My First Week in Melbourne

First of all, I probably won't keep up with this blog much longer because I have switched to Facebook. It is much easier to keep up with everyone that way. Please sign up (facebook.com)and designate me as a friend so you can get my messages and pictures.

I have attached a few pictures...

A few pictures of my place (note I spent 4-5 hours putting that ikea bed together...aren't you impressed?)

My first night out in Melbourne with a friend whom I worked with in Vietnam three years ago and my new flatemate (roommate).

UK Food Festival

If that exists...UK food and festival? Though the food was bad, our band had the chance to play. It was primarily a Vietnamese crowd--students wanting a taste of British cuisine and culture. (The expats and well traveled Vietnamese were at home having a good meal while we tried to make white bread with cheese or beans something we enjoyed eating.)

The following pictures consist of our performance and random pictures of Vietnamese fans asking for our autographs and photographs. Only in Vietnam!

Lemongrass

I'm now in an additional band for which I sing back-up. There are 9 members in the band: 2 female back-up vocalists, 2 guitarists (one who is also the lead vocalist/songwriter), 2 keyboardists, drummer, bassist, and one harmonica player. We play mostly originals but a few covers. Our first performance was a house party last Saturday, where 20 minutes before the party the electricity went out on the entire block. However, with a few candles and about 50 people, a great acoustic set was created. I doned a pair of leg warmers for the occassion. A girl has to have her flare.

AmCham Winter Gala

Our band played at this event and I'm still waiting for some additional pictures but will add them as they come. I don't actually have pictures of us playing but pictures of the guys in the band before and then dancing with friends afterwards.

A Visit to Quy Nhon

My friend Amy and I spent our Tet holiday (the Lunar New Year) relaxing in Nha Trang and Hoi An. However, we stopped for a day in Quy Nhon so that I could visit some of my former students and colleagues from Quy NhonUniversity.

I didn't tell too many people that I was coming through because I knew that I only had a limited amount of time. In 5 hours, we visited three homes, ate banh chung (a traditional sticky rice patty with meat and mung bean), and took a trip over the new bridge (now the longest bridge in Vietnam).

Though my time in Nha Trang and Hoi An was relaxing and fun, the highlight of my week was spending time with these students. They make me laugh and I've come to realize that they define what Vietnam is to me. Though there are days when Vietnam is tainted by the pollution, the endless honking of horns, and the mishaps that happen that make me question why in the world I'm here, I'm reminded of what has kept me here for four years when I spend a day with students who have let me become a special part of their lives.

Moving to Melbourne

Completely unexpected and undeserved, I received a scholarship that will cover my tuition, in addition to a living allowance, for my three-year Doctoral program. I'm overwhelmed, I'm excited, and I'm nervous.

I know that this semester will fly by but I intend to get the most of it.

A good Aussie friend, whom I work with, is providing ASL (Australian as a Second Language) lessons for me. She was clear that I'm yet a beginner but she hopes to broaden my vocabulary and understanding within the next 4 months. Its a lot of work but I'm dedicated.

Here are some of the words I've been learning:

Bogan--A person who takes little pride in his appearance, spends his days drinking beer and slacking.

Rack off--Get lost!

Arvo--Afternoon

Sanger--Sandwich

Pig's Arse--I don't agree with you

Good onya--Well done! Good for you!

Yobbo--An uncouth person

Drongo--a stupid person

Huge in Asia

Last week, I met three guys from Berkely who are traveling throughout Asia, documenting their travels through random videos. They are quite funny. Check out their website: http://hugeinasia.com.

Should I Stay or Should I Go

I decided not to renew my contract with the UN school, as I feel it is time to move on. I have been enjoying my time here in Hanoi, especially in regards to pursuing my musical aspirations, but there is an overall sense that it is time to go. My band has been able to perform at various functions, I'll be recording some original songs with an incredible musician/songwriter that lives here in Hanoi, and I'll be doing some backup vocals for another band. However, I have felt a lack of purpose professionally and that I've "sold out" in regards to my reason for living overseas. I came to Vietnam with a passion to immerse myself into Vietnamese culture and give something back to people by educating their youth. Now, I teach at a school that is estranged to the Vietnamese community and engulfed in an international bubble.

So, I have two options: Begin a doctoral program at the University of Melbourne (which I deferred after being accepted last April) or teach at a women's college in the United Arab Emirates. With one I would have to take out student loans and the other I would make good money. There are many pros and cons to both, but I'm hoping for some clarity in the next few months.