Friday is Frightday

Halloween day, which doesn't mean a whole lot to most Vietnamese, though goodness knows we expats try. My own efforts were rather tame compared to the teacher who showed up in a witch's hat and giant plush spider.

Afterwards I had intended to go to Sheridan's Irish House for their Halloween party, but it was so jammed packed I couldn't get in the door. Instead we went around the corner to Alibi, a French bar of excellent repute and reasonably priced cocktails. Too reasonable, actually: they were very strong and after only two I decided it was time to head home and eat my leftover pasta.

Thursday Come Early

This morning I had a new class: another public school, fairly early in the morning, thought not insanely so like the other one.

I was pleasantly surprised; the school wasn't too far away, the grounds were nice, and the students were actually at a higher level than any other students I currently teach. On my first day they got into an argument on the merits of rap music and demanded I teach them Spanish instead of English.

The only problem is the lack of resources. So far all the public schools I've seen have been clean and air-conditioned, but other than a blackboard and chalk I have nothing to work with. In the lower levels it's ok, but when things get more advanced and listening/speaking becomes a big part, half the textbook is unusable because I don't have a stereo.

Then Vietnamese class and to Cleverlearn to teach the kids about Halloween. I brought them some candy but they rejected it as being too cheap. Snobs!