So we did a bit of a density science experiment today. The kids had a blast, as did the teacher aide. Apparently, science experiments are not too common place in Vietnam; my students are in year 3 and it was the first time they set foot in the science lab since being at the school. Here's yet another thing that made me realize how lucky I am to be teaching at such a readily-equipped school. Every class room has its own computer, printer, and projector (still working on figuring that one out...). But enough about the school, I thought I'd take a moment to describe my street and immediate neighborhood, since it is where I spent a lot of my time. (Below, is a picture of my alley from my doorway)

First let me begin with the fact that all streets sell mainly one product; there are usually at least 10 identical stores in one area, and my street is no exception. To my right is a park with a giant statue of Lenin, underneath which is always an abundance of children breakdancing, skateboarding, rollerblading, etc. To my left are clothing shops that continue about 3 blocks down. Once you cross the train tracks, you hit all the shops selling strange lights. This street is always entertaining to walk down during the evenings, since there are thousands of odd things hanging and glowing within the stores. There are 3 major karaoke joints sharing one block, but they are seriously local and I haven't had enough courage to enter any yet. Take a left 2 blocks down the eccentric lighting street, and there is a market. The things that are sold range from tea-cups to puppies, and make a very handy place to pick up fresh produce (not referring to the dogs here). Trying to buy vegetables always makes me think about how much easier it would be if I just studied the Vietnamese terms for various vegetables. Try using the world "celery"... not very successful.
I bike up and down these streets every day, but they have yet to be familiar.
When I find some free time again I'll go into detail about the street(s) I commute on every day. Very intense, but a whole 'nother story...