After a long day of teaching, and a lovely dinner hosted by the hotel manager, 16 high schoolers arrived to take us on a "tour" of the Ho Kiem Lake District. Just so happens that it is the eve of the opening ceremonies for the biggest celebration this city has seen : the 1000th Year Anniversary of Hanoi. We were each "assigned" a student guide, mine, Tao, a lovely 15 year old took my arm, and for two hours guided me through the mass of humanity, lights, activity, and finally ice cream! there really aren't words to describe how a slim Asian 15 year old could be my strong protector, but she did just that! She was kind and solicitous, making sure I didn't trip, get lost, or get hit by a motorbike. The group of students would walk right into the mass of cars and scooters, raise their hands, and we would cross as if we were royalty. Of course, in between acting as our protectors, they did mange a few teenage tricks, like trying to throw each other in the lake and a few other similar amusements.
We will never forget this evening, (well...then again, hopefully my feet will soon forgive & forget)with likely almost a million people around the lake, beautiful lights and decorations, as well as entertainment. This city definitely knows how to throw a very grand party, and tonight was apparently just the beginning.
After my third shower of the day(yes the weather continues incredibly hot and humid) I'm exhausted and off to bed. Teaching for tomorrow, then a weekend off to Halong Bay,
Looking forward to putting my feet up,
Barbara
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