xin chao everyone!

Wow! this is my first post from Hanoi, and there's so many stories to tell...!
first of all,things could not be any better! the group I've arrived in Viet Nam with, and with whom I'm sharing the five weeks in country training are just fantastic! We had the most amazing welcoming over here, from the VSO staff and the local people in general. Hanoi is such a beautiful city and every time we walk places there's always more to discover, whether it's to do with what people do in the streets (erm...an awful lot to say the least!), or generally discovering the city's hidden corners and everything that comes with it. Oh, and there's a massive sense of achievement when you get back home safe and sound at night (albeit with no voice) after having crossed the roads....soon I'll post some pictures so that you get an idea.
so, apart from the typical touristy things that one does, we've started Vietnamese language courses....mmh, yeah....exactement my friend. a bit of a nightmare, but certainly a challenge worth taking on! and as far as I'm concerned, I managed to adapt my tastebuds to the Ha Noi beer flavours from the very first night!
I am thoroughly enjoying this experience, and can't wait to start work in 4 weeks time...
sorry for the bland post people, but it's just so that you know that I am well, and everything's going better than ever expected!
so long...i'll post again when the internet is free and the keyboard easy.
miss you all loads!!