Strange Things Happen When You’re Going ‘Round The Twist’
Have you ever felt like this? When your foreign journey is coming to an end, and the bittersweet nostalgia of Paul Jenning’s novels are tormenting you with a sweet reminder of home. In many ways our last full day has been an amalgamation of the trip; referencing our past adventures in Hue, Ho Chi Minh, Mekong Delta, and Hoi An.
We started the day relaxedly by going to the Temple of Literature, the first university to be founded in Vietnam. It was originally constructed for the royals by the royals and was picturesque and ornate and had a long history like Hue. We hurried off to the Hoa Lo Prison, nicknamed the ‘Hanoi Hilton’ by the prisoners there. Entering the Australian Embassy was a taste of home and excited us all for our return journey as well as being an insight into Australia’s Foreign presence. For dinner we dressed up in our Monday finest which reminded us of our times in Hoi An and foreshadowed our return to Australia and our newfound maturity.
In all, this trip has been a truly rewading experience with valuable lessons learnt. Tonight we had some time to reflect on this…
Thiago Claus: I’ve learnt how independent I can be and how I can easily do things by myself without the assistance of others.
Matt Newman: I’ve learnt that I adapt to new cultures quickly and I am able to gather a good understanding of the country I am in. I have also learnt that Vietnamese food tastes better in Vietnam :).
Bailey Allen: I’ve learnt that even with a language barrier between Australians and the Vietnamese we can still build such an amazing thing for people that have so little. I have also learnt how to manage my money properly and to look at every shop for the lowest price instead of just buying the first thing I see.
Amy Lyon: I’ve learnt that when Miss Southey and Mr Hyde ask me “do you have your backpack / camera / fan / hotel key / water?” it means that I probably don’t have my backpack / camera / fan / hotel key / water. I’ve also learnt that I have become a significantly more independent person.
Rhys Siebert: I’ve learnt that I can try new things and that I can push my boundaries; I have eaten new foods and tried new activities that I never thought I could do like abseiling.
Nick Adshead: I’ve learnt that placing myself above people does not make me better than them.
Jay Mautone: I’ve learnt that I was not the most grateful person back in Melbourne and that this trip has changed me.
Aaron Herlinger: I’ve learnt to be more independent with my decisions over the course of the trip.
Jack Keenan: I’ve learnt that I truly value the geographical, cultural and economic position I have in Melbourne and I now clearly recognise the privilege that I have been bestowed with since my birth.
Meg Cairns: I’ve learnt that even if you don’t speak the same language as someone you can make a great connection with them and still have a great friendship.
Max Bruten: I’ve learnt that I can build relationships regardless of prior prejudice, values and languages.
Imogen O’Leary Quereshi: I’ve learnt that I sometimes overthink things and don’t do a certain activity because I think too much about it. This trip I have learnt to just jump into things with two feet forward and enjoy the feeling of achievement.
Jessi Esplan: I’ve learnt being away from family this long is harder than I expected and to keep positive I need to hang around people who are giving out positive energy.
Grace Viglione: I’ve learnt that when you’re in a different country, it’s really good to take in every chance you have to try new things even if you’re not completely comfortable doing it.
Duncan McKenzie: I’ve learnt that despite the circumstances, patience is always pivotal. Even when things aren’t going your way, complaining and trying to fix it will never prevail.
Noah Jaffrey: I’ve learnt despite the fact that you may not understand the language of the people around you, it is still possible to enjoy your time and build good relationships with others.
Ry’annah Hack: I’ve learnt that your independence is much harder to control whilst in a foreign country.
Elise Kervin: I’ve learnt that my tastes have changed since previous years and trying new foods benefited me. I also tried abseiling again and I learnt that it is a great thrill.
Rose Jowett Smith: I’ve learnt that I can face my fears which I think is something this trip has given me. A fear of heights has put me in many difficult situations but when I found myself at the top of a cliff with nothing but a rope and a harness I decided that I had to just do the terrifying thing and lean backwards over the abyss. Although I wouldn’t say it has eliminated my phobia or that I would even do it again, I think it has shown me that I can do anything if I trust myself.
We are all disappointed that it’s coming to a close, but the image of our eagerly awaiting parents in our minds couldn’t make us happier.
Nick, Max, Jack.