Speaking French

The other day I was walking to meet Libby for lunch and stopped at a newsstand.  I was trying to ask if there was anything in English -- I was desperate and would probably have purchased anything -- by saying, "Anh? Anh?"  No luck.  But another gentleman came up and started speaking to me in French, and I could actually understand him and have a small conversation with him.    My French is very bad and I only know a few phrases, but it was nice to communicate with this guy using a language that neither of us use as our primary language.  Before we came to Vietnam, we had been told that since the French ruled Vietnam until 1955, we might run into some older people that could speak French.  True enough.

Ironically, later in the day we went to the Institut Francais for an art exhibit put on by the students and faculty at the gifted school where Libby teaches here.  Libby was one of the judges that evaluated the work and decided which pieces would be exhibited in the show.  The art show, which centered on environmental issues, was a very big honor for the school.

Here is the principal of the school.  She's a wonderful woman and one of the hardest workers and educators we know.

Here is the principal being interviewed by the national television station:

This is one of the two teachers that Libby works with when she teaches at the school.  He helped put the show together.

This is the Minister of Education and Training for Vietnam -- at least, we think that is how he was introduced to us!  Clearly he was a significant officer in the government based on how he was being treated.  In the picture below he is being introduced to our family.

The other teacher that Libby works with.  He was also instrumental in putting the show together for the school.

The man on the right runs the Institut Francais and made a few remarks to the crowd.  Given how polished he was, we assumed he was the French Ambassador.  After listening to him I had a strong urge to go back to Belgium or France.  

Once again, Finn was a big hit with the ladies:

Some of the artwork done by the students:

This is a student and her mother at the school who is interested in studying in Canada.  Libby and I spent some time discussing the college selection process with her.  Libby was impressed with her artwork and remembered it from when she was judging the show a few weeks ago.

Afterwards we walked around the French Quarter, which includes the Hanoi Opera House, below.  Libby found a delicious noodle stand where we had dinner.  Ramen noodles done right.