Last Night I Dreamed of Peace

I've adopted the name of the book I just read as the title of this post to make it eye-catching and intriguing. In fact, I didn't dream of anything last night and all I would like to say is that I now have a new book review completed! It can be read here. Last Night I Dreamed Of Peace is the translated diary of Dang Thuy Tram, an idealistic young doctor who served in clinics in the central highlands of Vietnam during the American War. Her diary was discovered by chance in 1970 and returned to her family 35 years later; it is now a best-seller in Vietnam.

Tomorrow I am very much looking forward to taking part in Sophie's Art Tour of Ho Chi Minh City, a half-day tour that explores recent Vietnamese history through the artwork and artists that can be found in the city. Sophie Hughes has lived and worked in the arts in Ho Chi Minh City for three years, primarily as the Manager of the contemporary art gallery Galerie Quynh. Her art tour began as a personal 30-day research project to discover more about Vietnamese art history, through books, the internet and the city's museums and galleries. This developed into an arts tour when she decided to open her project to members of the public who couldn't find the information they wanted from the museums they visited, such as the Fine Arts Museum. Sophie describes her tour as a 'living project' that adapts as she learns more.

I am more hesitant about our evening plans. Jessica's good friend Yvonne has invited us to a Zumba party. This Latin-style dance-fitness workout that has boomed in popularity across the world in recent years is particular passion of hers. I have been tempted before to try it out but I am shy and a rubbish dancer so I worry this may be a hideous experience for me. I will report back.