Only 6 more sleeps!!!
After a long day travelling we arrived in the beautiful yet chaotic HoChiMinh City which is still commonly referred to by the locals as Saigon. You hear about the motorbikes but I think they have to be seen to be believed. A beautiful meal that included generous amounts and a wide variety of foods we were all happy to go to bed at the Lavender Hotel ready to get up and be off at 7.30am to see the sights of Long Tan. Photos to come.
Day 3
Hello from Vietnam!
Today we were off to an early start and on the bus ready for the big day ahead by 7am. The bus trip to our first destination – The Mekong Delta – was full of cheerful voices as we sung along to some classic tunes. We made most of our time by choosing what songs we would like to perform to the University students later in the afternoon. The final decision was ‘The Australian Anthem’ and ‘Home among the gum trees’, an Aussie favourite.
Upon arrival at The Mekong Delta we were ushered to a boat which took us on the ride across the river, giving us an amazing view of the bridge that stretched from the mainland to the island where we were headed. At the island we were treated to tasting some of the delicious honey tea and an assortment of dried fruits, as well as a short horse-and-cart ride and a group of local ladies and men who sung us some Vietnamese songs.
We then made our way back to the small port via a canoe ride down the canal. We all boarded, 4 to a boat, and were careful to step in the middle of the canoe to avoid going for an early morning swim! The blue boats lined the canal like a traffic jam but further down we cleared the large amount of boats and picked up speed for the last length of the ride. Each canoe group jumped off at the coconut workshop where we were taken through the workshop which produced coconut sweets and ice-cream from local plantations. The ride back on the boat, Mya – our tour guide – sung us the song ‘my heart will go on’ which prompted a chorus of voices and Mrs Davidson to re-enact a titanic scene.
Lunch was an amazing assortment of seafood dishes including fish sticks, rice rolls with fish pineapple and lettuce, prawn salad, and of course everyone’s favourite – fruit for sweets.
We then made our way to the University in Ho Chi Minh City. It was a memorable afternoon where we all chatted with the students and had some fun with playing games and having a bit of friendly competition. They performed a song for us and presented us with a PowerPoint giving us further insight to their country’s cultural wedding traditions. Our group put our all into the songs we had been rehearsing earlier in the day, and delivered a performance which we are all proud of. We even added some actions to ‘Home among the gum trees’.
From there we said our goodbyes, took a group shot with the Uni students and even exchanged Facebook pages so we could keep in contact.
Tea tonight was at “Al’s” – and the last western meal we would have for a while. These were meals such as the good old Aussie steak, lasagne, pizza and pork ribs. Everyone was in good spirits and we looked forward to heading to the markets later in the evening.
The night markets were definitely an experience! The streets were bustling with people, both locals and tourists. As well as getting a better hang of crossing roads we also all learnt a little bit about bartering and price of products which added to the fun of the experience. It was undoubtedly a great night for the whole group.
After a great experience out at the markets we all then headed back to the Motel where we all went off to bed exhausted after a very tiring day!
Steph and Jo.
We checked out of the Hotel Lavendar this morning and made our way to the Cu Chi Underground Tunnel Complex. An amazing place, we were blown away with the creative ways the Guerillas evaded the American soldiers. Most student made it to the 20 metre mark with a few going on a bit further but our guide pulled us out - it was very hot and certainly gave us a bit of an idea of what it would have been like.
We then headed tothe Airport to catch our plane to Da Nang. It was a big day and we were please to arrive in Da Nang where we were greeted by our guide Luat who has a mighty big smile. The Lotus Motel is lovely and Im sure we will enjoy exploring the pretty Hoi An.
The experience at Long Tan was a memorable one. Our boys stood behind the Long Tan cross and it served as a reminder of our young the Australian soldiers were, and the enormity of the experience and what was expected of them. I dont think anyone can really comprehend the enormity of the impact this war had and unfortunately continues to have on those who served and the civilians both in Vietnam and back at home.
We placed roses and other flowers as a tribute to all who had fallen during this time.
Our evening was spent on the Saigon River. An enjoyable meak followed by some traditional entertainment and a dance at which the Australians were clearly the favourites!
Day 5
Greetings from the Nam of Viet!
Well – today was a day. Out of ten? Great! A well-deserved sleep in was greeted by our new hotel’s buffet which supplied the goods. Bacon, pancakes and enough croissants to feed a French Army!
After a good feed we headed off on a new adventure to the Hoi an Old Town with majestic wonders of ancient culture. Luat (our tour guide) took us on a guided walking tour through 400 year old Chinese Assembly Halls. He took us over grand Japanese Bridge that is said to have supernatural powers and stop natural disasters.
We mingled with a number of locals before making our way to the world renowned Yaly Tailors where a handful of students were fitted for custom made clothing. Meanwhile, the remaining students ventured the local markets, whilst other simply enjoyed the free Wi-Fi. The morning was over. It was time for lunch
A delicious meal awaited us at the Morning Glory Restaurant. We consumed a variety of traditional Vietnamese delicacies as we exchanged childhood stories and enjoyed new and familiar company. After the meal, we returned to the Hotel for some relaxing down time. Many of us went swimming in the 5 Star swimming pool, whilst others relaxed in the rooms.
We – on the other hand – engaged in a thrilling and friendship ruining match of Toy Story Uno (#hampowerplay). Eventually it was time for our cooking class at the Little Bridge restaurant. We made our coach journey to the destination before splitting into two groups to begin our lesson in cooking traditional Vietnamese meals. We created many delightful snacks and consumed them as our dinner. Seafood Salad, Quang Noodle Chicken, Steamed Ocean Fish on a bed. You name it – we consumed it!
After our immense enjoyment we turned back time and returned to the tailors for our fittings. Many authentic suits and dresses were sized up and perfected. The remaining students were given a second opportunity to shop and browse through the local products. Let’s just say there was more fruit than salad by the end of the day.
We arrived back to the hotel and the night was still young. More swimming, games of pool and story exchanging left us with nothing to do than write this blog. Well that’s our lives in the past 24hrs.
Let’s hope more exciting Vietnamese experiences lie ahead.
The Kearnal and The Webster
Today in Vietnam we had the longest trip on the road yet. Starting our epic Journey of 130kms from Hoi An to Hue, we stopped in the gorgeous city of Da Nang at a local marble sculpture stop. After the brief break we were back on the road and on our way to Hai Van Pass, which was a mountain track with brilliant views of the island that had once been a leper colony. On the peak was an old French Guard post with excellent views of the surrounding landscape, and as Davo described it “The Most dangerous crossing in all of Vietnam” which consisted of a two lane road and one scooter every twenty minutes. After our short respite from the bus we were back on the road for another three hours. We were all fairly drowsy, but our Faithful guide Luat managed to lighten our spirits with a special version of pass the parcel, with a crab and singing. This game included such talents as Chelsea Hansford singing the National Anthem, Charlie Combens Brilliant rendition of Copperhead Road, a gut wrenching performance from Alice Gordon of Twinkle Twinkle Litle Star, Davo’s incredible cover of Turn Around, and Angus Maxfields Masterful version of Hooked on a Feeling. After a short break of an hour and a half we reached our hotel, and Dowsey managed to make us late for our visit with the Local Uni students, who proudly sung us their National Anthem, Luat got into it. After our visit Dowsey revealed his identity of Bruce Springsteen as he sung us Eagle Rock. As our bus sound system of a UE Boom Began to play You Sexy Thing, as if entranced Davo rose from her chair and began to whip out her sick dance moves, explaining how the song was secretly about her. After another short rest break in the hotel, we went for dinner at a traditional Vietnamese resturant, experiencing the local culture through the delicious meal, polite staff, and excellent live performace of traditional Vietnamese music.
For the days ahead we hope Bruce Dowse performs more of the classics.
Lillie and Gus.
We started off our day by having a late start (late compared to all the other days). In the hotel foyer, the lady at the reception desk brought out some flowers for Lillie, who turned 16 today. We then proceeded to take the bus down to Perfume River where we got on a big dragon boat for a 45 minute boat cruise down the river to a Buddhist Temple. The boat cruise provided us with some nice views along the banks of the river and a lot of souvenirs that were available to purchase.
At the Buddhist Temple, we stopped outside the Thien Mu Pagoda tower for some information and facts about the tower, the massive bell, and the giant marble turtle. We then got a chance to go inside the main temple to have a look around. After that we had a walk around the gardens and the monks’ living area, while walking around, we saw an old Austin car on display and we were told that the car was the same car in an image where a monk had driven the car into the city and set himself on fire as a protest for religious freedom in the south. This image has since then been one of the three most iconic images in history.
After the tour of the Buddhist Temple, the bus came and picked us up and took us to a place where we all got out and took a long walk through the streets to the Imperial City and the Royal Palace where we got to go inside and see the Emperor's throne and what remains of the Imperial City. While standing outside the royal palace, our tour guide Luat explained to us the history of the city and what was once there before. By this time there were some of us who were feeling a bit sick due to the heat however we kept going on. We concluded the tour of the Royal Palace and the Imperial City and headed back to the bus to go to the Royal Park Restaurant for lunch where we were all impressed by their food decorations and carvings. After lunch we went to the Tu Duc Tomb and took a walk through the gardens to have a look at one of the emperor’s tombs and the river that runs through the gardens.
After the gardens we went to dinner and then proceeded to the airport for a late flight to Hanoi. We arrived in Hanoi pretty late and were all exhausted. We met our new tour guide Hai and went to check into the Skylark Hotel. Once checked in we all headed up to our rooms, packed our bags for the next night then went to bed.
Written by Sarah & Saurav
It was an early start, with another big day ahead of us. We boarded the bus at 8:00 am for a 3.5 to 4 hour bus trip to Halong Bay. Along the way we stopped off at a workshop where Vietnamese people who were affected by Agent Orange would learn to make a living from crafting different pieces of art, such as sculptures, jewellery, hand carvings and silk embroidery. It was moving to see people who have suffered so much create artwork that is so beautiful. We boarded the bus and continued on to Halong Bay.
Once we arrived to Halong Bay we boarded a boat for a four hour cruise with lunch included. It was a perfect day, the sun was shining and the view was spectacular. There are almost 2000 islands in Halong Bay, all made of limestone. Adding to the amazing scenery was the water – due to the calcium carbonate, it is a clear emerald green colour. It is filled with many different species including a sea snake that was seen in the water. Halong Bay is famous for the gorgeous cultured pearls that are found in the farms that surround the bay.
We stopped off at an island and had the opportunity to go kayaking. It was an amazing experience; the water was warm and clear, surrounded by cliffs, caves and islands. It was the perfect day for kayaking, even just being out on the water in general. After our time was up, we all boarded the boat again, heading to the Dau Go cave which means heavenly places.
The caves had sky high ceilings with coloured lights positioned throughout it, with many different formations looking like animals or other figures that have meaning to the cave and the locals themselves. It was cool and breezy, with the feeling of being swallowed up as you walked through the cave with water droplets occasionally dripping on your shoulder. As we walked through the cave, our tour guide told us about the different rock formations and the local legends including the entrance to heaven and to hell. After our tour of the Dau Go Cave, we boarded the boat one last time and headed back to land.
Once everyone was settled and on the bus we made our way to our accommodation for the night, the New Star Hotel. We had around 1 hour to freshen up and relax ready to leave for dinner at 6:30pm. We had dinner at the Phuong Loan A Tran restaurant with a five course meal. After dinner we made our way to the night markets, where arguing is the name of the game. But after our experiences at the night markets in Ho Chi Minh City, we’ve all gotten pretty good at haggling. A few of us got ripped off, a few of us got great deals, but when we got back to hotel everyone was content and ready for a good night’s sleep.
Filled with panoramic views, sightseeing at world-heritage listed sites, and perfect weather, Day 8 was another eye-opening day in this beautiful country.
Chelsea Ridgeway and Ruby Heasley
Day 9 began early again, packed dressed and ready to depart the hotel by 7.45am and visit the Ngoc Trai Nuoi Pearl Centre, just out of Halong City. Here we witnessed how local workers with the skill of surgeons took oyster membrane grafts, implanted immature pearl and harvested mature pearl from the various oyster farms the company has set up around Halong Bay. Then there was a demonstration of how these cultured pearls are prepared for sale. Finally, the main event and intrepid young shoppers once again hit the elegant and expansive sales room with enthusiasm.
After 45min searching for a good deal, it was back on the coach for the long journey back to Hanoi. We took a second opportunity to stop at the Hong Ngoc Craft Centre which we visited yesterday, but this time for only 20 min to break the journey.
On arrival back in Hanoi we headed straight to the Koto Van Mieu Training Restaurant which was set up in 1999 to help get Homeless Vietnamese kids off the streets and out of trouble. The foundation set up to support street kids has now gone global and there are restaurants in Melbourne and Sydney. With such a good cause, everyone gave to accumulate a generous tip of 2,000,000 VND which is about $100 AUS.
We then checked back into the Skylark Hotel, dropped off the overnight luggage and set off for the Museum of Ethnology which shows the multi-ethnic nature and cultural diversity of Vietnam. Who would have thought?
On arrival at the Museum of Ethnology, we went to look at some traditional Vietnamese houses, followed by a water puppet show, where the local puppeteers told stories of life in Vietnam. After the show, we then were given the opportunity to go backstage and learn from a professional how the puppets worked. Once we had the demonstration of how the puppets work, we then were taken to other Vietnamese houses where we were able to go up and see how the houses were designed to keep the house cool inside.
Upon back at the hotel we refreshed for an hour before heading to dinner at a huge ‘all you can eat buffet’ known as The Lotus. It can seat up to 5000 patrons and there was a wide variety of international cuisines of food, from spring rolls to duck heads to snails and to crocodile.
After a long day of adventures it came to end, we packed our bags ready for an early start tomorrow morning ready for the long journey home.
FINAL DAY: 10
The trip came to an abrupt end as we all woke up at 7am to the sound of a screeching phone, yet another wake up call. After packing for the final time, we headed off to breakfast and scoffed the last pieces of dragon fruit that would be available to us.
The next bus ride was short lived as a last minute change of dress code prohibited our access to the Ho Chi Minh mausoleum, where former President of Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh’s body lies embalmed and on display to the public of Hanoi.
To fill in this time, our tour guide, Hai, took us to Hao Lo Prison or what is more commonly known to the American’s as the Hanoi Hilton, a prison used during the Vietnam war to detain any prisoners captured by the Vietnamese. In particular, John McCain, senator in the US and former presidential candidate, spent 7 years imprisoned. We were given a guided tour of the complex which allowed us view the exhibitions including the original guillotine used and where the prisoners on death row were confined.
Meanwhile, a group of students – Chelsea, Saurav, Ruby and Steph - were selected to travel with Mr Dowse down to a place in Quoc Oai where the Marist Brothers run the ‘New Horizons Project’. This project runs community classes that help provide kids of any age, as well as some young adults and future teachers, with learning the English language. The New Horizon Project also helps young local unemployed people to acquire the skills required to find long-term employment. School support programs for teachers to assist with their English skills are also run. There are 9 schools in the area involved in this program. During summer programs there is sometimes up to 600 kids that get involved with the community classes.
When we arrived to meet the Brothers we all introduced ourselves and sat to discuss their mission and what they are doing to help the young locals of Quoc. They also enlightened us with their current goal to open a school for the blind to assist with their learning, and help to give them the skills that will benefit them in life. This group in Vietnamese society are unfortunately despised from the condition they live with as, sadly, it is harder for them because they are seen as unable to work or do much at all. The Brothers want to give them the best opportunities they can and they hope to put this program into action. While we were here we also met a Year 10 student. His name is Viet. He was very friendly and we quickly took up conversation with him and got to know him better. We also were taken for a walk around the local area and through a nearby market place. Overall we had a great morning.
Our last taste of Vietnamese bargaining came and went quickly before we were invited to taste a speciality of Hanoi, egg coffee. Best described as a meringue on a macchiato, all sceptics were put to shame as all who tried, loved it.
Finally, after sweating like pigs for hours on end, we walked to the restaurant where our final set-menu lunch was served before heading off to the airport in Hanoi where our journey home would begin.