My new career as a yoga instructor

So, when volunteering you have to turn your hand to just about anything – teaching English, arts and crafts, physiotherapy, changing nappies, bathing, dressing and feeding babies. Well, my latest job as a volunteer is that I am now a yoga instructor for the elderly residents of the social support centre. Now before those of you who are true yoga devotees get too horrified by this, I should actually tell you that the yoga (or goga as it’s called here) is actually just a gentle exercise and stretching class.  I was all ready for my first class today – the mats were laid out, the chilled out music on my ipod was all ready to go, I was sitting cross legged on my mat getting in the yoga zone -but then a mini bus load of buddist monks arrived at the social support centre to leave a donation, so yoga was cancelled for today! I love the fact that you never know what the day will bring here in Vietnam!  

On Fridays we go to Hoi An to help at the orphanage there, where there are so many children. When I walked in on Friday there was a really sweet little girl (about 3 I think), who I know is blind, standing on her bed crying her eyes out. I went over to comfort her, talk to her and pick her up, hoping that despite the fact that we speak different languages, she would feel a bit happier. My cuddles seemed to do the trick, but then she didn’t want to leave my side and clung to me the whole time. Later, when we were about to leave I spotted another little girl, who looked just like her, and who was also blind  – the little girls are twins. As we left they were both standing on their bed crying – heartbreaking to think of what life must be like for them.

On a much lighter note – the mosquitoes here are driving me nuts! I’ve had so many bites, mainly on my legs and feet. I’ve taken drastic action with a regimented routine of mosquito repellant application and even resorted to the fashion faux pas of socks and sandals on occasions to keep them away from my feet. I read the other day on the internet that actually mosquitos are attracted to smelly feet, so… off for a shower I think!