Page 1 Lotus News

December 2013

LOTUS NEWS

Inside this issue

HIWC BAZAAR

LOCAL STREET FOOD

INTERVIEW WITH A DESIGNER CIRCLES ACTIVITES UPDATE

FESTIVE PROMOTIONS

ContentsThank you to Members 02

CAC News 04

HIWC Bazaar news 05

Meet a member 08

Regional /Local Travel 10

Health in Vietnam 15

What’s on HIWC Dec/Jan 17

HIWC Gallery 25

Member notices 27

Page 2 Lotus NewsFront cover image taken by Virginie Bourque- “Hoi An family love”

Letter from the EditorWhat a month November has been!The climax was certainly the 22nd Annual HIWC Charity Bazaar, held last Sunday, that was an amazing day for everyone, volunteers and visitors alike. Thank you to all those who volunteered in so many ways to make this event possible - we look forward to seeing more photographs and hearing more about this at the Festive lunch in December.

We have two reports from the CAC. One following the work of Blue Dragon and one from Child Surgery Vietnam. Reading through these, not only reflects the diverse nature of the charity projects that the HIWC support but reinforces how the money raised at the Bazaar really can make a difference.

This issue of Lotus News covers both December and January so is packed full with information about what the HIWC have been doing and what we will be doing in the months to come. Be sure to check the What’s on pages and register for forthcoming HIWC events. Although many of the HIWC circle activities take a short break, we have tips for those with time on their hands. Look out for some regional and local travel tips as well as links to what some Hanoi hotels are providing for the festive season.

If you have any good images of the bazaar that would be suitable for our special printed edition of Lotus News (printed early 2014) please get in touch. As always, if you have any comments, suggestions or wish to submit an article, please email Tiffany Banner at editor@hanoi-iwc.com

Thank you and Congratulations!

Thank you so much to everyone who took part in the 22nd Annual HIWC Charity Bazaar; the organization team, sponsors, participating countries and communities, business, charities,

entertainment acts. It was a day to remember!!!

Congratulations go the such an inspiring and amazing group of ladies who formed the organization team. It was a tremendous group effort and their success could not have been achieved without

the support of all the HIWC members - our heartfelt thanks go to you all.

THE HIWC A-TEAM

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CAC news - CSVN in Ha Giang

We tend to forget how little money it takes to change a life forever. For an average of $110 USD, a child can receive a much needed surgery through a program run by Dutch NGO Child Surgery Vietnam (CSVN). In one of the final projects funded for 2013, money allocated to CSVN helped to pay for 40 surgeries in Ha Giang province.

During a spirited and sometimes sleepy nine hour trip north of Hanoi, I traveled with 13 people from Hanoi to be a part of this project. My lack of Vietnamese language skills was on full display as only two of my traveling companions could speak my language. The main skills required of me during meal and social times were tea and “wine” drinking and goat eating. Luckily for me, Mr. Dong An, the director of Center 2, local partner of CSVN was able to translate for me.

These two agencies have partnered over the last several years to build a successful program not only for performing the much needed surgeries, but in training local surgeons as well. With each annual visit to Ha Giang, expert surgeons from Hanoi train the local medical team to perform various types of surgeries, including orthopedic, cleft palate and lip, urology, burn repair and more. The talented medical team from Hanoi has trained provincial doctors and surgeons so well that in Ha Giang, they can handle eye and ear surgeries in all but the most complex cases. During this project, 168 children were identified as needing surgery and the local surgeons were able to perform approximately 70 on their own.

Since the last time this surgical team visited, Ha Giang has finished a new section of the hospital with operating rooms allowing for single surgeries. This actually turned out to be a problem for the team, as they were limited by having only three anesthesiologists. On the first day, the number of surgeries performed was fewer than planned. They made up for it starting the next day by going back to the old method of multiple surgeries taking place in one room.

I met several patients on this visit. The youngest was a 9 month old baby waiting for cleft lip surgery. The oldest was a sixteen year old boy who was rejected for eye surgery due to the complexity of his case. This patient will be referred to an eye specialist in Hanoi. One special patient was a fifteen year old girl who was back for a second surgery following last year’s successful surgery on her foot. This young lady was burned in the family cooking fire as an infant at the age of five months. She had been unable to walk to school until last year, when she had surgery on her toes. This year, she had a second surgery which should enable her to walk even better. She is enjoying being able to walk to school now.

Particularly touching was the case of three year old Thu, a child with facial tumors. This small boy, weighing about ten kilos was taken into surgery but unfortunately, the surgeons were unable to do it because he was too weak to handle the anesthesia. When I left Ha Giang, his father was still hopeful his child we be able to have his surgery at the end of the week.

Before leaving the hospital for the last time, I took one last walk through the rooms, talking to the patients and their parents, taking photos and feeling lucky to have witnessed this project. I was thankful the HIWC had funded this project because many lives were changed during that week.

Article and images by CAC member Jessica Haug

The impressive thing about this partnership is the focus on capacity building at the provincial level. The expert surgeons continue to educate the provincial staff with each visit. This program is a good model of cooperation between HIWC, CSVN, C2 and local hospitals. When these entities come together, lasting changes happen and the groups can take the project to new locations.

Before (courtesy of patient)

After (courtesy of patient)

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CAC news - Working with Blue Dragon

During this year the CAC has spent 25% of it’s budget towards educational projects. One of these is managed by Ronit and Sibylle, is run in collaboration with the Blue Dragon Foundation, a well-established NGO in Hanoi. It helps fund university level studies of 30 students, essentially covering school tuition and health care.

This term, 28 students requested assistance with tuition, since the remaining 2 are enrolled in teaching schools which are free. The school fees are paid fully or partially depending on the needs of students. Some students were able to find little jobs, so they asked for less (I know very responsible of them!). This fund also covers for basic health care and the health check required by the Universities at the beginning of the year.

Furthermore, 10 of the students, those coming from the poorest families, receive money for their accommodation and some pocket money to buy food (the maximum allowance asked is 300,00VND a month). In order for them to receive this extra funding, one year after they graduate, they are committed to start reimbursing the money given during the three years of university. In this way, the program will eventually become self-sustainable.

This project is possible because the students have been chosen carefully. For the last ten years, the Blue Dragon has developed a strong relationship with most of them. Tuyen, our contact for this project, has visited the families on several occasions to assess the familial background of the students, the real need to receive our support and, in some cases, if the student has requested it, convinced the parents/caretakers to let the student go to school. For many of us the importance of education, which offers higher chances to secure a better job and to receive better pay is obvious, but for many poor families, it is very difficult to understand.

Many pages can be written about the inspiring work the CAC and Blue Dragon is doing, but what is important here are the students, so who are they? Here are a couple of stories that we can share with you:

Article submitted by Sybille Newman

Ly Tran Ngoc Quy

Quy is a good boy who loves literature and drawing, he chooses to study Vietnamese Studies at Hanoi university of Business and Technology with the hope of having a good job in the future. His father died when he was a grade 9 student which meant his disabled mother has had to face many difficulties in bringing up Quy. With a paralyzed leg, Quy’s mother cannot walk normally so it is impossible for her to do hard labour. The family’s income is derives from making votive paper and a small piece of rice land. This income barely covers their living expenses. When Quy has free time, he often helps his mother to do housework and farming. Quy started his study at university in Hanoi in September. It has been very hard for his mother to think about how to afford his studying expenses. Without sponsorship, Quy can never fulfill his dream of improving his life.

Nguyen Thi Nguyen

Nguyen was born into a big family with 8 children. Four of Nguyen’s elder sisters got married, Nguyen has 3 more siblings still at school. Nguyen’s father has epilepsy and was recently in hospital for a gallstone operation. This means her mother has to try hard to support the whole family. With a low income from some small pieces of land, it is even not enough for the family’s basic needs. Nguyen is now a first year student at Hanoi Architectural University, which makes the family’s economic condition more and more difficult. Without sponsorship, it’s nearly impossible for Nguyen to continue her study at University to have a good job in the future.

Blue Dragon Children's Foundation is an Australian grassroots charity that reaches out to kids in crisis throughout Vietnam. Blue Dragon kids are street kids, children with disabilities, children from very poor families and victims of human trafficking and slavery.It is a privilege for the CAC to join forces. More information can be find at: http://www.bluedragon.org You can also support them this holiday season by buying Red Stocking teatowels - onsale at the HIWC coffee morning on 12 Dec.

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2013 HIWC Charity Bazaar News

The 22nd Annual HIWC Charity Bazaar was certainly a day full of fun, entertainment and community spirit - so many visitors commented that they had never seen anything quite like this event. Although we are waiting for the final figures on how many people attended and how much money was raised - we can congratulate those country and community tables that were judged to be the best decorated of the day. 1st place was awarded to the Russian Community, 2nd place to the Belgium Community and in 3rd place came the British Community Table.

We would like to say a HUGE THANK YOU to everyone who was involved - it was the hard work and tremendous effort of all the volunteers in every capacity that made this day such a success.

Sunday 24th November 2013

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We are looking for images / photographs for the Special Edition of Lotus News that is published in 2014. If you have any photos that you would like to share of your community table, the crowds, the entertainment, the food, the gifts on offer or the volunteers - please feel free to forward them to editor@hanoi-iwc.com or share them directly through Instagram #hiwc13 #hiwcbazaar2013

2013 HIWC Charity Bazaar NewsPhotographs sent in by Ha Angelet-Phan, Tiffany Banner, Virginie Bourque, Theresa Loidl, Michele Stoeckel

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2013 BAZAAR ATTENDED BY 3 CAC CHARITIES

This year was the first year that we sponsored 3 of our Community Aid Committee charities into the Bazaar. The recipients were boys from Blue Dragon, a number of young people from the Will to Live Centre and 13 girls from the Yen Phu Foster Home.

They all had a wonderful day and no doubt the memory will stay with them for sometime. These young people are the very essence of the bazaar and their attendance added another dimension to the event.One of the Will to Live girls had a Dream Book and was asking others to write in her book – she then presented it to those on the HIWC table. It is a precious gift and her way of showing how much she appreciated being able to enjoy such a great day. The first ‘dream’ written in the book is by one of the Will to Live clients and it reads:

“My dream is to be able to wash myself without any help.”

Surely this reminds all of us of how lucky we are.

Kay WoodBoard Secretary & CAC Member

2013 HIWC Charity Bazaar NewsSubmitted by Kay Wood. Images provided by Will to Live, Blue Dragon and Yen Phu Foster home.

Yen Phu Foster Home visitors

Blue Dragon visitors

WIll to Live visitorsWIll to Live presenting thier “Book of Dreams”

Page 8 Lotus News

HIWC Board Profile - Events Coordinator

Tell us a little about yourself...........I am a Pakistani woman who embraces many identities. For many years my central identity was that of an ex-pat wife and mother. Even though, I still embrace those parts of myself, as of last year I added the new identity of fashion designer and businesswoman. I believe it’s the beautiful energy of the people in the Hanoian community that made this possible for me. I love meeting new people and have never lived in any one country for more than 4 years. My childhood was spent between Karachi, Pakistan and several cities in Texas including Austin and Houston. Every country offers the opportunity to create new bonds and experience new adventures.

What brought you to Vietnam? We came to Hanoi with my husband’s work as Corporate Investment Bank Head for Citibank Vietnam. This is our second posting. The previous one was in Nairobi, Kenya.

Tell us a little about your work and professional background...I have a menu of professions and I feel blessed to be able to practice them all side by side. My educational background started in advertising then I studied law and ended (for now) with a Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy. I am a self-taught fashion designer. I teach a cardio-Bollywood dance class once a week, I have a private therapy practice, and I have clothing line called MAS. In February I will be co-facilitating a workshop for women with one of my mentors. I am very excited about bringing comedy and empowerment to the same platform.

What do you enjoy most about living in Hanoi? I love the tight-knit, immensely open, and ever evolving community that we live in. I really enjoy that every time I leave my house I have familiar face to wave at on the street. I love that Hanoi is not overly developed and has a distinct personality as a city with history and culture that is alive at the corner of every street from the flower vendors to the pho eateries. I love the constant movement and hustle of the city. Hanoi can often throw up some unusual experiences including the time that my husband shared a photograph of the dinner he ate with his client: cat paw soup with and a congealed pig’s blood shot! However, my favourite place in the city to relax and unwind is the outdoor “cabana” space in my home. It is surrounded by tall lush trees and is cool 80 percent of the year. I have made beautiful memories with my family and friends under that roof.

Do you have any tips for newly arrived international women? My tips for newly arrived women are: stay open to what Hanoi brings you; get involved in as many activities that you have always been interested, through this you will meet other women who share your passion and before you know it you will be deeply bonded in life long friendships. When you are homesick or struggling with something, share it with someone who you think is in a good space. Make a choice to engage vs. isolate and you will find integrating into this community very easy.

Where is your favorite place to get away from the hustle and bustle of Hanoi? The BEACH! Specifically the beach in Danang/Hoi An. The hotels there are gorgeous from the Fusion Maia to the Intercontinental, which is an architectural treat. I love that you can relax during the day and in the evening immerse yourself in the ambience of Hoi An. The food in Hoi An can be international Michelin star level at affordable prices, Mango Room being our favorite.

How did you learn about HIWC and why have you joined? I had a friend of a friend who was living in Hanoi. She really held my hand through the moving process. She suggested I check out HIWC. I joined because from my first coffee morning I felt welcomed and energized by the women in the room. I love that there is something for everyone.

Have you worked in an IWC or similar organization before? This is the first time I have belonged to an international women ‘s organization. The bar has been set high now and I hope I will be blessed again with a community like this in our next posting.

We will be looking for a new events coordinator as of 2014 - if you would like to get involved - email events@hanoi-iwc.com

Lotus News catches up with HIWC Events Coordinator Mas Kachelo

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New Member Profile

What brought you to Vietnam?I come from Vienna, Austria. Since I was a small kid I was fascinated by Asian art, especially Japanese art and traditions. This might have been be the reason why later in life I decided to study East Asia with a particular emphasis on Japan. Although the vagaries of life for years made me live far away from Japan and Asia I somehow always managed to return. Of the last twenty years I spent three in Jakarta, four in Tokyo and since last August I live in Hanoi.As often before it was my husband's work that made me come to live in Hanoi.

One of the things I enjoy so much about Hanoi is that the fabric of the city resembles a mosaic. Many small, interesting and sometimes quirky places add to the big picture. I never cease to be inspired by the mosaic wall which I pass on most days on my way to and from the city center.

When you live abroad for an extended period of time you become so much more aware of your own culture and cultural heritage. Being Viennese I tend to spend a lot of time in coffee houses. Not only will I get my much needed shot of caffeine there - a coffee house is also a place where business is done and deals are being closed, where you meet with friends, where you can be on your own and still be surrounded by the public. A coffee house is in a way an extension of

Lotus News editor catches up with new member Theresa Loidl.

my living room or my office. As you can imagine I immediately fell for the wonderful cafes lining the streets of Hanoi or being tucked away, hidden in a small alley. These are my favorite places to enjoy Hanoi life either on my own or in good company. Increasingly, however, I trade me beloved coffee for a refreshing and healthy coconut water.

Sitting in one of the many small cafes or stalls in Hanoi on a tiny chair with a tiny table, is a wonderful opportunity for me, being new to Hanoi, to learn about the locals and their culture. You just have to wait and see…

Every morning, during my walks along West Lake I pass three old Vietnamese ladies sitting on a bench chatting, still wearing traditional clothes and head gear and thereby keeping the wonderful traditional ways alive. Every day this makes me smile.

I joined the HIWC to meet new friends from all over the world and also in order to learn and experience more about Hanoi and Vietnam together with my new friends. So far I had great experiences with similar groups I had joined in Jakarta and Tokyo.

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Regional travel - Luang Prabang

A long weekend in Luang PrabangLuang Prabang (LP) emulates the characteristics of the Mekong River; slow and steady. This river side town in the northern section of Laos has developed into an Asian tourist mecca but somehow still has been able to retain its calming nature. The main centre is situated on a peninsula formed at the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Khan Rivers. We envisaged LP to be this hot sweaty river side town, so we were quite surprised to learn it was a couple of degrees cooler than Hanoi. What impressed us the most about this quaint little town is the easy in which everything is done; the careless bartering at the night market and the carefree spirits of the Laos people that have embraced tourism and the tourist dollar without overstating it.

We had 3 nights in LP and believed this was the right amount of time to achieve what we wanted. Unfortunately due to a night episode of our child (party time at 1am!), we had to cancel our morning boat cruise the next day. However, besides that, we had enough time to go up Mt Phi Si (a hill) and to go to the Kuang Si waterfalls and embraced the nature of the town. And, although I don’t see us going back, we were very happy with our decision to visit.

To us as parents, the biggest worry to travelling to Laos was mosquito borne illnesses. However, with over vigilant application of child spray and covering up, not to mention the LACK of mosquitos we seem to come out of LP unscathed. The second biggest worry was the unhygienic looking hands that seem to come from nowhere to touch our baby’s face, trying to educate Asia one person at a time, I am still in constant conversation of “please do not do that”, although I’m not if I have that much of an effect, I am wondering how long it will last. The third, well is not a worry but more of a forewarning, is the disapproving bewildered looks of European tourists that can’t believe western parents will take their 1 year old to northern Laos. All in all it was a fantastic trip and well worth it. If we went again, I would make sure we co inside our trip with the river boat lantern festival, which we missed by one day (Annually late October).

Article and images submitted by member Shannon Bridge

Tips with travelling with a 1 year old: • Travel with boba/Ergo carrier for hard to get places such as Phi Si hill • Stroller was handy and footpaths were wide and accommodating, transporting them in tuk-tuks were

easier than a car (as you did not have to fold and unfold them).• The three hour return journey to Tat Kuang Si was well worth it. Even swimming in the pools was fun,

although you do not need to go to the top of the waterfall as there was no view. • Wat Xieng Thong (end of the peninsula) allowed our child to run free chasing chickens! She loved it. • We paid 10 dollars for a hotel pick up and 7 dollars for a tuk tuk drop off. • High chairs are non-existence, if you have a portable one, bring it. • Location should be higher priority over access to swimming pool in the more ‘winter’ months. • If you require, confirm if your accommodation provides a babysitting service, a lot of them don’t. • LP has a specialist Paediatric GP on the peninsula. A few blocks down on a side street from the jetty for

sunset cruises.

Recommended Restaurants: Tamarind and Dyen sabai (seated on reclined cushions in rustic open sided pavilions offer a “raft” ride across the Nam Khan River)

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Regional travel - MongoliaArticle and images compiled by Jura Craven (http://juraphotos.wordpress.com/)

Into the High Altai - A journey into the wide open spaces of Mongolia

The advice on the beer mat sounded familiar: “Time in Mongolia is an uncertain notion. Foresee some security gaps in your journey timing. Estimate distances in hours instead of kilometers.”Others had also warned us that Mongolia could be predictably unpredictable. As we waited and waited for our connecting internal flight I started to wonder whether I had made a mistake with my choice of summer holiday. We were on our way to the far west of Mongolia, a land of horses, eagle hunters and the snow-capped mountains of the Altai. After a 30hr delay, 3hr flight, 12hrs by road we arrived at a Kazakh ger near Lake Khurgan where we would pick up our guides and horses. Friendly children with cheeks red from the wind ran out to greet us, watched by more cautious adults. In the summer, the Kazakh herders move all of their possessions and animals up from the lower villages where they spend the winter, to set up their gers and make the most of the short grazing summer season. In our naïveté, the scene seemed idyllic, but the more time we spent with the family here, it was clear that life for the nomadic herders is very tough.

As the horses were being loaded, for what we thought to be a seven-day expedition over a pass to get to Mongolia’s only glacier, our guide Baybok pointed out that we would not be able to cross the highest pass because of heavy snowfall. We agreed to take an alternative, less familiar route and set off on our little horses. Mongolian horses are incredibly tough and surefooted, which we found out immediately as we forded our first raging river crossing. Though the water was high enough to reach the saddles, the horses calmly plowed through, even taking the opportunity for a quick drink while at it. After a long eight-hour day in the saddle we set up our tents and tethered the horses in a sheltered dip.The next day we were once again lucky to have clear skies as we headed off into a wide valley. The terrain was smoother so we were soon galloping across the plains and racing each other while the horses deftly avoided all the ground squirrel holes that pepper the plains. As we started climbing out of the valley, the weather became colder and the scenery was only getting bleaker and more windswept. Just as the light was starting to go the ominous clouds rolled in and remained the next morning. We climbed higher and higher towards the pass, thinking we could just about cope, but the rain turned to snow – a blizzard, blowing horizontally. With the weather and the route ahead too uncertain, we decided to turn back.The Altai Mountains are one of the few places in the world where golden eagles are still used for hunting. We marvelled at the beautiful bird, but were sad to learn that the sport of hunting wolves and foxes with eagles on horseback is starting to die out. Young Kazakhs, we were told, preferred football and television to spending hours in the saddle with a heavy eagle in subzero temperatures. We were lucky to catch a Kazakh horse race on one of our last days, watching boys between 7 and 10-years-old riding their beautiful horses bareback. The racehorses all had owl feathers tied to their forelocks for luck, giving them a fairy tale look that did not belie the race ahead.Our days in the valley with a local family were an opportunity to see more of life in this far away place, and soon we forgot about the aborted trip to the glacier.On our last evening, watching the goats play king of the rock, silhouetted against the setting sun with the mountains behind, this was as calm a scene as could be imagined, salve for the soul, and a place quite unlike any other.

(An edited version of the article, first published in Oi vietnam, October 2013 - http://oivietnam.com/2013/10/into-the-high-altai/ )

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Local travel - Ninh BinhArticle and images submitted by Tiffany Banner

A weekend break from the city.

With the smog of autumnal Hanoi reaching unbearable levels we decided to treat ourselves to a short weekend break, and the luxury of comparatively clean air. After weighing up the options we decided to revisit Ninh Binh, an accessible 2 hours south of Hanoi. Touted as “Halong Bay on land”, because of the spectacular karst limestone landscape, the area offers a variety of attractions.

On our two previous visits to the area we had stayed at the Emeralda resort which has large spacious cottages and a number of pools and is close to the quiet Van Long nature reserve, the ancient capital of Hoa Lu and to Cuc Phuong National Park with its endangered primate rescue centre. On our last visit there we had used the Emeralda as a base to venture further south to see the stone cathedral of Phat Diem, which combines an interesting mix of Vietnamese and Western architectural styles. On those previous visits we had consciously avoided the Tam Coc area, having been put off by the negative reports of busloads of tourists and overly aggressive boat sellers. However, when news of a new resort called Tam Coc Garden filtered through the Hanoi grapevine, we decided it was time to give it a try.

The Tam Coc Garden resort is small, with just 16 rooms housed in 8 simple bungalows. The rooms and communal areas, which include a well-placed open air swimming pool, have been thoughtfully designed and decorated in a simple yet comfortable way. Each room is identical, but the premium priced rooms have more spectacular views over the surrounding valley. It is the location of the hotel that is the key to its charm - perched on an elevated price of land, amidst a flooded paddy fields and surrounded by the impressive karst scenery. Birds and butterflies are bountiful and, provided you have made liberal use of your mosquito spray, it offers a very relaxing and picturesque environment to enjoy nature.

The hotel provides complementary bicycles, of which we made extensive use during our stay. Within easy cycling distance are 3 different landing stations from which tourists can take a 2-3 hour rowboat trip, exploring caves and waterways. During our stay we tried two of these trips. Thung Nham, situated right outside the hotel, featuring a 500m long cave with a “natural” Buddha and a suitably spooky family of bats. Early Sunday morning, we made the journey to the famous Tam Coc caves where, for us at least, we found the touts to be much less troublesome than legends suggest. The bicycle ride to Tam Coc pier was a real highlight, offering many great photo opportunities.

Also close by is the Bich Dong Pagoda (Green Pearl Cave), famously featured in the film Indochine, and the Thung Nham Eco Tourism Park, more commonly known as the “Bird Park”. The latter, which costs VND100,000 per person to enter, offers visitors a boat trip to a protected area where cranes and herons gather in the early evening to roost. As our boat slowly and serenely made its way back from the sanctuary, and our family shared stories of our day’s adventures, the growing cacophony from the Park’s club house karaoke reminded us that we had not travelled too far from Hanoi. We took just one night away and were able to return to Hanoi relaxed and still wanting more. Perhaps a fourth trip to the Ninh Binh area will be on the cards in 2014……

Information about Tam Coc Garden is available at http://www.tamcocgarden.com/en

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Local Colour - Street FoodArticles submitted by Shannon Bridge

Have you done? - A Hanoi street food tour I have always been a creature of habit, not that adventurous and very caution with food selection, so expanding to street food has always been a bit out of my comfort zone. Time and time again I have been told how good Hanoi street food was and therefore I felt I was missing out on something that this country has to offer, and I was right. How often do you live in a city and not explore its own beauty and culture? Well here was our chance.

Hanoi Street Food Tour Company was our solution. It eased the gap between comfort and exploring and once we decided to jump on to this opportunity we have never looked back. It was about 6 months ago that my husband and I did our first private tour with Mark, since then we almost use every weekend to pay a visit to our beloved food stops with our 1 year old who also enjoys a good nosh on the side of the road. So when the opportunity arose for our second time with visitors, there was no question. However, knowing that the vendors are limited to particular times of the day, we opted for a night street food tour. With so many

street side vendors there is no shortage of experiences, below are of a selection of some of the food we ate on our evening tour.

Our evening food tour was off to a good start with a Hanoian special, a bowl of Pho Ga. This road side eatery is unusual as it provides Pho Ga throughout the day, a dish usually reserved for breakfast or early lunch. The delicious texture between fresh coriander and crunchy sprouts all mixed into the traditional broth was divine the only downside is that this was the first stop and plenty of room had to be left for the unknown.

So next it was off to try some (….).deep fried rice flour covering what seems to be a scotch egg; a quail egg covered in pork mince. The sweet and savoury taste although unfamiliar to start with grew on us very quickly with a multitude of taste sensations all rolled into one ball. All I can say is that it went well with a beer and I wanted a second.

So already on our way to a full belly the next stop allowed some breathing room, an egg coffee with the alternative being an egg-beer for those non night coffee drinkers. I can already here you echo, “An egg beer? What a waste of a beer.” OK, so it might not sound like a good mix, but basically the sweet mouse like texture overtakes the beer, sort of like a coke float. This dish is more so for the sweet tooth but ever so delicious. I will definitely be coming back to try their egg coffee, one morning.

On the edge of my comfort zone, was this delightful little number “Chicken in a can”. The legs poking out of the top fooled me at first. But by the time it had made it our table, the chicken was presented in a plate covered in traditional herbs. The chicken was so succulent it feel off the bone and into my mouth. Something unusual that I have come across in Vietnamese food, a melt in the mouth sensation. Yummmmm.

The last stop was a restaurant serving Banh cuon. Rice pancake stuffed with mushrooms, onions and pork and is garnished with a heavy layer of coriander and fried shallots. It is probably my most favourite dish in Hanoi and came across it on our morning street food tour, I never miss an opportunity to eat these amazing little parcels! They are at their best while they piping hot, which is never a problem at our table.

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Local Colour - A Contemporary DesignerInterview submitted by member Monique Gross.

Few, if any, fashion designers in Vietnam would talk about their work as 3 dimensional and sculptural. Thao Vu is a rare exception and is often invited to present her work alongside artists and in design venues here and abroad.

Her work as a teacher and guest workshop leader often evolves into a role of mentor for young designers when they realize that her craftsmanship and creativity are a way of life, not simply a profession.

Thao Vu (pictured below on the right) launched her line Kilomet 109 in [Season/Year] with designs for women and men made from luscious natural, and organically dyed, textiles. Her clothing line is available in Hanoi and abroad.

What is your starting point when designing a collection? My design process often begins when I fall in love with a certain design detail and by thinking about colours and then I design a garment that accentuates those features. For example an unusual button, a collar design that can be worn in several different ways, an inverted seam, an oversized cuff ……I’m often led through the design process by being obsessed with these details! Travel, exhibitions, sculpture, texture and technique all find their way into the visual inspiration of my work. Sometimes the testing process is almost like a science experiment [laughs].

Why Kilomet 109? Kilomet is the Vietnamese word for Kilometer. It is derived from French but with its own unique Vietnamese spelling. I wanted a brand name that was both authentically Vietnamese but which was recognizable and inviting to people with no prior reference to Vietnam or its language. The word Kilomet implies distance, movement, travelling, evolving, a voyage. In a more practical sense it implies a love of measurement and craftsmanship, of an artisan’s strict adherence to principle combined with an artist’s desire to push the boundaries of shape and form. The number 109 implies a destination, a place to go, which is what I aspire for my brand. I view the fact that this word has never been associated with a fashion brand as a positive because it provides us with complete freedom to define its meaning in the context of fashion.

Where do you source your materials?I use natural fabrics such as silk, wool, cotton and organic modal, bamboo and in my most recent collection I have incorporated some elements that I created in collaboration with weavers from the Nung and Muong ethnic groups in the remote mountainous region of northern Vietnam. I am not creating "ethnowear" but rather incorporating traditional techniques and fabric to create beautiful and forward looking pieces.

What image do you communicate with your designs?

The Kilomet 109 line stands for elegant, modern, well made and original designs for a mature and hip clientele. We emphasize using all natural fabrics, i.e. organic cotton, silk, bamboo, crepe de chine and wool. We want our clothes not just to look good but to feel good too. Our design aesthetic is all about the details. Sometimes the details are small but playful and eye-catching or multifunctional and allow the wearer to change the look depending on their mood. We aim to create a distinctive look, both in terms of garment designs and the branding of the company.

What is your favourite place for breakfast?I rarely make breakfast for myself as I easily find ones in my neighborhood. Vietnamese breakfast is my first choice. I mostly go to the Banh Cuon place and Bun Rieu which are one block away from my front door and really good, fresh, clean and of course homemade daily.

Currently Kilomet 109 is available in Hanoi at Module 7 83 Xuan Dieu, Tay Ho, or by appointment at her studio showroom, but keep your ears open since Thao Vu creations are often featured in exhibitions around town.

monique gross

trung tupi aaron joel santos work room four

Page 15 Lotus News

Health in Vietnam

Identifying small babies for extra care in ethnic minorities

Article submitted by Dr Fiona Russell, International SOS, Hanoi

The Millennium Development Goals (MDG) are the most widely ratified health and development targets in history. The target for the fourth MDG is to reduce deaths in under five year old children by two-thirds by 2015. Almost 40% of all under-five deaths occur in the neonatal period, the first 28 days of life. Most of the babies who die are born small, and are either low birth weight or are born too early.

The majority of these could be saved by providing extra attention and the same care that all babies require. Community level care including skin-to-skin contact (also known as Kangaroo Mother Care), immediate and frequent breastfeeding and active health care seeking, could reduce neonatal mortality rates by as much as 40% in high mortality settings. However, despite these effective, low cost and high impact interventions being available, an important barrier is the identification of these small babies who require this additional care as most of these “at-risk” babies are born at home and don’t have access to skilled birth attendants or weighing scales to measure them.

The World Health Organization recommends all babies be delivered by a skilled birth attendant. In Vietnam, 84% of all births are attended by a skilled birth attendant, yet women from ethnic minority groups are much more likely to give birth at home compared with their Kinh (ethnic majority) counterparts. Ethnic minority newborns from remote areas are at least three times more likely to die than ethnic majority newborns. Delivery outside a healthcare facility makes it difficult to identify babies at high risk of dying and means that there are many missed opportunities to provide extra care for these babies. Because of the lack of skilled carers and weighing scales, identifying small babies born in remote settings warrants the use of proxy birth weight indicators. There has been considerable interest in using simple body measurements, such as foot length or arm circumference, as a proxy for birth weight. Dr Fiona Russell, a paediatrician from The University of Melbourne, Australia, in collaboration with a neonatologist from The National Children’s Hospital, Hanoi and a paediatrician from Hao Binh Province, are undertaking a study in Hoa Binh using a low-tech solution;-the humble plastic ruler-to identify the arm circumference or foot length, which can be used to predict low birth weight in ethnic minority babies. Once identified, this measurement can be used as a screening tool to identify small babies in remote settings in Vietnam, where access to weighing scales is minimal. Village based and remote health facility workers, as well as families, could then be trained to deliver the extra care required and follow up needed for these small babies.

Dr Fiona Russell, Paediatrician is available for consultations at International SOS Hanoi Clinic on Mondays, 8.30 – 3.30pm

Page 16 Lotus News

Health in Vietnam

10 Healthy Tips to Survive the Winter

Article submitted by Dr Brian McNaull, Family Medical Practice Hanoi

It's that time of year again when it's actually getting quite damp and chilly in some parts of Vietnam (Central to Northern Vietnam), which could lead to a minor cold or even the flu. Make sure you don't let any illnesses get in the way of your festivities by following these healthy tips from Dr. Brian McNaull from Family Medical Practice.

1. Manage your stressListen to your body, do you feel more exhausted than usual? Stress is related or aggravates many illnesses. Some stress reduction tips include; not saying 'yes' to every invite and organizing yourself at work with a to do list. 2. Eat less of the bad sugarsRefined sugars (no matter what form they come in – cookies, cakes, even granola bars) are a threat to the body because they weaken the immune system. Ideally, your only sugar source should be from fresh fruit which contains essential vitamins to fight illness. 3. Exercise regularlyWhen it's cold and dark after work you may want to go straight home, but exercise is crucial in maintaining a healthy immune system. Do some yoga, spend an hour at the gym or even walk home. 4. Reduce your alcohol intakeA glass of wine every once and a while won’t hurt, but heavy alcohol use suppresses the immune system. Alcohol dehydrates the body making the immune system weak and more susceptible to illness. 5. Quit SmokingSmokers get more severe and more frequent colds than non-smokers. Even being around smokers can weaken the immune system, so keep your distance. If you smoke, there's nothing like a New Year’s resolution to quit. 6. Avoid packaged foodPackaged food tends to be low in nutrients. Instead fill your basket with fruits and veggies to boost your vitamin intake, salmon for its Omega-3 fatty acids and yogurt without added sugar, to add healthy bacteria for a strong immune system. 7. Get enough sleepIt's always important to get your beauty sleep, but even more important during the cold and flu season. Aim for at least eight hours a night. 8. Think positivelyThe more you think positively, the 'happier' your immune system will be, helping you to avoid being sick. Remember it takes more muscles to frown than to smile! 9. Wash your handsSimple, proven and effective: a great way to reduce the spread of disease both to yourself and others. 10. Get the flu vaccinationFor some people, vaccination is a controversial 'call' but the flu is a preventable illness. If infected it is a huge strain on the immune system, you will lose time from work and the company of friends. Also you are at risk of spreading a disease, that has a mortality of approximately 0.5%, to friends and family.

If you require any medical assistance this Winter pop into Family Medical Practice on 298I Kim Ma, Ba Dinh, Hanoi. Tel (04) 3843 0748. Email: hanoi@vietnammedicalpractice.com

Page 17 Lotus News

What’s on: December & January in the HIWC?

HIWC EVENTS DECEMBER

01 DEC: HIWC Excursion to Perfume pagoda. Register through Exotissimo nthong@exotissimo.com

03 DEC: HIWC Cooking - Christmas Cooking class at Hanoi Cooking CenterPlease click here to register.

03 DEC: HIWC “Let’s Talk About” our second evening session at 7pm at Caffee Italia, 18 Lê Phụng Hiểu, Hoan Kiem

05 DEC: HIWC Newcomers Coffee morning at 10am-12pm. Contact Lia Garcia and Penny Mcdonald at newcomers@hanoi-iwc.com

07 DEC: HIWC Festive Luncheon - Time to be confirmed.

09 DEC: HIWC Excursion to Ninh Hiep fabric and cloth village. Register through Exotissimo nthong@exotissimo.com

12 DEC: HIWC Coffee Morning at UMA, CT6 My Dinh Song Da, Me Tri, Ha Noi. Please register latest by Wednesday, 11th of December. Click HERE and fill in the registration form.

HIWC EVENTS JANUARY

12 DEC: HIWC Coffee Morning at UMA

09 JAN: HIWC Coffee Morning at Chula at 10am.

10 JAN: HIWC Bike Ride in Hanoi, meet at 9am at Joma, To Ngoc Van. Register Here.

12 JAN: HIWC Excursion to Cu Da Vermicelli. Register through Exotissimo nthong@exotissimo.com

16 JAN: HIWC Walk through central Hanoi at 10am. Please register by clicking HERE.

21 JAN: HIWC Excursion to Thanh Chuong palace and Giong temple. Register through Exotissimo nthong@exotissimo.com

22 JAN: HIWC Art/Culture walk around Tay Ho with guide Roman.

24 JAN: HIWC Art/Culture trip to Art Vietnam Gallery at 10am. Please register by clicking HERE.

Page 18 Lotus News

December “Let’s Talk About” - 3rd December

“Global Niche: What You Can Do With Online Tools” •  You can tap into resources and communities to help provide

personal & professional stability while in transition •  Being online helps to empower & cultivate your sense of self •  The online community is your answer to pursue your goals & dreams

no matter where you are

Come join us for an evening of sincere talk and exchange of ideas and experiences while we savor delicious Italian tapas and wine on our first Let’s talk about…workshop. Led by: Cameron Stauch When: Tuesday December 3 Where: Caffe Italia (18 Lê Phụng Hiểu, Hoan Kiem District, opposite Sofitel Metropole) From: 7 pm till 9:30 pm Price: 200.000 VND (includes Italian tapas and a glass of wine) Please register at:

Only 30 spots available

Let's bring all our colors together to say goodbye to 2013 and welcome in the new year with food drink and laughter! Gather your friends and put on your party face its

time to have FUN!

Make sure to register here for you and any friends you would like to bring along and pick out something festive to wear as we'll have a party with dancing, great food and wonderful

friends! Deadline for registration is December 4th by 9pm.

Where: Hilton HanoiWhen : Dec 6th 2013 from 11:30 am to 3:00 pm

Themes: A festive End of the Year celebration. What to Wear: Festive Clothes (from your culture or others)

Entertainment: Dancing, Games, and Prizes.

Buffet  lunch,  free  corkage  on  wine,  and  yummy  mulled  wine  welcome  drink!Cost: Members: 400,000 vnd Nonmembers: 550,000 vnd

If  you  are  interested  in  a  small  stall  to  sell  gi:  items  please  register  through  the  form.  Spaces  are  limited.

Festive Luncheon - 6th December

Page 19 Lotus News

December Coffee Morning

HIWC December Coffee Morning

Members are invited to the December coffee morning - full of festive cheer to kick start the Winter season

at UMA, CT6 My Dinh Song Da, Me Tri, Ha Noion THURSDAY 12th December

at 10am-12pm (Registration starts at 9.30am) In this trendy shop you will find lovely Christmas decorations as well as many useful items for your home. UMA is offering a discount of 10% on that day. Catch up with friends old and new over a glass of fabulous

Christmas cider punch, tea, coffee and cookies

Blue Dragon Children’s Foundation Red Stocking Tea Towels available - see member notices for details.

COST: Free to Members, 100,000 VND for non-members / guests

Please register latest by Wednesday, 11th of December.

Click HERE and fill in the registration form. Thank you.

Page 20 Lotus News

OTHER EVENTS around town in DECEMBER

01 - 22 DEC 3pm-5pm:LUALA Concert Autumn Winter 2013, every Saturday and Sunday through December, 61 Ly Thai To, Hanoi

until 03 DEC: Dual Exhibition with Nguyen Son and Richard Streitmatter-Tran, MAM – Art ProjectsFloor 5, 36 Ly Thuong Kiet, Hanoi

until 03 DEC: Open Studio “Physicality” exhibition 2 – 6 pm, Nha San Collective, d Floor, Block A, 9 Tran Thanh Tong, Hanoi

03 -12 DEC: Terracotta Sculpture Exhibition, Vietnam Fine Arts Museum, 66 Nguyễn Thái Học, Ba Dinh District http://www.vnfam.vn/

until 05 DEC: Art Women Hanoi Exhibition, Maison des Arts Hanoi, 2nd floor, 22A Hai Ba Trung, Hanoi

05 - 08 DEC: Hanoi International Theater Society, performing their winter show ‘ENEMIES!’: A comedy about the constant threat of death. Chuong vang Theatre, 72 Hang Bac, Hanoi

until 06 DEC: Exhibition “Champa Streak of Sunshine”, 4th floor, Mozek House, 02 Cua Nam Str, Hoan Kiem Dist, Hanoi

until 06 DEC: Vietnam Sculpture Gallery “New Form 1″ – Opening of Vietnam Sculpture Gallery, Vietnam Sculpture Gallery, 12 Quan Su Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi, Opening hours: Daily, 9 AM – 9 PM

06 DEC: Classic Concert with Song Hong Chamber, 8pm, Vietnam National Academy Of Music, so 77, hao nam, Dong Da. Contact Mr. Phạm Trường Sơn | Email: sonviolin@yahoo.com |Tel: 090 323 0685. String Quintet perfomr Mozart and Mendelssohnn

06 -19 DEC: Exhibition Đình Cultural Space in the Northern Delta of Vietnam, Vietnam University of Fine Arts , 42 Yet Kieu Str, Hanoi

06 DEC - 04 JAN: Exhibition “Colors of Hanoi”, Autochrome exhibition of Léon Busy, Institut Français de Hanoi, L’Espace, 24 Trang Tien, Hoan Kiem

07, 14, 20 DEC: Christmas Gingerbread house making, 3pm, Hanoi Cooking Center, for bookings, please contact info@hanoicookingcentre.com or 04 3 715 3277

07 DEC: Fundraising Event “Colours of Love”, Hapu Café, 85 Vu Trong Phung street, Hapulico, A special occasion for creative children and loving mums and dads to have a family night with painting corner for kids and auction, raffle tickets for parents.

until 08 DEC: Hanoi New Music Festival Further info: www.hanoinewmusicfestival.vn.

until 09 DEC: Painting Exhibition “Sen Việt”, Casa Italia, 18 Le Phung Hieu, Hanoi

09 DEC: From Kabul to Hanoi, 7.30-9.30pm, Work room 4, Building E, 4th floor, 9 Tran Thanh Tong, HanoiA collection of contemporary fashion adorned with afghani embelishments created by CreationsbyMas

09 DEC: Charity Christmas Concert “Love Hanoi”, 7.30 – 9.30 pm, Au Co Theatre, 08 Huynh Thuc Khang Str, Hanoi

until 14 DEC: Exhibition “I Live Green”, 36 Lý Thường Kiệt, Hà Nội

15 DEC 2pm-11.30pm: Designer Showcase night market, HRC, 27.52 To Ngoc Van, Tay Ho Support young local designers and raise money for charity. https://www.facebook.com/events/1418031395097567/?notif_t=plan_user_joined

What’s on: December in Hanoi?

Page 21 Lotus News

Coffee Morning Donations

Action to the Community Development Center (ACDC)

Last September there was a very large group of HIWC members attending the 2013 HIWC Female Vision Award Ceremony, honouring Ms Lan Anh, the founder of ACDC. During this event, many of you made contributions for Lan Anh, to take back to the people with disabilities in the provinces near Hanoi. She did a great job by making 60 packets of goods and distributed them just recently. She has sent us some photos of this event in Ba Vi where the HIWC sponsored a around 200 women with disabilities to receive medical check ups and another group of women joined a workshop on sexual and reproductive health.

During the September and November Coffee mornings, members were generous enough to donate items for specific causes that are supported by the work of the CAC. On behalf of all the recipients, we would like to say thank you.

We had a wonderful response to the request for members to bring scarves and hats to the recent coffee morning at the Movenpick hotel in order for us to pass these onto Anh for ladies at the K hospital who are receiving treatment for cancer. A big thank you to all the members who contributed on the day and to those members who have caught up with me in the past couple of weeks with a bag of scarves.

The picture above on the right was taken just hours after the coffee morning and the smile on the ladies faces tells the story. They were delighted with our gift and whilst the hat or scarf will warm their heads, our hearts are warm from being able to give such a small gift that makes such a big difference.

Thank you everyone,Kay Wood, Board Secretary and CAC Member

Members were also very generous with donations made to the victims of Typhoon Haiyan. The Filipino community organised a collections box at the coffee morning which were then directed through the Philippine Embassy to those most in need. On behalf of the Filipino community, they would like to extend their heart felt thanks to those at the coffee morning who contributed to the collection of just over 7 million dong.

Every contribution big or small makes a difference.

Thank you very much, HIWC Community Aid Committee (CAC).

Page 22 Lotus News

HIWC Circles Activities - What’s OnPlease contact individual organisers listed below for more information.

HIWC Newcomers - Next meeting: 5th December 10am – 12pmNewcomers to Hanoi are welcome every first Thursday of the month for a friendly informal get-together, especially for newcomers to Hanoi. An opportunity to meet others who are new to Hanoi as well as longer-term residents. Come along and learn about HIWC activities, the expatriate Community, and facilities in Hanoi. Contact Lia Garcia and Penny Mcdonald at newcomers@hanoi-iwc.com

HIWC Art/Culture Group - Next meeting 16th January 10am Walk around Hanoi. An informal group that meets to tour areas and visit exhibitions at different galleries/institutions in Hanoi. See “What’s on” for all listings in December and January.

HIWC Bridge Fun - Thursdays 1pm Hanoi Club Beginners and all levels are always welcome - Teacher Angela is on hand to teach beginners and help you discover the fun. Contact Reiko rfunakoshi39@gmail.com for information.

HIWC Book club (Evening) - Next meeting 3rd December at 7.30pm This evening book club that meets at the beginning of each month from 7:30-9:30 pm. We take turns sponsoring a meeting in our homes. Members choose one book a month to read and discuss - a great way to meet new people and share a love of reading. Contact Karinne (karinnevandijkhuizen@gmail.com) for more information.

HIWC Book club (Lunchtime) - This is a very active group who enjoy reading books from around the world followed by a lively discussion over coffee and a light lunch and meets 1st Monday each month. Contact Karen (karen@resources4.co.uk) or tel: 0121 909 3378 for more information.

HIWC Cooking Classes- Next meetings: 3rd December - -“Christmas Cooking class at Hanoi Cooking Center”. Please click here to register. Will meet again in January - watch out for details through email. Contact Marina or Saloni (cooking@hanoi-iwc.com) for more information.

HIWC Cycling Group - Next ride 10th January - Informal group that meets occasionally to cycle through the quieter side of Hanoi. Meet at Joma on To Ngoc Van at 9am. Bring along your hat, water and enthusiasm to cycle, All levels are welcome. Register Here. Contact Tiffany editor@hanoi-iwc.com for information.

HIWC English Conversation - Runs once a week, on a Tuesday from 10.00 - 11.30 - a morning of lively talk and laughter. Click map for directions. Contact nada.offner@gmail.com for details.

HIWC Golf - Contact Reiko rfunakoshi39@gmail.com for details.

HIWC Majhong - Meet twice a week at 10am - Wednesdays 10 am at Jaspa’s, Hanoi Tower and Fridays at Jaffa, Ciputra. We stop for lunch at noon and continue to play in the afternoon. Contact Kathy on kag@windowslive.comContact Kathy or Kay kay@hanoi-iwc.com for details.

If you have wish to pursue a hobby or learn a new skill but are not sure if there are others who are in the same position, get in touch. Circle activities have been set up by members who want to learn something new and are happy to share their passions and meet others with similar interests.

Page 23 Lotus News

HIWC Circles (contd)

HIWC Non-native english Reading Group meet the third Tuesday in every month. 13.30 - 15.30 at Segafredo, 36 Xuan Dieu. Next meeting Tuesday 19th November. This is a multi national group of ladies who enjoy some guided discussion in a friendly and supportive circle. Contact Karen (karen@resources4.co.uk) or tel: 0121 909 3378 for more information.

HIWC Tennis (Beginners) - Every Wednesday at Tay Ho courts, 9-11am.The tennis class for beginners takes place at the tennis court located on Tay Ho street. Suitable for all levels of beginner, this class includes not only individual coaching but also group practice to enhance your 2-hour activity. Bring your racket and lots of water and join us. For more details, feel free to contact Yu Ching by email, evalingw@yahoo.com.tw or call 016 74 246 797

HIWC Tennis (Intermediate) - Every Monday and Friday 9am -11amWe play doubles games for two hours, two days per week - intermediate or high level players welcome. We play at the end of Tay Ho Street, Tay Ho District . Bring your racquet, water, energy and come play!! Please contact Dounia Lujan, dlujans@yahoo.com 01627227447.

HIWC Tay Ho Neighbourhood Coffee - We are looking for someone to coordinate this weekly informal meeting as our coordinator Carly is leaving Hanoi. Pick your favorite coffee place, time and day. If you are interested, please contact contact@hanoi-iwc.com

HIWC Quilters group - Every Wednesday 10am - 12pm. Newly arrived member Natalia Tasovac organises a get together with other members who would like to learn more about quilting or those who share the same passion and are based here in Hanoi. If you love fabric and patterns and making something beautiful, feel free to contact her on natasovac@gmail.com

HIWC Writers group - On Thursday once a month, 6pm - 8pm. Contact Lillian canada.lp@gmail.com

**NEW GROUPS**

Conversational VietnameseAfter 5 lessons of trying to learn Vietnamese I have realised that it may help to meet with other like minded people to practise the language, well words and phrases, together. Perhaps this additional session of Vietnamese may help me and others remember at least a few of the basics! If you are interested, even if a fluent Vietnamese speaker who could offer corrections on pronunciations or someone who hasn't up to now given the language much thought but has now had your appetite whetted, please email Jane at jwolst@fsmail.net

If you have wish to pursue a hobby or learn a new skill - Circle groups have been set up by members who want to share their passions and meet others with similar interests. We are happy to help make connections, email contact@hanoi-iwc.com. Or if you wish to put a notice in the Lotus news to see if other members want to join you in your activity- please email editor@hanoi-iwc.com

Page 24 Lotus News

HIWC VACANCIES

HIWC EVENTS COORDINATOR FOR 2014 The Events Coordinator is an energetic and lively personality that is responsible for organizing a small number of luncheons and of evening events during the year that are open to HIWC members (and the Hanoi community as guests). This scope and range is only a guideline and will depend on the proposals put forward and discussed. It is expected that the coordinator will be able to put together a small team to help with the organisation of the events and will also have the support and assistance of the HIWC Board. Previous events organised have been along the lines of charity auction lunches, themed evening dinners/galas and cocktail events. This is a board position. Masooma Kachelo who is the current Events coordinator will be available to do a full handover and guide the prospective applicant through the process.

HIWC COFFEE MORNING COORDINATOR FOR 2014The coffee morning coordinator is responsible for organizing a Coffee Morning each month, at different venues around Hanoi. Venues can be in a private home, restaurant, shop, club, museum, or hotel. Be creative and flexible! Organize sponsors or co-sponsors to cater the event. It is good to plan ahead and make the Coffee Mornings attractive and interesting. The coordinator can work closely with the events coordinator for some events. This is a board position. Erna Hundt who is the current Coffee Morning coordinator will be available to do a full handover over the next few months and guide the prospective applicant through the process.

GRAPHIC DESIGNERAre you comfortable with using Photoshop and Illustrator and have some free time to donate to HIWC to work on specific projects such as producing invitations for one off events, or special HIWC publications? This position requires tenacity and detail-orientation while giving you the flexibility you need to work from home on your schedule. Familiarity with other desktop publishing programs would be an asset. For more information about this position, please send a message to contact@hanoi-iwc.com.

CAN YOU HELP?New member Jane is looking to borrow a small put up type bed for one to two weeks, to be used by my 3 year old grandson due to visit in Feb? If you can help, please contact Jane at jwolst@fsmail.net

Page 25 Lotus News

HIWC in November - Gallery

HIWC November Coffee Morning at the Movenpick Hanoi HotelOver 100 Ladies enjoyed coffee, tea and conversation at the Movenpick Hanoi in early November. Some guests were even lucky enough to get a massage on the spot. To keep the surprises going, there was a lucky draw for all guests wherein Movenpick kindly donated the following 8 vouchers for a week end for 2 in a suite including brunch, 4 vouchers for Sunday brunch, 3 vouchers for 1 hour spa massage. Those that stayed to lunch enjoyed a special set buffet and 10% of proceeds from the lunch were donated towards the Filipino relief fund coordinated by the filipino members of the HIWC

Page 26 Lotus News

HIWC in November - Gallery

In early November, Dounia Lujan, the Intermediate Tennis Circles Activity coordinator organised a Fall tennis tournament followed by lunch for those HIWC members who play on Mondays and Fridays. 12 Ladies got together to play doubles, mixing it up with different partners for each set. Congratulations go to Christine Heaton who won first prize and Maribel Sierra Limon who came second. Third place was a close competition with Vera Poelmann and Mye Fah tying for the honour. As we said goodbye to long time member Jessica Kuiper we welcomed Olivia Herrenschmidt to the group.

In early November, new member and avid photographer Natascha Senftleben kindly submitted a few of her impressions of the HIWC cooking class held at the Sofitel hotel.

Page 27 Lotus News

Member Notices

Page 28 Lotus News

Member notices

!

!

!

!

Christmas Cooking Classes

Kids : Gingerbread House Class – 380,000vnd/house SATURDAY AND FRIDAY 7th, 14th, 20th DEC @ 3.00PM

(DIY gingerbread house kits = 230,000vnd)

Christmas Treats Mince Pie 40,000

Mince Pies 1 dozen 460,000 Christmas Pudding 400,000

Panforte 220,000 Brandy Butter (150ml) 200,000

Custard (350ml) 200,000 Papaya jam 90,000

HCC Regulars Lemon curd 150,000

Tomato Kasundi 120,000 Tomato Chutney 110,000

hummus 110,000 PLUM SAUCE! ! ! ! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!110,000

BabaGhanoush 80,000 Dukka 70,000

Pita Bread 10,000 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !

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!

Page 29 Lotus News

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