Viet Nam Day 5
March 27, 2008

Viet Nam. It’s been a while since I have been out of the country and so I was excited when I found out I was going to go to Viet Nam although I was a bit sad when I found out that it would be over spring break. I honestly was a little reluctant when leaving because I didn’t know how fun it would be since I barely knew anybody’s name. So me, being my reluctant self, went on to the plane ride preparing myself to make new friends and of course for the 10 hour flight.
As it turns out my fears of being able to bond with each other was not a real problem. By the end of the first plane ride I already felt as though several days had past and I was already bonded with my row buddies.
Before we knew it we were in Viet Nam. The first thing I noticed was the weather, as everyone else probably did. Yes, it was hot and sticky. I was happy to get on board the bus with the nice air conditioning. The second thing I noticed, the buildings. The buildings were a mix of new and old. Buildings have more balconies here and are just more open to the outside. I found it interesting.
Before no time we got used to the palace hotel and exchanging our money at the shop around the corner. We have spent a lot of time seeing all of the tourist sites. The orphanages are an experience. The kids are excited just to get a tiny stuffed animal it makes me happy to know that at least I can do that. The generosity shown to us at every orphanage is astonishing. Although the orphanages may not have a lot, they empty their pockets to us with food and plain hospitality. It really makes you happy to be helping them. Overall I’m glad to be on this trip. The experiences are once in a life-time and I’ve made friends with people I would have never talked to. Oh and today is
Malia’s and Doug’s birthday!!! Now how many people can say they turned 16/17 in Viet Nam.

Margot Chock