Do you want fries with that?

This potent brew has all sorts of goodies in it to make you strong. The animals are added to rice wine which is a near relative of methylated spirits. You might notice snakes, mice and other rodents, as well as other assorted fetuses. I saw this at a cafe next to a plate of chips.

USAID

Tomorrow a representative from USAID will come to the university for a meeting about the student loans scheme. As we have had an overwhelmingly positive response from the students about access to loans, I hope that the meeting will get the ball rolling towards a successful outcome.

The model that is being proposed is a risk sharing model, which means the university has to underwrite part of the risk. I am concerned about this part.

The US government underwrites 50% of the portfolio, and the bank is relatively unexposed. The rationale here is that a local bank can't afford to have a big loss and risk destabilizing their image with their clients.

Our survey and general conversations I've had with students suggest that most consumer lending is done informally, through family or friends. not through banks. However, the younger more educated Vietnamese are beginning to demand these products.

Water Puppets

The Water Puppet Theatre is a tourist attraction in Hanoi. The Lonely Planet calls it 'Punch and Judy in the pool.'


The puppets are brightly varnished wooden caricatures of peasants, animals and deities.
Each item lasts about 3 minutes and tells a particular legend or folk story. A traditional folk music band accompanies the puppets. It is quite delightful.

Puppeteers stand in a pool of water behind a bamboo screen and the puppet show takes place in front of the screen. This picture shows the puppeteers taking a bow at the end.

The best idea I have ever had

Yesterday as I wandered home, I found myself in the supermarket where I bought a small kettle and some tea bags, milk etc so I could have a cup of tea in my room.

I quickly realised that this is the best idea I have EVER had. Vietnamese tea is very strong, and served in teeny tiny cups. It is also served cold, with ice. This is better as it waters down the strong flavour. However, if drunk hot, I find one or two of the standard thimbles is enough before the taste gets overpowering.