Beer update

Just an update on my beer, it should be ready in the next few days. After we made the beer we had to let it ferment for a week then bottle it for its second fermentation. After fermenting at room temperature I've had to move it to the fridge for another week to reduce the carbonation. Now this process is completed it is ready to drink. I got a total of 29 500ml bottles which is a lot to store so I had to buy a new beer fridge. Below is a picture of my beer in the beer fridge. 

I have tired one already and it was excellent. Really good flavour and as good as what you'd get from a keg in a pub! There is another guy in my block who has brewed as well who I got to know through the beer club but he brewed a wheat beer. We are going to swap a few bottles next week!

Brewing Beer

Before coming to Vietnam my preferred choice of drink was ale and I never really drank larger however this had to change when I moved to Vietnam because when I arrived nearly five years ago the only drink you could get was larger - either tiger, 333 or Saigon red or green. Things have improved since then and there are a few places where you can get craft beer however during this period I've been thinking about learning to brew my own beer and I'm happy to say that I finally made the decision to go for it.

After a bit of research I found an expat living here who has been brewing for a long time and brews craft beer for a local restaurant in Vietnam. It's some of the best beer I've ever had and as it turns out he also can provide equipment and ingredients for home brew as well as train me on how to brew excellent beer every time.

As you can see, a few weeks ago we brewed my first batch of beer. It's been fermenting for a while and this weekend it will be ready to drink!!!!

Cooling the beer

The beer

Washing the grains

Adding water to the grains

The whole system

Back from England and nearly TET

So, I safely arrived back in Vietnam from my trip to England last Thursday and have been back at work for a week. Its nice to be back in the warm weather.

Good news is that its only three weeks until the Vietnamese holiday of TET where I get a week of holiday!!! At this time of year they take down the Xmas decorations and replace them with TET decorations. attached as some pictures of the trees and lanterns they've put up at my flat.

I also noticed some lovely decorations they put up around the city. I'll try and get some photos of those to share.

Christmas in England 2015

Happy Christmas!!!!

Okay, so one last surprise blog of the year - I'm breaking with my current tradition of going home every other Christmas. I have decided to fly home for a relatively last minute Christmas break in England!. I'll still be working in Vietnam on Christmas eve but have booked a flight with Etihad at around 8pm on Christmas eve which arrives in London on Christmas morning. My parents will be picking me up from the airport and I'll be spending Christmas day with them.

I've not told any of my brothers and sisters that I'm coming home so it will be a nice surprise for them when I see them on Boxing day (This blog has been timed to be published on boxing day). I'll be flying back to Vietnam on 6th January so its only a quick, two week break. Other good news its that its TET holiday in February so it will be like having two Christmases.

End of year work Christmas Party 2015

We had our end of year Christmas party last Friday. It was a very enjoyable occasion and a nice way to end what has been a very enjoyable year. Our party was held on campus as we have a nice outdoors area (its always warm). Food was finger food and provided by a very good local restaurant and the music was courtesy of YouTube plugged into some speakers. It started at 5pm and I got home at 3am. The next day was a right off.

This may well be my last post of 2015. Next year my blog runs into its 6th calendar year which I'm amazed at. Firstly, because I've been away for 5 years and secondly because I've kept it up. Its been a great 2015. I finished my delta and got a promotion at work. I'm looking forward to some new challenges in 2016!

Christmas Tree at RMIT 2015

I took this photo of the Christmas tree at the gym in my University this morning. As you can see its nice and big but does not have any presents under it. It's starting to feel festive here even though its always hot.

 

I also took this other picture of an area of the gym. It's got some pretty cool equipment. As I've said before its great having this facility for free and its something I try to use as much as possible, its always nice and quiet in the mornings.

Victoria Phan Thiet Beach Resort and Spa, Phan Thiet, Vietnam

Just got back from a long weekend at a resort in Phan Thiet. I've been here a number of times now and choose a different resort every time. Phan Thiet is only about four hours from HCMC so its a nice place to escape to for a long weekend.

As you can see the view from our room was lovely, it was right on the sea. Also the grounds and room were amazing.

It also had a really good swimming pool which was where we spent most of our time. It was a much needed rest as I hadn't had a break since before doing my studying earlier in the year. 

Anyway, back to work tomorrow.