Day 35: September 24, 2014

This morning started off with history class at 10am followed by a quick lunch of chicken and rice in the canteen. Although history is not my favorite subject, getting to know the professor better yesterday made class a little more tolerable. Theology class was at 1pm, and per usual Julio taught us about so much more than just the religion. He has a lot of insight into things going on in Vietnam and is always sharing updates with us.

After coming back to the dorm and doing some homework, a group of us headed to an event called UT Gala. This is an English singing competition held by Bach Koa University for all students, whether or not they go to Bach Koa. This was also our first time on Bach Koa's campus, and it so different than Open! Open's campus is literally just a building where classes are held, but Bach Koa's campus is much more like those found in the states. It is situated off of a busy road and there are numerous buildings, paths, and green spaces. We found our way to the auditorium and the talent was amazing. There were dancers, singers, and even hip-hop battles. We got there at 5pm and we ended up leaving early at 8:30 because we had no idea how much longer it would go and we were getting hungry. I was all ready to order corn again tonight, but when we got back to the dormitory it started to downpour and the corn lady was covering everything up. Julio said the wet season comes and goes with a bang, so we should be expecting it to rain more often now.

I also received a package today! So yes Mom, the bag of chocolates finally got to me. I had to pay 60,000d (or the equivalent of $3) in order to receive the package. I think that whenever you get something sent into the country you have to pay for it. But everything was intact! I could tell that they had opened the package to inspect it because there was orange tape that said "Ho Chi Minh City Post Office" all over it.

This is a really short post, but not a whole happened today between class and the Gala. As our weekend schedules become more packed, I'm trying to do as much homework during the week so I can enjoy the weekends. I feel like the week just started, but tomorrow is already the last day of classes. What makes it even better is that on Thursdays I only have one class, hoorah!