-^-for posterity-^-

today was the official opening of an giang university.

we gathered early in the morning. the three foreigners were ushered to the front row to sit next to old government officials, leaders of the school and leaders of local businesses. we were oddly important. all of the students were there. thousands sat in ao dai and tie. they sat on small stools close together and all shielded themselves from the sun with books and hats.

the ceremony began. there were speeches and dances. the speakers welcomed the students to the event and talked about how wonderful the next school year was going to be. this is the first year that they have four years of students. the university is only four years old.

at the end of the ceremony, the rector, dr. xuan, beat a large drum a number of times. he would hit the drum with a stick and it would slowly beat more quietly and quietly. the drum signalled the beginning of school.