Halloween Party

Here are a few pics from last night. The school band played at a bar and we all got dressed up in our Halloween costumes. I was a bit crap and just wore black with some make-up. It was fun but I didn't want to be too tired this morning so it wasn't a late one for me.

I went to yoga today at a place my friend recommended and it was excellent. Although I realised how much strength I have lost by not doing it regularly. In Mexico I would have had no problems but I am going to seriously ache tomorrow!

Macau

Gareth took me for a walking tour around Macau yesterday. It's an old Portuguese colony so has some European style buildings. It's a shame it's ruined by the crazy flashing casinos. We flew into here because it's cheaper than flying to Hong Kong. Then we took the ferry across to HK. We are now at the airport having got up at 4am for an early flight - at least we'll be home soon!

Night out in Honkers

We went into town tonight for our last night here. I wore my new boots - I love winter clothes! Although it's about 27C it feels quite cool compared to HCMC. We're going to freeze in the UK this Christmas. We went up in the tram to the top of the city to look down from the mountains. This is where all the richest of the rich live - in The Peaks. It was an amazing view over the harbour and buildings.
After that we went into town for some food and drinks. A lovely night - sad we're off tomorrow. At least we have a day in Maccau. It's an old Portuguese colony so has lots of historical buildings, along with a whole load of casinos!

Hong Kong

I am very excited as I just bought a new laptop. I haven't had my own since university. I think Gareth is relieved I won't be messing about with his precious Mac anymore!

Hong Kong is a cool city. It's lovely to buy clothes in a Medium size rather than in Vietnam where I am at least XXXXL or am told to get out of the shop - too fat! I have bought some winter stuff which is a bit naughty as I live in such a hot place. But I figure that we will be back in the UK for Christmas and will have a long winter once we're back next year.

We're off to a look out point this afternoon. I had a nap today as it's been pretty hectic shopping and sight-seeing. We went on the boat to see the main high-rise city area, and visited the most expensive building in the world - the HSBC building. Last night we walked around the night markets and saw the old Hong Kong and were lucky to catch the night laser show. We're having fun and it's all gone too quickly. Enjoy the pics Mum and Gem!

Long Hai Beach Weekend

I've finally found time to upload some photos of this term. We've been at school for ten weeks now and I am really feeling shattered. I can't wait for next week when we go to Hong Kong to relax Gem I promise will take loads of photos of me then!
I have done nothing this weekend - just relaxing. Had acupuncture for my broken foot which is still really hurting. The guy told me to detox to help it to heal. I really needed a reason to eat healthily so I am glad have been given orders to do so. I am desperate for it to feel better so will do anything - hopefully loosing a few pounds will be the pay off! More pics soon - I promise.

Dragon Dance - Moon Festival

Here are some pictures of the Moon Festival celebrations as school. We all had to wear our Ao dais - traditional Vietnamese clothing. The dragon dancing was amazing but did not pass any health and safety checks. The most scary was a little guy going right up an unsecured pole and then standing on the top. I was so frightened for him. The dragons are really cool - 2 guys go together in the costume on stilts and can do back-flips and balance on a ball - amazing!

Nga's Wedding

We went to Ms Nga's wedding this Saturday. Vietnamese weddings are totally crazy. They're a bit like a cross between going to Disneyland and a game show. There was a really crazy castle on the stage where dancers/singers were performing. As usual there was a big explosion of silver confetti and red champagne poured over dry-ice and more food than you could ever eat. As westerners we were put on the top table, which we all found totally embarrassing as her friends and family were relegated to the back of the room. We're meant to be lucky and bring prosperity to the marriage. A real experience!

School Do

We had our school do last weekend. We went to a Vietnamese restaurant in town then on to a couple of bars. It was nice to catch up with everyone. Here are the only photos I took. I was doing too much chatting to take pictures although it did take about 10 photos to get Euan and I in the shot together - that's why my face is weird in one of them!

Chilling in Phu Quoc

Gareth and I are taking a few days to relax before school starts again. We are on Phu Quoc - a little island near Cambodia. There's not much to but relax and that suits us fine! I am desperately trying to shed the pounds gained from too many monster munch, hula hoops and toffee cisps in the UK aaarrrggghh!

Rosie

Been up to visit Rosie, Tim and Gem a couple of times this summer. I can't believe how quickly she is growing up and learning new things every day. I can't wait to see her again at xmas ( and you of course too Gem!). I hope Gareth doesn't see I put this picture on - I think he would kill me...