day 1

I've gotten through what is likely to be the easiest day of the whole course. I'm headache-y, tired, and slightly out of breath, probably the results of a long day and worse air quality than I've ever been accustomed to before. Any other time I'd call it a day and give myself a hot bath before crashing, but there is neither hot water nor a bathtub available, and I have a good deal of reading to do, information to gather, and lesson planning to complete before I can even think about going to bed.

My first day was not so bad, actually. There are at least 3 people (among the 18 in the class) with whom I feel I could become friendly, and one of them even in my tutor group. I've learned that the keys to crossing the streets (without waiting indefinitely by the onslaught of motorcycles for an opening which is never going to come) is a steady pace, clear directional intent, no sudden movements, and confidence.

I've never been that fond of "professional" dress, but it makes me uncomfortable here for a reason entirely separate from my dislike of bras - which is to say that it must surely seem like flaunting my social class to the Vietnamese people I pass on my way to work, none of whom I have seen wearing clothes even close to the expensive "professional" outfits I am told are a requirement to attend this course. (Shirtless men are not surprising, many clothes are clearly old or slightly dirty, anything fancier than jeans and cotton is a little weird.) Before I came, I was told teaching was a "respected" profession and as such (to maintain this respect) I would have to dress in a respectable manner. Two days after arrival, this rule seems almost designed to highlight and enforce the social distance between me and the locals in my neighborhood. I hate it.

There's more to say, but I've already surpassed the time I allotted myself for relaxation and dinner. There's nothing for it but to try my best to get rid of my headache and sleepiness and start my preparation for tomorrow. <3