Issuu

November 2015

Bazaar Update

Letter from the President Dear Members, It’s a shorter letter this month as our Bazaar preparations are in full swing and - as we say in the UK - we are all “flat to the boards!” Our small but talented team are working hard. Akiko has designed some beautiful tickets and posters. Katrin has been very successful on sponsorship, Petra, Annelie and Griet have been working hard on lifestyle, commercial and charity tables respectively with a great take-up, and Ali has been hard at work liaising with countries and communities. Nikita and I have been working on Entertainment, shaping a great Main Stage for you. Anne-Claire is handling the finances highly capably - as always. Neha is keeping us organised. And of course, our super-dynamic Coordinator Nada is working 24/7 to mastermind the whole thing. I don’t think we can thank her enough - or the excellent team at St Paul including CEO John Huh - for their great support. The words “Bazaar”, “Volunteer” and “Charity” are coming up a lot right now. I like words so was pondering their meanings. The word “Bazaar.” feels very English somehow, although it is Persian in origin. It is sometimes hilariously mis-spelled as “bizarre” which means very strange or unusual! But outside North Africa and the Middle East, bazaar has come to mean a fund-raising sale of goods, typically for charity. So what about charity? What do we mean? Simply put, it is helping those in need. HIWC can point to the noble work done by our Community Aid Committee. Please look at page XX to learn more about the good causes HIWC is supporting entirely from money raised at our last bazaar. And finally, volunteer or volunteering: I like the definition of “time willingly given for the common good”. On the Bazaar (not bizarre!), we still need more help. We are counting on more members to volunteer. Please don’t be shy! HIWC is a voluntary organisation and only as strong as the support we are all able to give. Please let’s not over-rely on a small number of people to do everything. This Club belongs to us - its members - so let’s all try to play a part to ensure it continues to be the welcoming, big-hearted and fun group we all value so much. Please email Nada on bazaarcoordinator@hanoi-iwc.com for more information on volunteering for the bazaar or indeed on any other aspect. On other things, the Board and are pleased with the success of the Vision Award, Welcome Party and Nite Owls last month. The turn out and atmosphere at all events was great. We have had very positive and constructive feedback from you across the board. The CAC have also been working hard on criteria and systems. So I’d like us to thank the Board, Events Team and CAC for their time and commitment. You will have noticed that we have revamped our communications with a very positive reviews! Thank you to Board Member Erica Hanks for her excellent work on Facebook and emails, including What’s On. Please do make every effort to renew your membership no later than 30 November. After this point (which will be three months after fees are due), we will remove your email from our mailing list. Finally, a personal thank you from me to all our members for the positive atmosphere you help to create in our Club and for your ongoing support. Best wishes, Gill

Letter from the Editor What a busy program we have leading up to the bazaar on the 28th of November. It is indeed a great privilege to be part of a wonderful team putting this wonderful event together and seeing how these members, all volunteers are gearing up to make it the event of the year. We are fortunate in so many ways to build on what has always been the biggest fundraising event in Hanoi. In this edition we will be highlighting many new aspects of the bazaar, and as we have many new members enrolled this will also give an insight as to what to expect at this yearâ€™s packed program on the day. Please do take a look at the bus schedules and the operating times. These buses are free to St Paul and run regularly throughout the day. There are four drop off and pick up points starting from 5.30 am in Ciputra and Syrena, Tay Ho. We have a jam packed events program on three stages this year, our main stage will open with our first ever HIWCâ€™s Got Talent and after 12 we will have 4 bands that will surely have the crowds on their feet. An enormous amount of effort has gone into the Kids Corner with great activities, two jumping castles, a full day soccer program and its very own stage with plenty of performances. Our lifestyle is a new edition where businesses can showcase their service in various fields. The lifestyle section has a great seating area and an additional stage that starts performances just after 12. Gates open at 10, come early and be sure not to be disappointed in this great event which will be raising money for charities that the HIWC support throughout the year. Looking forward to seeing you all at the Bazaar!

Nada Louw

ALL ABOUT THE BAZAAR

BUS SCHEDULE

Bus Schedule

Japan Country Table Did you know that Japanese food, or “Washoku” is recognized as Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO? We would like to present a variety of Japanese cuisine to all the Hanoians this year 2015 at the HIWC Bazaar! Our table consists of five different sections: Japanese restaurant “TAKUMI” (119 Bui Thi Xuan, HBT) will bring you “Maki-Sushi”, or rolled sushi. There will also be a special “Decoration Maki-Sushi”, which is a rather new and fun sushi rolling technique that designs different patterns such as flowers and animals. Don’t miss it! Another Japanese restaurant “Daigo” (531 Kim Ma) will give you a “SOBA” noodle making demonstration by a trained Japanese master. “SOBA” is a popular Japanese noodle made from buckwheat flour. It is gluten-free and now often used in various vegan dishes as well. This is your chance to try their traditional Japanese SOBA! “Daigo” will also present you “Tebasaki”, or Japanese style fried chicken wings, dipped in sweet-hot sauce. Enjoy its crispy taste, perfect for something to go with beer.

Japanese pastry shop “Jamut” (3 Quan Ngua) provides all natural and simple pastries without any preservatives o r f o o d c o l o r i n g . Tr e a t yourself to delicious and delicate Japanese sweets from “Jamut” – cookies (vanilla & green tea), ring cake (with fresh cream… their best-seller!), ice cream puff and biscotti.

Japanese electronic company “Panasonic” will run another section of our table with fresh fruit juice made by their special juicer called “Slow Juicer” which allows it to make fresh juice with much more vitamin C, with their slow-speed compression technology. It can also make frozen drinks too. We thank them for sponsoring this 100%! The juice will be made from fresh fruits right at the table so don’t miss this chance to refresh yourself with one of the juices. Last but not least is the Japanese homemade food such as “Onigiri”, or rice balls, provided by Japanese volunteer mums! Come and check out our homely Japanese food that you can only find at this one occasion! We are very excited to be at the Bazaar so come and enjoy “Washoku” with us!

‘THIEN NHAN & FRIENDS’ - Charity Tables The Genital Reconstruction Surgery for Children Program was started eight years ago after a newborn infant was abandoned at birth and left to die in the jungles of central Vietnam. Mauled by wild animals, his genitals and right leg were destroyed. After laying exposed in the mountains for 72 hours, a group of hiking monks miraculously discovered him and named him Thien Nhan – or, ‘Good Person’. He has since become known as Vietnam’s ‘Miracle Baby’. Through the volunteer efforts of American philanthropist Greig Craft and Dr. Roberto DeCastro, a world renowned Italian pediatric surgeon, 141 surgeries have been conducted since 2011. The Genital Reconstruction Surgery for Children Program is managed by Thien Nhan’s adoptive mother Tran Mai Anh, godmother Na Huong Craft, and surgeons Dr. Emilio Merlini and Dr. Aurelie Chiappinelli. More than 400 infants and toddlers are under evaluation for future free surgery. Many poor Vietnamese families whose children suffer from genital injuries or birth defects came forward seeking help after learning of Thien Nhan’s successful operation. While the general public is often familiar with cleft palate surgeries to correct facial birth defects, they are unaware of the equally devastating consequences of genital malformations and injuries and the effects on children and their families. By enabling children to urinate without pain or shame, and to look ‘normal’, these surgeries allow them to lead productive and fulfilling lives. The Hanoi International Women Club (HIWC) has supported the Genital Reconstruction Surgery for Children Program since 2013. Since 2011, there have been nine patients totally recovered with complete phalloplasty, and others are undergoing second, third, and even fourth surgeries to complete these reconstructions. The surgical expertise in this area of medicine is limited, but poor children in Vietnam are fortunate that the foreign doctors come to Vietnam to undertake this work 1-2 times per year and share their knowledge and technology with local surgeons. It is delicate and time consuming surgery, often lasting 10 – 12 hours or more. The ongoing care of the patient is critical to the success of the surgery, and there is an education program for parents and caretakers so that they are confident in overseeing the healing process. Tran Mai Anh says “Thanks to generous donations from HIWC we have been able to organize these annual missions. We intend to continue providing this important surgery and surgical workshops to transfer the technology and new procedures to Vietnamese surgeons. Now that Vietnam society is more familiar with this previously ‘hidden’ condition, the Genital Reconstruction Surgeries for Children Program hopes broader awareness will help countless families and their children.” For further information please contact Ms. Anh: ngocanh.nguyen@aipf-vietnam.org

CHARITY

Charities

Genital reconstruction surgery for children program

UK Table Country Table

BUS TIMETABLE

The UK table will this year be selling traditional cakes and party food with free tea and coffee, London souvenirs including key rings, pencils and toys, and running a raffle with a variety of Christmas Hampers as prizes. You will also be able to win tickets to see the new James Bond film, have your picture taken with Daniel Craig and the Queen (well, cardboard versions anyway) and guess the number of balloons in a real Mini!

Silks S t a g s a n d S Stags i l k s and - A l i H a r ve y Ali Harvey

Imagine the scene: a stag, majestic and still in the morning haze of greys and browns – dawn in Richmond Park, London where a hint of colour inches above the misty horizon as the Autumn sun claims the day and weaves its’ smudged, silken hues of gold and orange across the skyline.

Stags and Silks

No, this is a different scene, from a tale that stiches together England and Vietnam in a delightful and unexpected way. Take one Groom, two Best Men, 16 mates (stags) one amazing tailor, a cardboard box, 96 silk buttons & nearly 40 meters of bright silk fabric…. It all began in the summer break back home in UK… “Guys, I’m Barney’s Best Man at his Wedding and we want to wear Jockey Silks for his stag weekend”. “That’s a brilliant idea, got yours yet”? (I say, thinking 1 x Party Shop) “No, we need 19, all different, and I thought how amazing and cool it would be if you got them made for us in Vietnam”. As all Mums will know, the dye is cast and I feel myself yanked by a great big tangled cotton “out-of-my-comfort-zone” noose…!

Strange but True: Silks are the colourful jackets worn by jockeys during a horse race and originate from England. Like Coats of Arms, the distinctive colours and designs are a way to identify horse and rider and were recorded way back in 1515 when King Henry VIII occupied the throne. No two jockey silks are the same and each and every one has to be registered with the English Jockey Club and conform to one of the 22,000 colours on their database.

So here I am back in Hanoi mid-August. I need a plan, I need a tailor and I need it now: Life seems a million miles away from Tudors and Newmarket. But this is Vietnam and before I can say pins & needles, I have the talented tailor Van, arriving on her motorbike with fabric samples, quotes and a calm presence that snatches tight that messy cotton reel and I can’t help but love her excitement and enthusiasm at the thought of making nineteen different Jockey Silks, in nineteen different sizes, final destination UK.

Van’s request is relayed across the miles, “Each boy send me one standing photo and these (8) measurements”. How hard can that be I think as we relax into talking patterns, colours; both of us secretly pleased that the only specific ‘UK boy request’ is that they want the Groom be in pink with a nod at the British Flag and the two best men in the Vietnamese Flag colours…..

Stags and Silks

The measurements and photos trickle in. We are two mothers and there is no translation needed as we share a good few laughs at what we can only put down to Misinterpretation. Along. The. Way. I’m worried but Van just smiles and says, “No problem I can do it….”

She takes me to Dong Xuan market where our senses are bombarded with the crazy array of colours, textures, noises and, for me, the unfamiliar scent of bolts and bales. Armed with a bin-liner full of silk, measurements, photos and a free rein on designs, Van and I part ways and for me, a few sample scraps and an intuitive sense of good things to come. Time gallops by and a few weeks later I am the proud owner of 19 Jockey Silks.. Wow, stunning, they are really super fab and she’s nailed the brief - not just in the tiny handmade buttons, the detailed hand stitching, the perfect collars, the great combination of colours, but the overall visual feast is the business – Jockey Club eat your heart out..! With the finish line in sight, I get the easy bit and it’s a quick visit to Box Street, a quick call to TNT and that’s job done. Phew..

The guys loved them and so, Stags & Silks made their way to Liverpool where nineteen well-dressed Stags celebrated at Aintree Racecourse, home of the famous Grand National. The PC’s smiled, the rainbow arched and the Liverpool Echo captured the scene for ever.

http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/whats-on/racegoers-enjoy-thrilling-aintreecard-10406045 The Tailor: Van grew up in Hanoi and comes from a family of tailors. â€œIt has always been in my heart to be a tailorâ€?, she told me, but leaving school at fifteen was hard when family circumstances needed her earning. She has never looked back though and is now part of a thriving family tailoring business. She is always sewing, whether for visiting state dignitaries, making a wedding dress, shorts, skirts, shirts or an Ao Dai and yet, still finds time to mentor and support a young USA designer on a project that raises much needed funds for HIV/AIDS patients. https://hanoigrapevine.com/2015/11/fashion-show-charity-fundraiser-forhivaids-in-vietnam/

Bazaar Buzz – Feel Good Tingly Feeling… The Bazaar Coordinators still meet together every week and it’s now all in the detail as they say…. Thank goodness for What’s App & Emails, allowing us to work remotely but together 24/7. There is so much happening behind the scenes and it’s crucial that everyone is in the loop, all the time, with nothing left to chance as the final countdown really does begin for the HIWC Charity Bazaar on Saturday 28 November at St Paul American School. No pressure then..! One of the best things I hear each time we all meet – and it never fails to boost the energy and enthusiasm of this committed Cords team – is that the community response to the Bazaar is fantastic and it is great to be pestered for information and tickets – I love the words, “Where can we buy tickets..!” So, keep the good community vibes coming – we really thrive on it – and all I can say is, “Are you getting that Bazaar Buzz Feel Good Tingly Feeling”? Ali Harvey

Weight Watchers

- Interview with Heidi Hendry

Why did you start the Weight Watchers Hanoi Support Group? I’ve been here in Hanoi for a year, and that year required a lot of adjustment to a different way of living. Over the course of that time, I’ve put on a couple of kilograms, and I want to lose it. Why do you know it works? I lost 20 kilograms with Weight Watchers back in 2006 and I kept it off through Weight Watchers Lifetime Membership. I also became a Weight Watchers Coach and over 2 years saw many women lose up to 30 kilograms. But how do you do Weight Watchers here? We definitely have challenges. We don’t have the support of the Weight Watchers brand foods or easy access to Weight Watchers recipe books, but with the online membership, Weight Watchers provides a website and an App. We joined up to our home country Weight Watchers, and that helps because then we are using measurements and ingredients that make sense to us. We also have a facebook support group to help each other with tips and support.

We i g h t Wa t c h e r s

What is the Weight Watchers program anyway? It’s a way of tracking what we eat and drink, and the activity that we do. The ProPoints system takes into account the fibre, protein and water in foods, and so it’s different to kilojoule counting. It’s also simpler. I only have to count to 26 in a day, instead of 5000. You said you can still eat chocolate while doing Weight Watchers, is that true? Yes. You can still eat chocolate, drink wine, and socialise AND lose weight. Yes, really. As long as you track it, and stick to your daily or weekly allowances. Yes, really. I still eat chocolate. I like Weight Watchers because of it’s flexibility. You can drink wine, sign me up! Yes, you can. Of course, in moderation. Which is really what this is all about. How to get healthy and still enjoy life. So, I want to do this, what do I need to do? I encourage you to sign up to Weight Watchers online in your home country, and then come to our Support Group. Or come to the Support Group first, and see what it’s all about. It’s Saturdays 8:30am until 9:30am at ClickSpace which is above the SpaceBar Cafe at 15, Lane 76, To Ngoc Van. It’s 100,000 dong which covers the cost of the room. That’s so early on a Saturday? Well, it gets you up and it’s a good chance to go for a walk or a bike ride straight after. Fortunately the SpaceBar Cafe has great coffee. We enjoy the morning, have a good chat and get motivated for the challenge of weekend socialising. We’d love to see you there. Tomorrow is too late. Yesterday is over. Today is exactly the right time to start. .

Life Project 4 Youth (LP4Y) - Charity Profile T h e m i s s i o n o f L P 4 Y i s t o a s s i s t i n t h e s o c i a l a n d p ro f e s s i o n a l i n t e g r a t i o n o f Yo u n g a d u l t s ( 1 7 - 2 4 y e a r s o l d ) f a c i n g e x t re m e p o v e r t y a n d e x c l u s i o n . T h e c e n t e r i n H a n o i i s c a l l e d t h e “ L i f e P ro j e c t C e n t e r ( L P C ) S o n g H o n g ” . I n t h e L P C S o n g H o n g , L P 4 Y w e l c o m e s Yo u n g m o t h e r s , w o m e n v i c t i m s o f d o m e s t i c v i o l e n c e a n d h u m a n t r a ff i c k i n g , o u t - o f - s c h o o l Yo u t h , o r p h a n s , s t re e t Yo u t h w h o d e c i d e d t o c h a n g e t h e i r l i v e s . T h e y l i v e i n t h e L o n g B i ê n a re a ( n i g h t m a r k e t ) , o n t h e middle Island and on the side of the Red river in floating or illegal and insalubrious houses. T h e Yo u n g A d u l t s c o m m i t t o t a k e p a r t i n t h e “ P ro f e s s i o n a l Tr a i n i n g f o r E n t re p reneurs” (PTE), 5 days a week during 18 months in average. D u r i n g t h i s P T E , t h e Yo u n g A d u l t s c a t c h u p o n t h e i r e d u c a t i o n : E n g l i s h , I T, c o m m u n i c a t i o n , a n d g e n e r a l k n o w l e d g e ( L E A R N ) . T h e y e x p e r i m e n t t h e c re a t i o n , d e v e l o p m e n t a n d m a n a g e m e n t o f a m i c ro - e c o n o m i c a c t i v i t y ( W O R K ) . T h e y a re a l s o c o a c h e d t o f u rt h e r d e v e l o p t h e i r p e r s o n a l s k i l l s a n d b u i l d t h e i r L i f e P ro j e c t P l a n ( G U I D E ) . T h e s e l f - c o n f i d e n c e t h e y e a r n e d t h a n k s t o t h e i r re s p o n s i b i l i z a t i o n a n d t h e t r u s t o f t h e i r t e a m , a s w e l l a s t h e s k i l l s d e v e l o p e d a n d t h e s a v i n g s e a r n e d t h ro u g h t h e w e e k l y a l l o w a n c e re c e i v e d , o p e n t h e m a d o o r t o a c c e s s t h e d e c e n t p ro f e s s i o n a l a n d s o c i a l world. L P 4 Y w o r k s c l o s e l y w i t h c o m p a n i e s t o h e l p t h e Yo u t h p ro f e s s i o n a l i n t e g r a t i o n a t t h e e n d o f t h e i r t r a i n i n g i n t h e L i f e P ro j e c t C e n t e r. T h e L P 4 Y p ro g r a m h e l p s t h e m t o c h a n g e t h e i r l i f e , a c c o m p a n y t h e m t o re a c h t h e i r d re a m s a n d h a v e a b r i g h t e r f u t u re .

Charity

Charities

F o r f u r t h e r i n f o r m a t i o n : h t t p : / / l p 4 y. n e t / e n /

Project Sprouts - Charity Tables Project Sprouts is a Hanoi-based non-profit dedicated to making a meaningful difference in Vietnam by providing disadvantaged students with the educational tools they need to be successful. The organization is currently focusing its efforts in the poor hill tribe community of Son La, located five hours west of Hanoi, by providing students with backpacks, school supplies, jackets, boots and blankets. Since its creation, Project Sprouts has served more than 1,000 students at five schools. In conjunction with these efforts, members of Project Sprouts recently attended a ribbon-cutting ceremony with community leaders, school administrators, teachers and students in Son La to celebrate the construction of two restroom facilities at two schools where access previously was limited or non-existent. It is a common practice in the area for students without access to a toilet to use an adjacent field. The local phrase for it is to “go pick flowers.” A crowd-funding campaign in March of this year, raised over $11,000 USD to help fund the construction of the sustainable facilities. The funding effort also paid for backpacks filled with school supplies for around 500 students. “Our mission is to provide students with the tools they need to be successful,” said Anita Hummel, Founder of Project Sprouts. “Education is the gateway to opportunity, and we are striving to increase that opportunity for the students of Son La, one school and one student at a time.” Members of Project Sprouts meet the first Monday of each month. To learn more about Project Sprouts, including how to get involved, please visit Project Sprout’s website at www.Project-Sprouts.com, Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/

Volunteer

What is Volunteering all about?

- Neha Agarwal

Volunteering is generally considered an altruistic activity where an individual or group provides services for no financial gain. Volunteering may have positive benefits for the volunteer as well as for the person or community served. Many volunteers are specifically trained in the areas they work such as medicine , education or emergency rescue . In HIWC Annual Charity Bazaar volunteering is a task which takes a lot of responsibility on its shoulders. It acts a mediator between the organisers and the viewers. In the bazaar volunteers plays a vital role at the gates , kiddies corner , facilities, tickets selling , helpers for the performances etc. They work to make the task easy for the coordinators from 6am till the end. Bazaar Gates is the most important reflection of the bazaar and big volunteer role. With more than 200 volunteers giving up some hours to support this cause. As soon as we get there by seeing the entrance we get to know what is it all about. This time we have come up with a idea of presenting the Gate in form of Lotus. Which is a logo of HIWC and lotus represents purity and beauty. Hope this new looks attracts and people enjoy the theme â€œpicnicâ€?

HIWC Bazaar 2015 Country & Community Tables Coordinator update - Ali Harvey

countrytables@hanoi-iwc.com

Country Update

Wow, still excited! At this stage though, with just weeks to go, panic sets in and dreams of balmy sunsets and sundowners are replaced with OMG, how many tickets have we sold..! It seems a huge responsibility to do justice to the previous bazaars, all the stall holders and community members involved, the visitors who come on the day and, most of all, the charities and good causes in-waiting that will benefit throughout the coming year from this one Bazaar day. Ok, phew, that’s better, feel grounded again and confident that it is this, and the draw of an Amazingly Super Fab Day out, that will make the HIWC 2015 Annual Charity Bazaar another fund-raising success. So where are we at now? All the Coordinators are working hard with their different Bazaar sections and we have provided several more site visits to St Paul American School, giving all participants an opportunity to see first-hand how the day will be set up and run from a logistical point of view. Over the last few weeks the Country & Community tables have been bombarded with yet more emails, information and all sorts of attachments; from maps and vehicle passes to forms and policies. I appreciate all their support in responding to my paperwork and deadlines. Special thanks too for the tips given from the countries and communities that have supported the Bazaar in previous years. Now I feel I can say, ‘Been there, done that, got the T-shirt..!” The final meeting for the Country & Community tables traditionally takes place 10 days or so before the Bazaar day and this year is no exception with ‘The Kitchen’ kindly providing their venue for us to do the business. At this meeting the C&C tables will collect tickets & passes and double check the table area set-up matches their requirements for the day. The inevitable last minute queries and questions are answered and mobile numbers are checked and double checked for ease of contact and support throughout the actual day of the Bazaar. So the numbers really do add up - with over 40 countries and communities represented in 55 tents, manning over 200 tables, 120 chairs and using over 80 electrical points. That not only makes for a neat spreadsheet but an extravaganza of over forty different international cuisines packed into 10,000sqm..! Oh and times that again for Lifestyle, Commercial, Charities, Kiddies Corner, VIP, Silent Auction, three stages, Sponsors & Schools…. As one lovely friend recently said to me, “Hey doll face, that’s not even ten bucks for a great day out – see y’all there….!” Ali Harvey HIWC Bazaar 2015 Country & Community Table Coordinator

Social Events Melbourne Cup - Kay Wood It was an early start for festivities, kicking off at the Intercontinental Hanoi Westlake at 9am. There was a time difference with the live coverage of one of the major horse racing events of the year. This fact didnâ€™t seem to bother the 50 or so women and a few men that dressed up as if they were actually on the race course itself. There was an amazing array of delicious foods and endless flowing wine. The day was interspersed with lots of chatter, a little flutter on the horses and some live video action from Melbourne, Australia. Introducing the event was Adam McDonald, the General Manager of the hotel who told the story how his wife had always enjoyed her day at the races and realised he had to create this event for her upon moving to Hanoi four years ago. There were fashions on the field (aka prizes for best dress and best hat). The competition was fierce and the bar has been raised high for next year. See you all there!!!!

Social

Kay Wood

CIRCLE GROUP ACTIVITIES, 2015-2016 Our circle activities, like all our activities, are volunteer-led. Some of our circle groups are very popular and there is occasionally a waiting list. We encourage our members with hobbies, activities or passions they want to pursue to start their own groups, with support from the HIWC Board. See below listing for our current circle groups.

Arts & Culture Group

English Conversation Group

Art and culture activities will take place once or twice a month, often depending on the dates of exhibitions or other cultural events.

The group meets every 1st and 3rd Tuesday each month from 10.00am - 12.00pm

Contact Rasa: rasaflay@gmail.com

All members of any nationality, including native English speakers, are most welcome. Itâ€™s an informal and relaxed morning of lively talk and laughter where you can meet and chat to other members whose English is not their first language. Contact Ali or Fran: Ali: aliharvey01@yahoo.co.uk Fran: fransteadcompton@gmail.com

Intermediate Tennis Group

Survival Vietnamese

We usually meet on Monday and Friday mornings for friendly doubles games and occasionally some coaching. Everyone is welcome. Time: 9:00-11:00 am (weather permitting!)

This meets twice a month â€“ on the second and fourth Fridays at 2pm. The group learn every day words and phrases to help in different situations in Vietnam. You can pick and choose which dates you come - you do not have to come every week.

Contact Yuko: yukojodykanetaka@gmail.com

Contact Nikita: nikita24480@gmail.com

Circles

Cooking Classes

Bridge and Contract Bridge

Our cooking coordinators organise a variety of cooking classes every month.

All levels play when enough people gather. Tuesday mornings for Beginners.

Contact Rosa or Griet: cooking@hanoi-iwc.com

Contact Ange: angthomas16@gmail.com Contact Yuko yukojodykanetaka@gmail.com

Mahjong

The Poetry Lovers Society

Wednesdays and Fridays at 10am - 12pm & 1pm 3pm (with lunch break)

No one needs to worry about not staying all day, or not being able to come both days. Beginners most welcome.

Contact Nikita: nikita24480@gmail.com

Circles

Conatact Fran: fransteadcompton@gmail.com

Lunchtime Literary Discussion Group Once a month on Wednesday. Contact Dorothy: dorothylooney8899@yahoo.com

Quilting Group The group meets in Ciputra at 9:30-12:30 Contact Lilian: canada.lp@gmail.com

The Film Club

Afternoon Book Club

The Club screens films in different genres each month on Tuesday mornings at 10am.

Normally meets once a month on the first Wednesday. Currently, the book club is at capacity with 20 members.

The location varies but we normally select a restaurant/cafe where we can stay afterwards and enjoy lunch together. Contact Suchi or Dorothy: deracine.hanoi@gmail.com

However, if you are interested in starting a new book club you are welcome to follow their selections and/or start your own completely! Contact our Circle Activities Coordinator for more information at Circleactivities@hanoi-iwc.com

Circles

Excursions Group

The Healing Circle Activity

ex路cur路sion a short journey for leisure or education

The Healing Circle Activity is an opportunity to share loving, healing energies. The following is a brief description of the healing practices used.

HIWC EXCURSION offers opportunities to enjoy our host country in ways that are understandable, educational and engaging.

DETAILS: The group meets weekly, Tuesdays at 11am at #24, lane 9 Dang Thai Mai. For further information please contact Karen at karen@a-roamingbodyworker.com.

Contact Lisa: excursion@hanoi-iwc.com

FESTIVITIES AT THE INTERCONTINENTAL 1. CHRISTMAS MARKET: DECEMBER 5TH InpreparationforChristmas,weinviteyoutojoinusonourexclusiveInterContinentalChristmasMarket atSunsetBar.Bringyourfamily&friendsandfilluponFestivedelights,includingGluhwein,gingerbreadcookiesandthefamousNutellacrepes.Don’tmissoutonUNISElementarySchoolchoironthis occasion, singing traditional Christmas carols. Complimentary entry.

2. FESTIVE SATURDAY: DECEMBER 5TH, 12TH, 19TH Enjoytheverybestofseasonal,locallysourcedproduceinthestylish,cozyatmosphereofCafédulac restaurant, the perfect venue to create memorable gatherings this Christmas. Price starts from VND 999,000 net/person excluding beverage

3. FESTIVE SUNDAY: DECEMBER 6TH, 13TH, 20TH Ourfestive-themedSundayBrunchisagreatexcusetobringChristmascheerabitearlierandspoil yourself with our scrumptious ensemble of traditional treats. Festive Brunch: VND 1,100,000 net/person excluding beverage Champagne Brunch: VND 2,310,000 net/person

4. CHRISTMAS EVE: DECEMBER 24TH StarttheChristmascelebrationsinstylecatchingupwithfamilyandfriends.EnjoyourChristmasEve dinner in any restaurant of your choice while the symphony of carols rings through the air. Cafe du lac restaurant Silver Package: VND 2,200,000 net/ person including free flow of wine and beer Gold Package: VND 2,800,000 net/person including free flow of Champagne Milan restaurant 6-course set menu VND 1,500,000 net/adult including a glass of bubbly

5. CHRISTMAS DAY: DECEMBER 25TH CelebratethebestofChristmasdiningasyouenjoytherelaxingsurroundingsofCafédulacrestaurant while savor a sumptuous brunch expertly prepared by our culinary team. Christmas buffet: VND 1,500,000 net/person excluding beverage Silver Christmas: VND 2,000,000 net/person including free flow of wine & beer Golden Christmas: VND 2,800,000 net/person including free flow of champagne

6. NEW YEAR’S EVE Celebratetheendto2015andwelcometheNewYearwithadazzlingnightoutatInterContinental HanoiWestlake.Startyoureveningwithadinneratanyofourdiningoutletsfollowedbyanexclusive Masquerade Countdown Party to welcome in 2016.

Café du lac restaurant: our buffet is priced at VND 2,600,000 net/person including free flow of wine and beer Milan restaurant:6-course set menu is priced at VND 1,500,000 net/person including a glass of bubbly

7. MASQUERADE COUNTDOWN PARTY CountdowntotheNewYearwithoursensationalMasqueradePartyatMilanSaigonterrace.Joinusfor anunforgettableeveningwithourguestDJ,fabulousentertainmentandfreeflowofselected6.NEW

YEAR’S EVE

Celebratetheendto2015andwelcometheNewYearwithadazzlingnightoutatInterContinentalHanoi Westlake.StartyoureveningwithadinneratanyofourdiningoutletsfollowedbyanexclusiveMasquerade Countdown Party to welcome in 2016. Café du lac restaurant: our buffet is priced at VND 2,600,000 net/person including free flow of wine and beer Milan restaurant:6-course set menu is priced at VND 1,500,000 net/person including a glass of bubbly

7. MASQUERADE COUNTDOWN PARTY CountdowntotheNewYearwithoursensationalMasqueradePartyatMilanSaigonterrace.Joinusforan unforgettable evening with our guest DJ, fabulous entertainment and free flow of selected drinks. Regular price: VND 1,000,000 net/adult Early Bird-purchase before December 24th: VND 900,000 net/adult Dine at any of our restaurants on the same night and enjoy a special rate of VND 700.000 net/ adult

8. NEW YEAR’S DAY: JANUARY 1ST 2016 StartyourNewYearwithscrumptiousbrunchatCafédulacrestaurant.Savorfavoritespreparedwith interesting twists to create your unforgettable memories for the beginning of the New Year. VND 1,100,000 net/person excluding beverage VND 1,500,000 net/person including free flow of wine & beer

9. STAY & DINE CelebrateChristmasorNewYear’sEveasafamilyandtreatyourselftoourFestiveSeasonoffer.Book nowandstaybetweenDecember18th2015&January5th2016toenjoyaspecialratefortwofromVND 4,770,000++/night*.

Choose one of the following options: Option1: New Year’s Eve dinner on December 24th or 31st 2015 including free flow of wines and beers Or Option2: VND 2,250,000 hotel dining credit. *This offer is applicable for a minimum of 2 nights and requires a full non-refundable prepayment.

WHAT’S ON

Package Includes: • Breakfast buffet at Café du lac restaurant • WIFI internet access • Supplement charges apply for 3rd person

HIWC HANOI INTERNATIONAL WOMENS CLUB HANOI

Quy Nhon - South Vietnam