We have found a new apartment to live. It is located in Ciputra area which I mentioned before. A bit sterile area for mainly foreigners, but still a very nice place to live, in particular to Toivo, who will soon walk. He already takes steps supporting himself to the table. This all has happened in 2 weeks time, so I think he will take his first steps before turning one year. As one of our friends just told, Toivo has not necessarily grown a lot since Christmas, but developed a lot. And his two front teeth which are located far a way from each others, makes him look very funny!

 

So, the new house is basically the only area in Hanoi where you can walk in peace and not to be disturbed with overwhelming traffic. There are also playgrounds for kids, a pool and tennis court downstairs etc. I also met our new landlady and realized one source of Vietnamese money: that is, Russia. Our landlady among many others I have met, has been working in Russia. And obviously earned a fortune as she could afford a brand new 3 bedrooms apartment two years ago. Actually two of them, as her sister is living next door but the flat is owned by our landlady. Sister – or sister in law, a cousin, a friend or similar. If a Vietnamese calls someone sister or brother, you never know what the relationship is. The same thing I noticed in Bosnia. The concept of word sister is wide.

 

I have gone back to work, my flu was quite bad including fever and pain in the ear that I had to stay at home the whole week. Nice rest. I was also able to observe our new maid, whom I still think is great. Effective and emphatic. She even made some traditional Vietnamese food to get rid of fever!!

 

This week is also nice, we have a guest from Cambodia. She is a friend whom we met in the training for development co-operation last September and whom I welcomed to stay with us during her four day long training in Hanoi. We already found out that actually Hanoi is much safer place to live than Phnom Penh. Hanoi is extremely safe if you do not count traffic.

 

Well, no more than a week and a half and we are going to Kuala Lumpur for a mini holiday. Formula one weekend. I will skip the race and enjoy shopping. A month after there is again a four day long weekend due to the labor day and we should decide soon where to go. May be a nice destination somewhere in Vietnam. It seems that I live from holiday to holiday but who would not? The next one after labor day is Finland, hopefully a week before midsummer.

 

Pekka has started acupuncture for his back and we are looking forward to seeing results. The doctor is fortunately a real human doctor but practicing Chinese medicine. Interesting. It sounds that every second one (foreigner) takes treatment from the same doctor. Hopefully she is worth her reputation.