Ann Mah's newsletter / October 2020
October 2020 newsletter
Hello!
After 30+ hours of masked travel, followed by two weeks of isolation, we made it. Greetings from Hanoi!
We're still getting settled but I'm happy to announce my retirement from teaching elementary school – that's right, my daughter is back in school, and I can return to writing full time. I even have an office in our new house – my first one since 2013!
Pressing deadlines have prevented me from exploring as much as I'd like, but I've made a few expeditions and found Hanoi bustling and full of charm. I love discovering French design elements like the architecture in the historic center, and font of the street signs, and already I find the food irresistible. Last weekend we went to a bun cha café to eat this signature dish of Hanoi (photo above), where I slurped noodles as a monsoon rolled in. I recorded it all on Instagram – I've been having so much fun there; I hope you'll come by to say hi :)
Here's what else I've been up to...
What I've been eating
–I've discovered some new fruits, including these green oranges, which are called cam sành, and are native to Vietnam. They're sweet, a little bitter, and very seedy and excellent for juicing!
–We're still waiting for our shipment of household effects (due in December) so I've been cooking some simple dinners. The first thing I made in our new home was an old favorite, Marcella Hazan's tomato sauce with onion and butter via Food52.
–I learned how to eat bun cha, one of Hanoi's signature dishes (photo top). First you squeeze tiny limes into the sweet, thin sauce, then you tear up some fresh herbs, add some fiery little chilies, dip in the rice noodles and slurp away.
What I've been reading
–The American general election is about rapidly approaching – Tuesday, November 3rd is only three weeks away. If you haven't arranged a plan to vote, it's still not too late! Visit Vote.org where you can verify your status, register to vote, and decide how you're going to do it. You can even sign up to be a poll worker! :) IMPORTANT: If you are an American living overseas and you have not received your absentee ballot, you can still vote. Visit FVAP.gov for details.
–One of the things that's kept me sane during these weeks of transition has been exercise, specifically PE with Joe Wicks on YouTube, which are led by the encouraging and sunny tempered Joe, a fitness trainer from England. The workouts are half an hour, you can do them in the tiniest of spaces (trust me, I can vouch for this) and use no extra equipment.
–During our long plane trip to Vietnam and quarantine, I read some wonderful novels –
Sweet Sorrow by David Nicholls is witty and poignant, a coming-of-age story about a down-trodden teen boy who finds himself roped into performing Romeo and Juliet with a ragtag acting troupe.
A Star is Bored by Byron Lane, a roman à clef written by Carrie Fisher's former personal assistant.
The Royal Governess by Wendy Holden, a novel about Crawfie, Queen Elizabeth II's governess who was (unfairly?) exiled from the family in disgrace. Perfect if you miss The Crown.
Queenie by Candice Carty-Williams is billed as Bridget Jones meets Americanah but I think that does this book a disservice. Queenie is a young Black woman in London struggling mightily with how she views the world and how the world views her. She's bold, funny, and flawed – and so lovable, you'll be rooting for her completely by the end.
Daughter of Black Lake by Cathy Buchanan is a transporting story of love and survival set in the misty boglands of pagan Britain. I'm reading it now and it's an utterly absorbing tale of a courageous young woman coming of age against a backdrop of black magic, mystery, and ancient ritual.
Finally – my book The Lost Vintage is currently free to Amazon Prime members and Kindle Unlimited subscribers! If you haven't read it yet, download a copy now – and if you have read it, please tell a friend! The price is right :)
A bientôt
This month I'm trying to put my head down and make major progress on my novel now that the move is behind us. At the same time, the sites of Hanoi are distracting me, including Hoan Kiem Lake in the historic center (photo above), which is one of the city's most famous scenic spots. Also I want to do some Halloween baking! And start learning about the fresh herbs that grow here! And, and, and!
I hope your October is off to a good start. Are you cooking anything autumnal?
XO Ann
PS Don't forget to VOTE! Do it today, if you can – if not, November 3rd!