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Back to School

    #nextchaptervietnam

BACK TO REALITY! It was an incredibly busy week inside 
and outside of the classroom, as I tried to get into somewhat 
of a regular balanced routine during the first week of classes.
This weeks highlights were getting to know my temporary 
Grade 5 students and trying to get back on track with my 
healthy lifestyle here in Vietnam.

GETTING TO KNOW THE STUDENTS
I've really only had 3 days with the students, but I must admit,
they've really exceeded my expectations so far. For the most part,
their English was much better than I expected.
We got to do so many fun things in order to learn about each other;
we played workout your name (each letter of the alphabet is associated with a certain exercise),
 we made name art (each letter of their name contained words or pictures to represent them),
we made an all about me 'rainbow' (each strand had a descriptive sentence starting with
"I am..."), we did speed interviews
(students ask each other questions as fast as possible before having to switch to a new partner),
we sang, we danced and we even created a lipdub (What I am song...by Will.I.Am).
The kids were a bit loud and overexcited at times, but overall,
they were all really nice, warm, welcoming and helpful!
I really do look forward to working with them some more over the next 2 weeks
as we await the arrival of their 'real' G5 English teacher.
Many students have "English-Canadian" as well as Vietnamese names

LIVING HEALTHY IN VIETNAM
It's been a little difficult getting into a good eating and exercising routine,
but I think I am getting there. As I mentionned last week,
I've already been doing some crossfit and this is becoming more and more regular
as I attempt to get to the gym (amazing facility btw) 2 to 3 times a week.
In addition, I've found some women to play soccer with, and though
it's nothing like what I got use to in Dubai (was definitely spoiled), 
the girls seem really nice and it's something fun to do on a Saturday evening. 
Lastly, I've finally gone on my first run in and around my district. 
It wasn't too long of a run, but quite honestly, I am still really unsure about
 running routes around here. I'm hoping to find some running buddies sometime really soon 
so I can start training for some races! So, my activities are beginning to fall into place, 
and I'm also really excited to say...so are my meals! 
Food overall has been amazing here, and I feel like it just keeps getting better and better. 
I just found out that my gym has a restaurant that makes some pretty healthy meals 
(and smoothies), which I look forward to testing out soon AND I have found an amazing salad 
(and smoothie) place that delivers right to my door. If we add to that the amazing fresh juices 
and smoothies that can be found just about anywhere around here 
(even at my school's very own café), I think I am pretty set!
Ready to Run The World
Amazing salmon salad with quinoa patties on the side

So, things are indeed really beginning to fall into place. 
Work, sports, meals... the next big thing on my to do list is to 
build up the courage to get on a motorbike. 
I've learned that this will save me lots of money and time!!! 
Come on Nat, you got this...

To be continued...

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