Page 1 Lotus News

Inside this issue

MEMBERS TRAVEL REVIEWS

HIWC ‘RIO’ PARTY

ANTIBIOTIC RESISTANCE

FUN RUN PHOTOS

XXX

Contents

President’s Message 02

CAC News 03

Local Colour 06 05

Meet a Member 09 08

Health in Hanoi 12

What’s on May HIWC 14

HIWC Circles Activities 18

Feature Article

– Types of Yoga 25

May 2014

LOTUS NEWS

Page 2 Lotus News

Letter from the President

Letter from the Editor – A Final Word from Tiffany

Dear HIWC members, I have to start this edition by congratulating our events team on the amazing

Family Fun Run held Sunday April the 13th. We had such a fantastic turnout and

energy from all participating families. We are really pleased that we could

provide you with an event that comprises so much of what we want to deliver to

our members: enjoyable and meaningful experiences that in the process

strengthen our community.

This was one of the main aspects highlighted from our recent survey as something

that you, our members, expect from us. Another one, and this is one that I believe

all our current members can help with, is making new members feel more

welcomed and included. We acknowledge there is a lot of room for improvement

and we are already looking at ways to do so. We hope that you will assist us when

you recognize, especially during our coffee mornings, the face of someone who

has just arrived to Hanoi and has chosen to be part of our group to hopefully find

new friendships.

May is an important month for us because we hold our Annual General Meeting,

and it is a time when we traditionally face changes. This year is no exception as we will have farewells and welcomes

on our Board level, CAC committee and also amongst the Circles Activities Coordinators. I would therefore like to

offer my thanks to those members that are stepping down and who have made such a valuable contribution over the

past year.

In particular, I would like to express my most sincere gratitude to Tiffany Banner, former 2012-21013 HIWC

President, and Lotus News Editor during the 2013-2014 period; Michele Stoeckel who acted as CAC President and

Rasa Zdanyte who was our Vice President. You are all fantastic ladies that have certainly left a strong legacy. I hope

that you will join us at the May coffee morning and AGM on Thursday 8th May at the Hilton Hotel, so that we can

thank you properly, as well as welcome the amazing ladies that will step up in these roles for the 2014-2015 period.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Yours kindly,

Paulina Pineda

HIWC President

Dear HIWC Members,

This May Lotus News has been put together by myself and our new editor, Michele Spencer, who has kindly stepped up to take on the role after only a month in Hanoi! I would like to warmly welcome Michele onto the HIWC team.

The Lotus News evolves in response to your needs, providing you with information about the HIWC, Hanoi and the region. We hope that this edition proves to be as fulfilling as always and welcome comments and suggestions that will take the Lotus News forward into the following year.

My membership and involvement in the HIWC has been special journey, full of new experiences and really wonderful friendships. It will be a big change to leave this unique group of expats but I would like to thank you all for your support

and wish you all the best.

Kind regards, Tiffany

Thanks Tiffany,

I hope that I can keep the magazine as well organized and relevant as you have. It is a wonderful and informative magazine and you should be proud of all you have achieved with it.

Heartfelt thanks on behalf of all the HIWC readers,

Michele

Page 3 Lotus News

In 2013 HIWC Community Aid Committee (CAC) has financed part of the school fees for 20 poor students with disabilities who participated in the training organized by the Will to Live Center. During the course of six months in the Center, the students received lessons in IT, Graphic Design and English. Furthermore, the training included the various living skills, communication skills and corporate working skills necessary for them to live more independently and even to work and earn their own living.

HIWC also provided funds to buy headphones, which serve them during the English classes, and to furnish their new residence. The new residence is where all the students live together during their training and it allows them to get out of their home, to be in the community and to share with other people with disabilities.

After successfully completing the two courses, 20 out of 36 students found jobs as graphic designers, sales consultants, office assistants…some of the students also found the love of their life and plan for marriage.

According to Huyen Minh, volunteer and contact in the Will to Live Center: “The completion of this project would not have been possible without the contributions of a number of people. Our particular thanks go to Hanoi International Women’s Club. Your great guidance, patience and understanding and support through the learning process enable the completion of this project with such results.”

Below are letters reflecting the stories of two young people who went through this experience in the Will to Live Center with HIWC support.

Articles contributed by families of 2 students at the Will to Live Center

MAI PHI LONG’S STORY (as told by himself)

I’m 19 years old born and I have a growth disorder called Achondroplasia. My mother said that I until I was 6 years old, I grew just like any other child. At that time I did not realize that I was stunted, but my height stopped progressing. I now stand just 1.10m in height. My mother was dreadfully worried when the doctor said that I had Achondroplasia. She said she had never been heard of this condition before; even to my doctors this was something new.

WHY AM I DIFFERENT? Why am I different from my sisters? Why am I different from my friends? As I flipped through my photo album, I will notice that each time I take group photo, I will either be at the very center or right at the very edge. And another thing is that, as I stand up.....the top of my head will never reach my friends shoulder. All these questions and situations have haunted me for......I don't remember how many years, since I noticed that I was shorter than other people. Finding out that I had Aachondroplasia was a shock. It was difficult to understand how I could get a condition of restricted growth with two average height parents! I always wanted to find answers for those questions that are always floating in my head.

At school my friends laugh and make fun of me. I wasn’t comfortable enough to talk

loud enough in class. I was shy and quiet. Since I finished high school I did not usually go out. I lived at home under the loving care of my mother and made friends with the TV. One day in 2011 I saw on TV a short news article about Mr Cong Hung. It immediately captured my interest! But it was not until one year later that I took a course at his center. This was the first time I lived without family but I had found my second home. Lots of people at the center took the time to speak to me and put me at ease. It was a very positive experience on the whole, but I did have a few wobbles over the weekends as it really was very far out of my comfort zone.

Now living outside the centre, any Will to Live events do involve a fair bit of traveling. I now work full time and have a fairly busy social life so I find it difficult to attend all the events that have been arranged but I am glad to be a member of the center as it is very comforting to know that I am not alone. I have been in full-time employment since taking a second course at the center and at the moment I am working with a joint-venture company between Vietnam and Denmark in Hanoi. My job is a graphic designer. I am now involved with my time work and leading a "normal life". At the company my colleagues have said “one person can charm a room with just a smile - Long is one of them. He is generous in sharing his smile and laughter. Without a word, he extends hospitality to those who meet him.” I wish my mother could hear what they have said.

Thankfully my first impression of Mr Cong Hung and Ms Thao Van was a positive one, it was great to finally look at someone straight in the eye, so to speak and although I was still very nervous, it did not put me off wanting to find out more. Since that time I have now met a lot of other people who have Achondroplasia and other Short Stature conditions. And now, I am very blessed to have two strong and wonderfully committed parents who have made me what I am today and someone I can be proud of - myself.

CAC News – Will to Live

Page 4 Lotus News

CAC News – Will to Live

NGUYEN DINH LAM’S DREAM (as told by his mother)

Lam was born and has grown up in the beloved Western Nghe An province. A

parched land and under harsh weather of the four seasons. His life also has a

miserably hard position.

When his father finished serving the army he got a disease was called articular

stiffness. He lost his working capacity and we lost the prop and stay of our home.

All the burdens were placed on my shoulders. I have to take care of three

children, the old mother-in-law and also look after Lam’s father.

When Lam was born he was a healthy child. But at the age of 5 years old he fell

from a height of 4.5 m. His spine was severely injured then one week later he

contracted Japanese encephalitis. He lost consciousness for almost one month.

The doctor said that he could not get through and we should hold due funeral

observances for him. I beg for his life “Doctor! Please keep him against the

disease!”

One month later he woke up. He looked like a one year old boy and began to

practice talking and step by step on foot. He had recovered his strength but he

could not be up and about as usual. He still went to school until he finished the

secondary school. Every year he had to be absent from school for one month of treatment. He could not go to school

anymore and his health declined rapidly.

So he became mostly quiet because his friends make fun of him, sometimes for stupid stuff. He has never done

anything to anyone. He was always worried about his appearance and it holds him back. One day he said to me

“Mom! My dream has gone away. I’m really tired! It was unbearable seeing you work hard to look after me with no

results. I want to give up! I have more and more pains. I wish one time I closed my eyes and I would never wake up

again.” My tears fell. My son tried his best! I could not do better for him. But he could not sit up anymore.

Last year I watched a TV show that talked about the Will to Live Center. I thought about of Lam’s future. I met and

talked with all members of my family. We decided to send Lam to the center. I known that his health is not good

enough for studying but at least he would have a good environment. After three months living and studying at the

center, Lam sent me a letter. I grieved for him with happiness. The letter said:

“Dear Mom,

Thank you so much for sending me here. By this time I have to step on my own feet. I known you and others who

love me are filled with concern about me. But I’m 24 years old already. I have grown up and have more mature

thinking than before.

Since I came here I realized that I’m still lucky. Many people have to sit on the wheelchair all their life. I could not sit

anymore but I still can stand and lie down. I became friends with other friends, I talked more and I gained more

confidence and made more friends. My friends were having so much fun they became my main friends and we

caused a lot of trouble. I had a great time with them here.

Now I just want to study to get a job then take care of you and father when you get old. I want to help you to take care

of brother’s children. I feel it is time I live independently. I can go to the market, cook, and do a lot of things by

myself.

My dream came back again. I know how hard it is for you to let me live far from home with sickness. Mom! Please

do not worry! I'll be okay! I will take care of myself. Please take care of yourself. I will be happy while seeing you

happy.”

That’s all what I want to do for Lam! I known I was right when I sent him to the center. Two weeks before the doctor

checked for him and said to me “Lam would not lengthen his life. He will die very soon.”

I was so sad. But now I will not be concerned about what he cannot do, I just want to focus on what he can do. I

would like to support all what he is planning for the future. Even if my son can just live some months or one year

more. I would like to see him happy all the time!

Page 5 Lotus News

CAC News – Going Forward

HIWC Noticeboard

(I recently visited on of our projects at the Dong Da centre where a number of blind students are learning English).

Being a member of the Community Aid

Committee for the past 3 years has been one of the most enjoyable and fulfilling experiences of my life. I have seen and done things I never thought possible and met many people who have inspired me and I feel a deep privilege to have been on this journey. I am very fortunate that with the agreement of the committee I have taken over the role of Chair of the committee for the next year. WOW! Who would have thought I would have this opportunity when we came here from Australia just over 4 years ago? Michele Stoeckel has led the way for the past year and has been dignified, patient, caring and involved, and if I can emulate her as my role model, I will be happy. The committee is a dedicated energetic group of women from a diverse range of backgrounds. They are great and I love their energy and focus in assisting those in this country who are disadvantaged due of a multitude of reasons, mostly beyond their control. I make a commitment to all of you who work so hard to raise funds at the bazaar that the money will be spent wisely and well across the north of Vietnam. It is an honour for me to hold this position and I cherish the opportunity to lead and serve the committee. Kay Wood Chairperson Community Aid Committee

Calling All Photographers!

Mona Jespersen had kindly stepped up to be the photo archiver for HIWC. If you have any photos of HIWC events, CAC work, HIWC circles activities, excursions or anything HIWC related, that you share with other HIWC members please feel free to email them to photos@hanoi-iwc.com Guidelines for images:

1. Size of the photos should be between 900 and 2000 pixel wide approximately 3 Megapixels in size which will allow recipients to use up to A4 size. They should be separate .jpg attachments.

2. Please include brief information of the event such as date, place and photographer so that the records can as complete as possible and recognition given as required.

Page 6 Lotus News

Local Colour – Ha Noi Honours Ancient Dream

Article first appeared in Vietnam News March, 27 2014

“Ha Noi honours ancient dream “by Victoria Fritz

(Photo Victoria Fritz)

The last: Quan Chuong, the last city gate in Ha Noi. When Ly Thai To walled off the citadel, he built 16 city gates along the perimeter. The only one that remains today stands on Quan Chuong Street. While the structure is not the original one, it still carries so much history.

We gathered in a slight drizzle outside Bach Ma Temple at nine in the morning. Our walking tour of the Old Quarter was about to begin. We walked through a courtyard into an inner hall, at the temple in which was an elaborately adorned horse in faded white. Bach Ma means white horse, our guide said, adding that it symbolised the one that, according to legend, Ly Thai To dreamt of after trying unsuccessfully to build the walls around Ha Noi citadel. The king ordered his workers

to build the walls along the path the horse had chosen, and they stayed up.

As someone from a Christian background, I found it an odd custom to be worshipping a white horse, or the spirit of one. I am familiar enough with Buddhism, and the worship of Buddha. But a white horse? This aspect of Vietnamese culture was highly intriguing. It is not just legendary spirits, actual historical figures are also worshipped, the guide said. We were told that the script on one horizontally hung wooden panel read: Extremely miraculous temple of the White Horse. People pray to spirits resident in the temple for miracles to grace their lives, we were told. Not much different from praying to St. Anthony for help in finding lost keys or money, or to Our Lady of Fatima for a medical cure, I thought. Amidst the differences in practices, there were similarities as well. I also found it interesting that the building had been rebuilt several times. This has happened with many temples that were first built centuries ago in Viet Nam.

In the West, people move heaven and earth to preserve such buildings, but here, people seemed to have no qualms about rebuilding a crumbling structure. No looking back. To me, this spoke of gracious detachment, an acceptance that change is just the way of the world.

Mother Goddesses

On one side of the inner hall, a guide showed us statues of three Mother Goddesses. The Vietnamese worship Mother Goddesses of the Sky, Water and Forest. In the Catholic faith, it is fervently pointed out that Mother Mary is not a God. I do not really know the origins of this belief, but the Church forbids the worship of Mary, though Christians do pray to her. In Vietnam, there appears to be no problem worshipping Mother Goddesses. Among other things, it struck me that there was greater gender parity here, at least among the deities.

Our next stop was a temple rarely visited by tourists called Huong Nghia. It is dedicated to a military general who fought against the Chinese. Again, though I found it odd at first to dedicate a temple to an actual person, I also realised that people of the Christian faith also pray to dead relatives, to intervene with God on their behalf.

A short block away was Quan Chuong, a city gate that amazed me. When Ly Thai To walled off the Ha Noi citadel, he built 16 city gates along the perimeter. The only one that remains today stands on Quan Chuong (city gate) Street. I had been living here a year, but did not know of this gate. While the structure is not the original one built by the emperor, it still carries so much history.

Even less known is the black tablet on one inner wall of the gate with inscriptions in Nom, the original Vietnamese script. Expecting it to mention great historic events or perhaps an imperial decree, I was pleasantly amused to learn that its likely meaning is, "funeral processions should not be taxed when passing through the gates" – a very pragmatic announcement.

Further north, the Huyen Thien Temple on Hang Khoai Street is especially unique in being a chua (Buddhist pagoda), a den (Taoist temple) and a dinh (community hall) at the same time. Such a combination would be inconceivable in Western society.

There were two other stops on our tour – a traditional house on number 87 Ma May and a jewelry communal house on 42 Hang Bac, each with its own attractions and stories.The tour showed me the value of getting rid of any ethnocentrism that we might carry within us. This can make the world a more wonderful place.

Page 7 Lotus News

The Road Less Traveled – A Trip to Ha Giang (article and photos by Brooke Badon)

Hello, my name is Brooke and I want to write to you about an incredible trip I took. I have been living in South East Asia for over a year now, so it was a long overdue and very welcomed visit when my dad, uncle and aunt came to Hanoi this past January. They wanted to travel around a bit, but left me to plan all the details. …which landed us on a tiny dirt road in an old car (driven by a very fearless Vietnamese man) on a steep mountainside in Vietnam’s northern most province, Ha Giang. I’ll say this now before you decide this isn’t the style for you: if my family can do it, so can you and I promise you won’t regret it.

You also might be thinking, why not Sa Pa or Halong Bay? Well, while those places are absolutely breathtaking and entirely worth seeing, they seem to be the typical and expected places to travel. It is true that with their worldwide fame, places like Sa Pa and Halong Bay are heavily traveled areas that have a certain lack of authenticity to them. Ha Giang was certainly anything but tourist driven. From the moment we stepped onto the local sleeper bus, we knew we had signed ourselves up for a unique experience.

The bus took us 7 hours north and dropped us in a small town called Tan Cuang. Here we waited to get picked up by the driver we had arranged to take us to our place of stay. We booked rooms as Pan Hou Village Eco Lodge, not really understanding what or where it was. Turns out it was in a small, rural village 2 hours deep into the mountains along the Chinese border. I will tell you, it was undisputedly the most beautiful drive that any of us had ever experienced. We drove by endless rice terraces and intricate mountainside farms. We drove by women and children dressed in brightly colored embroidered clothing carrying piles of vegetables on their backs. It was a different world from anything I have ever seen before, and it was not a show, it was real life. In fact many of these people had never seen westerners before us.

The Eco Lodge was just beyond Pan Hou village, right along a river nestled in-between the High Song Chay Mountains. It was a natural paradise. The staff was incredibly accommodating and helpful, and before long we had fallen in love with this place. We arranged for a trek through the mountains with a local Vietnamese guide, and the experience was literally beyond words. Hours of viewing natural landscapes sprinkled with farms and homes for miles in every direction. The trek included a lunch stop with a family in their home along the trail, an amazing and touching experience that I will never forget.

I could talk forever about the things we saw and felt on this trip, but for now I will leave it at this: it was one of those experiences that no matter how hard you try, you just don’t have the words to paint the full picture. I seriously recommend this trip to anyone interested in getting off the “main road”. For more information on Pan Hou Village Eco Lodge you can visit the website: http://www.panhou-village.com/en/

Local Travel – The Road Less Traveled

Page 8 Lotus News

An HIWC walk through the old quarter near the Catholic Cathedral of Hanoi, Nha Tho....

Having lived in Hanoi for more than four years, I thought I knew the city pretty

well. However, joining the HIWC walk with Jura, our guide, made me realize

that I was only looking at the surface of what is really a great labyrinth.

On the morning of 20th March, we started our walk from the St.Joseph’s

Cathedral, the Catholic center of Hanoi. From here we travelled to Ly Quoc

Su Street where we visited Ly Quoc Su pagoda and Den Phu Ung. We

walked from here to Dinh Yen Thai through an alley that lead to Yen Thai

Street. There, Jura pointed out the Chinese sign “embroidery market” on the

communal house, which tells us the function of the building in the past. I have

been to this street many times, but never noticed that the sign was there.

We walked through Hang Quat Street, a worshipping item street where you

can find traditional moon cake molds. Then we turned off the main road,

through a narrow alley, and out into an open space. Here, we could get a

glimpse of a local’s life in the old quarter. Inside the alley, it was surprisingly

peaceful and quiet, and the chaos of the old quarter felt miles away.

On Hang Trong Street we went inside the communal house to see the place

of worship, then came back on Nha Tho Street, and visited Chua Ba Da, a

pagoda which is a headquarter of the Municipal Buddhist Association and

also a monastery for Zen Buddhism.

Throughout the walk, Jura gave us a wealth of information on history, religion,

culture, local delicacies, and more. Thanks to her, I was able to see inside the

alley and pagodas, somewhere I have not had the guts to go by myself.

The tour truly broadened my perspective on Hanoi, and made me realize how

little I know about the city. Now I’m motivated to explore the city even more to

discover other hidden gems of Hanoi.

(article and photos by Mimi Ijima)

Local Colour – HIWC walk

Page 9 Lotus News

Meet a Member – Lia Garcia

Tell us a little about yourself...

I love my life in Vietnam and I truly hope that if I can have any influence on other people, it would be a positive one that helps them to love the country the way that I do. I came here nine years ago as a single woman and have since married a wonderful (and handsome!) Irishman, Daragh Halpin, and we are expecting our first baby, a girl, in June 2014.

Although born in Texas, USA, I grew up on the border next to the state of Coahuila, Mexico and my father is from a Mexican background so in my heart, a veces me siento más Mexicana!

What brought you to Vietnam?

In 2005, I had the chance to work with a humanitarian group called LCMS World Mission that had health and education projects in both Hanoi and Phu Tho Province. Since I had previous experience living in small remote villages, my organization decided I was the best candidate to live and teach in a small village about 3.5 hours northwest of Hanoi on the way to Sapa, called Phu Tho Town.

Although it wasn’t always the easiest place to live, I saw it as an amazing experience and a great way to learn Vietnamese. For almost three years that I lived out there, it also gave me a glimpse into the life of the rural Vietnamese, which make up about 80% of the population. So in essence, I was exposed to the larger face of Vietnamese culture and life. I often tell newcomers that many of the frustrations about Vietnamese “culture” are not from the culture at all and really the nuances of city life. The Vietnamese culture itself is quite friendly and takes care of foreigners to make sure they do not befall any harm.

Where were you living before Vietnam?

I moved to Vietnam from the Austin, Texas in the USA but have lived outside the USA for every single presidential election since I was legally able to vote so have spent a great deal of my adult life overseas. I had this trend of always leaving to live abroad and then would come back home but it looks like Vietnam finally got a hold of me and didn’t let me go.

If you are working, tell us a little about your work and professional background.

I have the best job in the world- I work with a wonderful group of inspiring educators around a bunch of amazing students and it is my job to tell others about what they do. I’ve been working as the Director of Communications for Concordia International School Hanoi for just over 3.5 years and love every minute that I get to spend with parents, students, and faculty alike.

I also coach our Concordia Middle School Girls Basketball team in the Fall, which is something I look forward to every year. I love basketball and the girls work hard and keep me on my toes- quite literally!

What do you enjoy most about living in Hanoi?

I think the most liberating and thus enjoyable thing about living in Hanoi is that I get this feeling that anything is possible here. Small things tend to be hard but bigger things, when you set your mind to it, can be done so much easier here than back home. I don’t think my husband and I would be the proud owners of three restaurants back in Ireland or the USA like we are here in Hanoi and I credit that very much to the Vietnamese entrepreneurial spirit and willingness to work hard.

Where is your favourite place in Hanoi to relax and unwind?

There are so many places that are great but I think my favorite places revolve around the people that are there. One of my greatest sources for rejuvenation and spiritual refreshment is actually the Sunday services at Hanoi International Church. The congregation is incredibly welcoming and have become like family to me. It was also the place that I married my husband, so there is added sentiment there.

Do you have any tips for newly arrived international women?

Besides coming to the HIWC Newcomers coffee where you can get loads of great advice other members and me, the biggest tip would be to get out of your house and start a conversation with a complete stranger. Hanoi expats are so incredibly friendly and helpful that some of my closest relationships in Hanoi started with the conversation, “Hey, we should be friends….”

Don’t be afraid to reach out to others- they will be just as happy to have you as friend too!

Where is your favourite place to get away from the hustle and bustle of Hanoi? I could tell you in this interview but then

everyone would know and the place might get overcrowded! If you ask me in person at a coffee morning, I’ll tell you….

Hanoi can often throw up some unusual experiences, what is the most unusual thing you have seen/heard/experienced since arriving?

I always imagine that the Hanoi electric company workers, motorbike delivery people, and construction workers could double as circus performers with the acrobatics they perform on a daily basis. No other place in the world have I seen such a combination of balancing skills and bravery.

Page 10 Lotus News

How did you learn about HIWC and why have you joined?

Although I had been living in Vietnam for a few years already, my younger brother was actually a member of the HIWC when he came to visit/live here for a year before I ever joined. He was one of the few associate male members at the time and told me it was a great group to join, so I did.

Have you worked in the HIWC or similar organization before?

I can’t say that I have- the HIWC is truly a unique and one-of-a-kind fantastic organization!

Page 11 Lotus News

Meet a Member - Jane Wolstenholme

I have lived in Cheltenham, Brecon and more recently Swansea. All lovely parts of the UK, but we now live where we wish to retire;

you can’t beat the walks on those beautiful beaches, even in the Welsh rain!

If you are working, tell us a little about your work and professional background.

I started my working life as a nurse and worked for the National Health Service for 16 years. Following this my husband and I were

house parents in a private boarding school looking after 30 teenage girls. During this time I did a degree which led me to my current

role in regulation of care services. Despite it being stressful, it is fulfilling work knowing that you are doing your best to protect the

vulnerable in society.

What do you enjoy most about living in Hanoi?

Difficult question, there is so much! I am enjoying being a lady of leisure the most, but this reflects only indirectly on Hanoi. By

offering English conversation sessions I have met and enjoyed the company of a number of local people who are only too happy to

explain cultural aspects of Vietnamese life. Just listening to them talk about their work and families gives me such an insight into

modern Vietnam.

Where is your favourite place in Hanoi to relax and unwind?

My flat. I spend much time on my bed as our bedroom is the only room with decent Wi Fi connection!

Do you have any tips for newly arrived international women?

Yes, go and explore! The roads are daunting, be sensible, make a list of places to visit and get out there; walk and use the buses.

Book yourselves into a street food tour, Vietnamese language lessons and as many HIWC trips as possible.

Hanoi can often throw up some unusual experiences, what is the most unusual thing you have seen/heard/experienced

since arriving?

Eating chicken displayed in coke cans.

How did you learn about HIWC and why have you joined?

I heard about the HIWC whilst in the UK via my husband who was already in Hanoi. After a good look at the website, I knew that it

was a must to join as it was obvious that the HIWC is a well organised and full on club. I knew it would give me the opportunity to

meet people, attend a variety of regular activities and trips in and out of Hanoi.

Have you worked in the HIWC or similar organization before?

No, but I have recently joined CAC and look forward to the opportunity to make a contribution to this worthwhile group.

Tell us a little about yourself...

I was born in Singapore and emigrated to the UK as a teenager. It took me a a number of

years to stop referring to Singapore as home, and now my husband says I’m more British

than the British! I have 3 adult children, whom I am very proud of, and two gorgeous

grandsons.

What brought you to Vietnam?

My husband successfully applied for a teaching job in Vietnam. With no commitments, we

decided it was now or never; at last to have an adventure of our own! I have been given a

career break so here we are.

Where were you living before Vietnam?

Page 12 Lotus News

Health in Vietnam – Lactose Intolerance

(Article submitted by Dr Cindy from FMP)

Are you lactose intolerant?

If you've ever experienced rumbling of your stomach or the need to go to the toilet after consuming dairy products, you might just be suffering from lactose intolerance. Dr. Cynthia Dacanay, Pediatrician from Family Medical Practice provides more information on the causes, tests and tips related to lactose intolerance.

What is lactose intolerance? Normally, when a person consumes dairy products containing lactose, an enzyme called Lactase will break it down into simple sugars (glucose and galactose) to serve as fuel for the body. In a lactose intolerant person, this enzyme is lacking hence the lactose remains undigested, gets broken down by the resident bacteria causing the symptoms such as flatus, bloating, abdominal cramps and diarrhea.

This condition is fairly common. It affects males and females equally, usually older individuals, and almost all Asian, African, Hispanic and Native Americans. Factors such as gastrointestinal infection or the intake of antibiotics can also cause temporary lactose intolerance. If you have symptoms of bloating, abdominal cramps

or diarrhea within 2 hours of taking dairy products you should see a doctor to confirm if you're really suffering from this condition.

How do I test for this? 1) Hydrogen breath test - Hydrogen is normally not present in a person's breath but because lactose in lactase deficient individuals gets broken down and forms gases, one of which is hydrogen, it is then detected in the breath of deficient individuals. This will entail blowing into a tube every 30 minutes for 2 hours after intake of a lactose-containing drink. An elevation in the hydrogen level is expected in lactose intolerance. 2) Endoscopy - a tissue sample from your gut is taken to test for the presence of the lactase enzyme. 3) A stool acidity test (for children) – stools will be tested for the presence of lactic acid or other fatty acids.

Tips to manage this condition: It can be managed individually depending on how deficient you are. Some deficient individuals are still able to eat small amount of dairy without symptoms. 1. Cheese and yogurt contain a low amount of lactose and seem to be well tolerated by most. 2. Mix your dairy intake with other non-lactose containing foods in the same meal to allow slower digestion. 3. Lactase containing supplements are available and could be taken before consuming dairy products. 4. Lactose-free products (those that contain lactase) are easily available. 5. Read food labels. Words such as milk or milk by-products, whey, curds, dry milk solids indicate that the food contains lactose. Finally, calcium tablets should be taken as part of your daily supplement since the intake of dairy products may not be enough for the daily requirement. Take calcium enriched non-dairy foods such as tofu, broccoli, beans and soy milk. For more medical advice visit Family Medical Practice (www.vietnammedicalpractice.com). Hanoi: 298 I Kim Ma, Ba Dinh, Hanoi, Vietnam +84 4 3843 0748

Page 13 Lotus News

Health in Vietnam – Antibiotic Resistance

“Antibiotic Resistance a 'Catastrophic Threat'”

Reuter’s headline March 2014

“Antibiotic Apocolypse - A terrible future could be on the horizon, a future which rips one of the greatest tools of medicine out of the hands of doctors,” reads a BBC headline. The article continues: “A simple cut to your finger could leave you fighting for your life. Luck will play a bigger role in your future than any doctor could. The most basic operations - getting an appendix removed or a hip replacement - could become deadly. Cancer treatments and organ transplants could kill you. Childbirth could once again become a deadly moment in a woman's life. It's a future without antibiotics.” Antibiotics are powerful medicines that fight bacterial infections. Used properly, antibiotics can save lives. Antibiotics do not

fight infections caused by viruses, such as: • Colds and Flu • Most ear infections • Sinusitis • Most coughs and bronchitis • Sore throats, unless caused by strep Already many common illnesses can no longer be treated with simple antibiotics due to resistance. New superbugs such as MRSA are emerging. Cases of totally drug resistant tuberculosis have been identified in the past few years.

What is the cause of this terrifying

increasing resistance?

According to the journal ‘Antimicrobial Resistance and Infection Control’ the most important cause is a massive overuse of antibiotics worldwide across all ecosystems over the past decades, including humans, animals, aquaculture, and agriculture.’ Added to which is the lack of new antibiotic technology in the pharmaceutical pipelines. The last family of antibiotic to be discovered was in the 1980s. Many national/international meetings, workshops, and task forces, as well as reports in the scientific literature and lay press, have been dedicated to this threat over the last decade, particularly in 2011, but often with a limited impact due to a lack of coordination. Asia has the highest level of antibiotic resistance in the world and has only very recently recognised this critical healthcare problem. It was estimated that 83 % of people suffering from the common cold in China who went to see their doctor last year were prescribed antibiotics. The Netherlands, on the other hand, has the lowest use of antibiotics in Europe and subsequently the lowest incidence of resistance. Article prepared by Dr Damien Cummins.

Dr Damien Cummins is from the UK and is based fulltime at the International SOS Hanoi Clinic since 2012. His background is General and Emergency medicine.

International SOS Hanoi Clinic,

51 Xuan Dieu, Tay Ho, +84 4 3934 0666

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What’s on: May in the HIWC?

HIWC EVENTS MAY

6th May Half day Excursion Rattan Village (Phu Vinh). Depart at 8.30am and drive to Tram Pagoda and the rattan village of Phu Vinh. Expected return is 1pm.

6th May HIWC Film Club. Held at Cinemateque at 22a Hai Ba Trung. Cost is 100 000VND for members and 150 000VND for non-members.

8th May HIWC Coffee Morning / AGM to be held at the Hilton Opera Hotel (1 Le Thanh Tong St, Hanoi)

14th May Shopping and Cocktail Event – watch for further details by email

15th May Newcomers Coffee Morning. From 10am – 12pm near the Intercontinental in Tay Ho. Registration is essential for catering purposes

18th May Excursion in Bai Dinh, Trang An. From 8am – 6pm. Discover the amazing Bai Dinh Pagado and then enjoy a cruise in Trang An, part of ‘Ha Long Bay on land’

22nd May HIWC Walk – a guided walk around the Truc Bach area and Thanh Quan temple. 9am – 11.30am. Please click HERE to register.

31st May – The HIWC Rio party. Please check flyer in this issue for details

HIWC EVENTS JUNE

1st June - Excursion - Water puppet master and performance

3rd June - Excursion - Chuong Village

3rd June HIWC Film Club

5th June HIWC Coffee Morning

11th June HIWC Board Meeting

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May Coffee Morning

HIWC May Coffee Morning

Members are invited to the May coffee morning -

at the Hilton Opera Hotel (1 Le Thanh Tong St, Hanoi)

on THURSDAY 8th May

from 10am-12pm (Registration starts at 9.30am)

May’s coffee morning also coincides with our AGM.

Please click Here to pre- register, by Tuesday 6th May at the latest.

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

Page 16 Lotus News

Page 17 Lotus News

Other events around town in May…

Book L15th April – 18th

May Launch and Exhibition: “LOST&FOUND Hanoi” Photo exhibition of five Hanoi-based

photogr photographers showing their city. See it now at Goethe.

10th May Latin Fiesta. Melia Hotel 6pm – 11pm Buffet Dinner and Drinks for 950 000VND

12th May Asian Womens and Friends in Hanoi excursion exploring the traditional Embroidery Villages, Thuong Tin, Hanoi contact awfriendsinhanoi@gmail.com

19th May Youth Theatre of Vietnam - coming for one performance only in Hanoi. Check them out at http://www.nhahattuoitre.vn/tin-tuc/Doan-nghe-thuat-NHUNG-DAI-SU-TRE-Hoa-Ky/2562.aspx

22nd May Fashion Show – Watch for the HIWC Weekly What’s On? email details

24th May Disco Inferno : Asian Women and Friends in Hanoi – 2nd Floor ballroom, Sofitel Luxury Hotel. 7pm, Attire is 70’s Retro and Cost is 1 000 000 VND

Cultural venues around town

Casa Italia, 18 Le Phung Hieu, Hanoi Goethe Institut, 56-58 Nguyen Thai Hoc, Tel. 04 37342251 http://www.goethe.de/ins/vn/han/enindex.htm Hanoi Cooking Center, for bookings, please contact info@hanoicookingcentre.com or 04 3 715 3277 Institut Français de Hanoi, L’Espace, 24 Trang Tien, Hoan Kiem Japan Foundation Center for Cultural Exchange in Vietnam, 27 Quang Trung, Hoan Kiem MAM – Art Projects, Floor 5, 36 Ly Thuong Kiet, Hanoi Maison des Arts Hanoi, 2nd floor, 22A Hai Ba Trung, Hanoi Manzi Art Space, 14 Phan Huy Ich, Hanoi Vietnam Sculpture Gallery, 12 Quan Su Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi, Daily, 9 AM – 9 PM Vietnam University of Fine Arts , 42 Yet Kieu Str, Hanoi Vietnam Fine Arts Museum, 66 Nguyễn Thái Học, Ba Dinh District http://www.vnfam.vn/ Vietnam Women’s Museum, 36 Lý Thường Kiệt, Hà Nội

What’s On: May in Hanoi?

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HIWC Circle Groups – What’s ON…

Please contact individual organisers listed below for more information.

If you 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.

HIWC Newcomers - Next meeting: 15th May 10am – 12pm Newcomers to Hanoi are welcome one 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 - Each Month, this group meets several times to view art exhibitions, meet local artists, and go on heritage walks through different cultural areas of the city. The dates and times change each month and can be found listed under the "What’s on in the HIWC". Please look out for specific emails to register for the activities or contact Rasa at rasaflay@gmail.com with suggestions or comments. 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 7th May at 7.30pm. This is an evening book club that usually meets on the second Wednesday 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 Lunchtime Literary Discussion Group - Next meeting 19th May We meet every third Monday of the Month till late June. Meetings will reconvene August through November. Contact Lillian Canada canada.lp@gmail.com for more information. : The Literary Discussion Group proposes to maximize objective discussion of the basic elements of the novel: Plot (story, conflict-internal vs. external & complexity, suspense/tension ); Character Development (is there a change from the beginning to the end?); Writing Style(how it adds to the texture of the whole, and the uses of literary devices- i.e. metaphor, symbolism,foreshadowing, etc.);Theme (i.e. coming of age, universal truth,etc.); and finally, Point of View (use of omniscient vs 1st person, etc.).

HIWC Cycling Group - Informal group that meets occasionally during the cooler months to cycle through the quieter side of Hanoi. We usually meet at Joma on To Ngoc Van at 9am. Bring along your hat, water and enthusiasm to cycle. All levels are welcome. Please contact Willie willievroege@gmail.com for more information.

Page 19 Lotus News

HIWC Circle Groups – What’s ON…

HIWC English Conversation - Meets once a week, on a Tuesday from 10.00 - 11.30 - a morning of lively talk and laughter. This is a great way to spend some time with fellow expats where English is not their first language. Contact Nada nada.offner@gmail.com or Martina j.m.westhauser@bluewin.ch for details. HIWC Film Club – Monday 6th May - held at Cinemateque at 22a Hai Ba Trung. Cost is 100 000VND for members and 150 000VND for non-members. Contact deracine.hanoi@gmail.com

HIWC Golf - Contact Reiko rfunakoshi39@gmail.com for details. HIWC Non-native English Reading Group meet the third Tuesday in every month. Next meeting: 20th May 13.30 - 15.30. 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. Suitable for all levels of beginner. This is a 2-hour activity that includes not only individual coaching but also group practice. Enhancing your tennis technique in an ultra friendly atmosphere. Contact Yu Ching by email, evalingw@yahoo.com.tw or call 016 74 246 797 for more information. HIWC Tennis (Intermediate) - Every Monday and Friday 9am -11am We 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 or ph 01627227447. HIWC Quilters group - Every Wednesday 9.30am - 12pm. 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 Scrabble Club – Every 2nd and 4th Monday of the month. Come along and join us for a couple of hours, over coffee at Al Fresco’s in Tay Ho, 10am to 12pm. We encourage you to carry your Scrabble Boards along if you have one at home. In case you don't, no worries, just show up!

If you are interested of want more information, contact Dorothy dorothylooney8899@yahoo.com or Rasika rasika.krishnamurthy@gmail.com

Page 20 Lotus News

HIWC – Circle Groups

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 Lillian Canada or Louise Archer canada.lp@gmail.com for details.

HIWC Vietnamese conversations - This is a new group, currently comprising of a few ladies with varying linguistic abilities. We like to encourage each other and have the opportunity to make fools of ourselves without embarrassment, all in the hope of improving our Vietnamese. It would be great to have Vietnamese first language speakers join us too! We meet on Wednesdays at 2:00 p.m. The venue changes from time to time, so please contact either Carolle carollesimon@outlook.com, or Jane jwolst@fsmail.net if you wish to join us. We are intending to continue to meet over the summer holidays.

HIWC Cooking Classes- A variety of cooking classes take place throughout the month. Contact Marina or Saloni (cooking@hanoi-iwc.com) for more information. HIWC Writer’s Group - Every other Thursday 10am – noon. Venue changes but mostly in Tay Ho. (AND SOME WEEKENDS as arranged by individual members). Please contact facilitator Lillian Canada Canada.lp@gmail.com

NEW CIRCLE GROUPS........... If you 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 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 21 Lotus News

If you coordinate an HIWC Circles group and would like to share a message with other members, please feel free to email editor@hanoi-iwc.com with details and images.

HIWC Circles Gallery

ENGLISH CONVERSATION- submitted by Victoria Fritz

On April 8, the English Conversation group had a special gathering at Nobu's place because we welcomed back our beloved facilitator.

During this time, we also continued discussion of the film club screening on April 1 of "Heaven and Earth", which was truly touching for everyone in the group. Welcome back Nada!

(Image supplied by Victoria Fritz)

HIWC Walks

In April Members learnt about the development of the architectural styles from the late 19th century through to the mid-20th century with a guided walk by Roman through the area near the Citadel and Ba Dinh Square. (images by Lene Ellengard)

Page 22 Lotus News

HIWC Circles Gallery

ART and CULTURE – submitted by Tiffany Banner

The HIWC Art group was very busy at the beginning of the month with trips to Salon Natasha, where long-time resident and art curator, Natasha Kraevskaia took us on a journey through the development of contemporary Vietnamese art. This was followed by a visit to Manzi Gallery to view Sakura, an exhibition of the works of 8 different Japanese Artists using both modern techniques and reviving traditional fabric printing practices. (Images by Mona Jespsersen and Tiffany Banner)

Visit to Salon Natasha

Visit to Sakura at Manzi

Page 23 Lotus News

HIWC Charity Auction Lunch

HIWC Coffee Morning – Zenith Yoga

HIWC Charity Auction lunch, Intercontinental hotel, 20 March, 2014

Auction lunches are a lot of fun. They enable us to

create some space in our wardrobes by making

donations as well as providing the opportunity to

purchase something nice.

This year we raised almost 29 000 000 VND and

it went to COPI (Children of Peace International),

which was founded and is directed by Mrs. Binh

Rybacki. Mrs. Binh, along with her medical team

were fortunately stopping over in Hanoi on the

way from Sapa and so were able to attend the

luncheon. Mrs. Binh said:

“There is a small orphanage in Nam Dinh. Matter

of fact a former member of HIWC and CAC

member Lori Royal and her husband built an

orphanage for the children here. There are 30

children living in the house from age 1 to 19 years

old. The children come from various backgrounds

and circumstances. Funds to care for children in

Nam Dinh came from neighbors and church

members.

However, the neighbors lost their crop last fall and

since November 2013, they are no longer able to

support the children and the orphanage is seeking

for funding.

HIWC donation will help to stabilize the hardship

at the orphanage until COPI can establish a

secured income for the children.”

Many thanks to Pippa Wood for acting as

Auctioneer. You did a fantastic job!

April’s monthly coffee morning was hosted by Zenith yoga at their new premises on Au Co Street. Over 70 ladies attended and were treated to a buffet of healthy nibbles, including yeast free sourdough, vegetable dips and healthy juices and teas. After socialising and exercising vocal chords, members were able to relax and stretch in the yoga studio upstairs. Zeniths experienced teachers demonstrated different yoga and pilates techniques and members left suitably refreshed and ready for the weekend!

Page 24 Lotus News

HIWC Coffee Morning – Zenith Yoga

Many thanks to Zeniths and their experienced instructors :

Helena Yan

Pilates instructor& Zenith Yoga Manager

Izumi Tsurumi

Yoga Teacher (beginner Hatha yoga class)

Thuong Ahonen

Yoga Teacher( Vinyasa Yoga)

Willie Vroege-Cohen

Yoga Teacher( Restorative class, Hatha Yoga)

Thank you to Zenith Yoga for your support.

Page 25 Lotus News

Feature Article – Types of Yoga

Relaxing, Refreshing and Rejuvenating

On 10th April, during the monthly coffee morning, HIWC members were able to experience first-hand a range of meditative yoga and pilates classes. For those who had questions as to what is the difference between Hatha and Vinyasa and were not able to try it out that day, here is a short summary of the different approaches. Of course, the best way to understand and reap benefits is to try it out for yourselves!

Hatha yoga:

Traditional hatha yoga is a holistic journey encompassing the practice of poses (asana), purification procedures (shatkriya), gestures (mudra), breathing (pranayama), and meditation. Most general hatha yoga practioners focus on achieving perfect body alignment using both meditative and cultural postures. In this way, Hatha yoga is recognized as a stress-reducing practice.

Vinyasa Yoga :

The term vinyāsa refers to the alignment of movement and breath, a method which turns static asanas into a dynamic flow. The length of one inhale or one exhale dictates the length of time spent transitioning between asanas. Asanas are then held for a predefined number of breaths. Vinyasa focuses on the breath and the journey between the poses, in a predefined order of moves.

Restorative yoga:

Restorative yoga is a form of yoga that seeks to achieve physical, mental and emotional relaxation with the aid of props. Props make it easier to maintain balance whilst stimulating and relaxing your body. Poses are held for longer and can be beneficial to the entire body or target specific parts of the body. It is especially useful to reduce fatigue and stress.

Pilates:

Pilates is a conditioning routine that may help build flexibility, muscle strength, and endurance. It emphasises correct spinal and pelvic alignment, breathing and the development of a strong core - thus improving coordination and balance. Each exercise can be modified to accommodate both beginners and advanced resulting in a workout that is safe and challenging for all fitness levels.

Page 26 Lotus News

HIWC Fun Run

What a fabulous turn out for our first ever Family & Friends Fun Run.... After our initial discussions back in February and until the actual day, no one could have predicted such an enthusiastic turnout and that we would see some sunshine for the first time in such a long time. There were approximately 131 participants consisting of 52 adults and 79 children. After an enthusiastic warm up to everyone’s current favourite song ‘Happy’ they were off! A sea of pink hats running down the road! After the turnaround drink stop and back the same way, most people completed the 5K course.

Thank you to SOS for their contributions on the day, from goody bag items, medical care (a few band aids), marking the course and general enthusiasm. Thanks to Alfresco’s for hosting us and providing all participants with some discount vouchers for future use along with many vouchers in our lucky draw, and a yummy barbecue and live music to enjoy after our exhausted legs sat down. We had wonderful support from Kim at Hanoi Bootcamp (www.beeactivetoday.com) who organised the warm up for all participants and Karen Gay (A-Roaming Bodyworker 01275588840) who provided after-run shoulder massages. Thank you to all our wonderful volunteer helpers on registration desk, marking the route (although fisherman took down all our markings), marshaling on the course and the drink station at the half way mark!

It was a wonderful sight to see all the bright pink HIWC caps running down the road and the delight in the children’s faces when they all got a medal around their necks at the end. On behalf of the HIWC Events Team, we look forward to seeing you all at next years’ Fun Run!

Page 27 Lotus News

Promotions from our Valued Supporters

Mind & Body connection at Zenith Yoga & Café in Hanoi

Zenith Yoga Centre has two locations, one in Tay Ho and the other one in the old quarter. Both studios have healthy

cafes serving organic vegetarian/vegan food, healthy juices, yeast free breads and freshly brewed coffee.

As the oldest and the most professional Yoga studio in Hanoi, Zenith Yoga offers a wide range of classes (Vinyasa,

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Apart from the regular /private classes and workshops, Zenith also offers Room rental for classes, Café rental for

parties, Take away food (bread, sauces, food) and unique social events that are beneficial to the community. Next 200

Yoga teacher training at Zenith I: 26 May – 23 June with Dominique.

Zenith Yoga Studio I: 247 Au Co, Tay Ho, Hanoi

Zenith Yoga Studio II & Café: 16 Duong Thanh, Hoan Kiem, Ha Noi

Email: info@zenithyogahanoi.com

Tel: 039 230 253 (Zenith Studio) or 0906288580 (Mobile)

For further information go to http://pullman-hanoi.com/spa-fitness/