Fishy Aversions

I have discovered that my lifelong aversion to all things fishy is because I am allergic to it!

Paul Taylor (Mr Compost) first suggested that I could have an allergy at Zaytuna Farm after I shared my experiences of trying to eat fish and not being able to.

In Melbourne I accidentally got a mouthfull of Tuna (which was hastily spat out)and was covered in spots the next day. They were not very serious and didn't last long. I didn't really pay much attention to it.

For the last few days I have been getting gradually more covered in little blisters which at first I thought were insect bites. I have since discovered that 'Shrimp Soup' (61% shrimp) has been added to all of the 'vegetarian food' and we now think the blisters are hives.

I have been generally not very well (not much energy, no appetite etc) since I arrived in Vietnam which I had put down to climate adjustment.

I am now fasting for a day to give my body a chance to cope and expel the shrimps to see if that is what is going on.

Otherwise I am well and happy (although home sick) and last night we entertained ourselves with an evening of cultural exchange, complete with Kareoke machine!

We learnt a Black Thai dance backed by the absolutely beautiful singing of the Black Thai students. I led the group in a ever faster rendition of Upoko, Pakahiwi, Puku, Hope, Wai wai... which was fun and the Australian contingent taught us some new 'traditional' actions to Waltzing Matilda. Miriam sang us a traditional song from Slovakia and Khu Tah (Mong Student) demonstrated how to call to your love one (to arrange a raudeveux) across the mountains with a leaf whistle which is a language all in itself which of course the loved one can interpret and respond to across the gaping valleys. Many traditional songs were sung and then explained and we even tried to do a version of With or Without you - although none of us could really remember the words.

Sky started a few rounds of Chinese whispers and we did English, Vietnamese and also Mong versions which were all hilarious.

It really was a fantastic night and all of us had a great time and learnt much about each others cultures.

Today is a day of free time so I am making the most of the opportunity to ctach up on reading and also get our washing done - the hand washing novelty has worn off already!