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This week saw National Teachers Day in Vietnam - a foreign concept for us. On the day, and for a few days around the actual day, students visit their teachers past and present and take them flowers and gifts - definitely a foreign concept for us. Stalls selling flowers and paintings were set up on the footpath outside the university gates and I watched as teachers left after classes (on their bikes) laden with flowers and presents given by their classes. Here it also corresponded with the university's fifth anniversary celebrations, particularly exciting this year as they were being awarded the "first level medal", the full significance of which escapes me, so officials were expected and the grounds were being whipper-snippered and banners erected in the lead-up.
Pretty much from the day we arrived, the students had been practicing their singing and dancing routines in the under croft area in the next building along from the guesthouse where we've been staying. As I spend a lot of time in and around our room, every day I've been treated to lovely background music. (The same half a dozen songs, but I never tired of hearing them). It's very quiet today.
The celebrations began on Sunday with an evening concert in the hall across campus. Staff and students performed and it was delightful. Another concept which is quite foreign to us - but I have to say the staff showed the students how to do it. Monday began with a university planning conference which showcased some of the research being undertaken, awards presented and plans outlined. As it was all in Vietnamese we showed up for the presentation bit but left before the planning bit. Individual departments then met for their own planning meetings and parties. The English Department had a few student class performances, people got up and sang (of course) and awards were presented. Former teachers were invited and some gave speeches and sang or recited poetry. It was then off to dinner for some of the fabulous local food, followed by coffee across the road, where a guitar appeared for more singing (of course).
Tuesday saw the main anniversary celebrations. Excellent performances from the music and arts students, many speeches and the presentation of "the medal". All this naturally followed by lunch at a big restaurant in the centre of town. There was much toasting and bottoms up, but no singing this time.
- comments
Zig The young ladies look extra lovely in their traditional long dresses. Avenel, have you thought of having one of those made up?
avenel They look great on the young and the slim :( I'm not sure about foreigners wearing traditional dress.
Glenys Davies Thanks for sending this Avenal! Great celebration! All stormy here in Perth today! best wishesGlenys
Frank and Lyn Hi Avenel, Sorry we have been tardy in responding to your great stories. The usual end of year bustle plus one or two "extras" that we will explain when we see you. Your description of the university celebrations was not foreign to Frank. When STC became Nedlands College of Education (independent from the Education Department) there were very similar celebrations. John Williamson conducted the student choir, the Phys Ed department put on dance routines, there was an exhibition of student art - staff very much involved. Brought back memories! Thanks for sharing.Frank and Lyn
Darryl Stock what's with the hammer and sickle? Don't they know that the USSR disappeared years ago? D
avenel Yes I was surprised to see the hammer and sickle so prominent. It seems it is a symbol of communism more than just the Soviet Union. It is the flag of the Communist Party of Vietnam, and the red star is the flag of Vietnam. The two often appear side by side here.