What is up in Vietnam?? Quite a few remarkable things have happened lately, and I want to tell you all about it. First of all, after several days of rain (which you might expect during the rain-season), they have finally released water from the hydro-power dams up in the mountains. This has consequences for people living in the low-lands. Partly due to the typhon that has been raging in the south now for a while, and that even got onto the news back in Norway, there have been massive amounts of rain and wind that makes the streets here flood with muddy water. People’s houses have partly been flooded as well, and those of us that are lucky enough to be living in a house that is still dry on ground-floor level, are keeping well inside without having to go through too much trouble. Ironically, the situation is both funny and awful at the same time. Seeing people rowing their boats through the streets and charging stranded people for a lift to wherever they need to be, is somewhat amusing. It seems to have become quite popular amongst the locals, as a good opportunity to earn a few thousand-extra dongs. We who aren’t as fortunate of owning a boat, has filled up our food-storages and are planning to stay inside for as long as we have to. On a more serious note though, the circumstances are quite dramatic for some people, and there have been reported injuries and even death over the news, but we must remember that this is the rare case. Of course, we are all so blessed to be who we are in this moment, and it is with gratitude I think we are going to look back on this in the future.
Getting breakfast delivered at the doorstep
We are currently four days away from our group paper deadline, and everyone is focusing on writing and reading. What happened to the time I should ask – this semester is already almost over. As incredibly cliché as it may sound, I want to enjoy the days left here as much as possible. Writing our group exam has been really interesting – my group is focusing on waste management here in Hoi An, which is something that is close to my heart. It has also allowed everyone to see people in a different light, and even though we all are going to say goodbye soon, I feel certain that some are going to keep in touch with each-other after we leave.
Multitasking whilst studying 😊
Another big thing is taking up my time here at the moment, and that is our new house and family-member Taco (not my idea to call him that!). Taco is a rescued kitten that was found in ancient town after he fell down from a roof and had to be taken to the vet. He is now a whole lot better, and just like any other kitten, he is running around, playing, eating, pooping and sleeping all day long. I love Taco so much already, and it is going to be hard to send him off to his new home – which we think we have found with one of the expats living here! Currently, since he is still such a young cat, we have to give him milk-substitute in addition to the special kitten-food that we bought at a pet-shop in town. It is like becoming a parent. He needs a lot of care, love and attention. I find it to be mostly wonderful, as I love animals, and in addition have a background in Animal Management. Below I will put some pictures of him from one week ago and a couple of days ago. He seems a lot stronger, and are showing signs of progression. He is just the cutest little thing ever, and he loves to snuggle up close to you, so you can take naps together in between studying!
Taco <3
Drawing is something I love to do regardless of weather, but it is for sure extra nice to curl up inside with my sketchbook and a podcast when the rain is hammering down outside.. This drawing was accidentally of a kitten, and I made it just a couple of days before Taco was found. Coincidence?
-Margrethe-