with the entire company. So at 7 am, 60 people, loaded up on 2 buses, for about an 1.5 hour drive, complete with a singing competition in which Calah and I sang 4 songs, followed by 6 hours at a natural resort/waterfall with 1 cultural dance, 3 meats I had never eaten before for lunch (rabbit, goat, baby bird), 1 nap after lunch, yet another singing contest, and then 1 final sleepy bus ride home. It was quite a day. It is so strange being at an event but not being able to really talk with the people there. Small talk becomes even smaller when all you can do is ask someone their name and age! But overall was fun. Calah and I were both glad we went.

This week is going to look pretty normal (unless I end up moving in with my family). Work, language classes, dinner with Derek's family, the usual. Last night Calah, Derek and I just sat in the living room and talked for a long time and it was really nice. He has been so welcoming and really made our transition here smooth. Last night we got to hear all about his first experience abroad (he lived in Cambodia) and stories of volunteers he's seen over the years. We got a lot of good stories, especially after I gently coaxed more out of him. What can I say, it's a skill :)