First real race!

Last weekend my friends and I completed the first annual HCMC Run - the first timed race I ever signed up for.  Some of my friends are really into running and did the 10km race, but the rest of us registered for the 5km.  I decided at the last minute to sign up for the race despite my lack of training, so I woke up extra-early before the race to register before 5:00am.  The race was supposed to begin around 6:00am, but it got pushed back a bit.  While everyone was lined up ready to go, they put on some music to get everyone pumped up.  The whole atmosphere was really fun and exciting!

The race was a 5km loop around "The Crescent" area near where I live.  The start/finish line was near the mall, and this area was packed with people!  The 10km race was partially over the very steep Phu My bridge.  I'm glad that the 5km terrain was relatively flat!  Thankfully since we started fairly early, it wasn't as sweltering as the Terry Fox Run was a few weeks before.  It was still pretty hot and sunny though.

Somehow I managed to finish in the top half of all the 5km runners, and in the top 1/3 of female runners, with my time of 37:58, which is not very fast by normal running standards!  I did take a bunch of walking breaks, so if I ever enter another race again hopefully I'll be motivated enough to train for it and run the entire thing.  It was a fun experience overall!

5km runners - we did it!

Christmas season in Saigon

Christmas is just around the corner!  Despite the fact that it is over 30 degrees every day with no snow in sight, the city is feeling Christmas-y.  Downtown there are beautiful Christmas displays at department stores, lights on the palm trees in our apartment complex, and festive events going on around town.

Some friends and I attended a performance of "The Nutracker" at the opera house.  It was just like being back at home, except all the performers were Asian, haha!  I really like going to the Saigon Opera House - it's cool being there, you feel instantly sophisticated!

 Last weekend John and I went out for a nice dinner with friends, and then attended a Christmas concert put on by the city's international choir.  Two teachers from school were performing.  It was held at a convent, and it was packed.  We were at the back with a bunch of happy nuns!

At school we've also been decorating.  In our classroom we put up paper chains, snowflakes, a wreath made of recycled items, and Christmas tree art.  Next week is the last week before Christmas holiday so we'll also be watching some Christmas movies and having a small party.

At our apartment I decorated our fake plant with Christmas ornaments and lights.  We have also put out our Christmas cards (thank you!) and John's "Decembear."

Even being half a world away from home, we still get to experience the excitement of Christmas.  Less than 2 weeks away now!!!!!!!!!!!!!  :)