Orphanage and Cu Chi Tunnels
Today was the day we visited and volunteered at the orphanage; an amazing and rewarding experience. If you ever get a chance to visit you would be very welcomed. When we arrived after the long bus ride in peak hour traffic we got to see the kids from the British International School who were also visiting the orphanage. We were split into two groups. One group stayed upstairs with the children who are immobile due to spinal disabilities and the other group went downstairs to the more mobile and slightly older children where they played with plasticine, made moulds with them and made them laugh. Some of us pushed the wheelchairs of Down’s syndrome kids who really enjoyed the whizzing sensation. We really enjoyed spending time with the children. We also fed them which was challenging but definitely an experience to be had. When we gave them some gifts, such as hot wheels toy cars and soft toys, their faces lit up with excitement and thanks which melted our hearts. We were all so touched at all the time and effort the workers and volunteers put in to help out these children in need. The Head of the orphanage, Sister Kim, was so grateful that we had visited as well as made a small donation. In return she gave us some yum rice cakes which were delicious. 
After the orphanage, we went onto the bus and had another bus ride, that took a little over an hour. When we arrived, we had lunch on a platform on water, which I (Siobhan) personally think was the best lunch by far, even though we only have eaten 2 lunches so far. After the exquisite lunch we saw a really old documentary which explained the reason behind the tunnels underground, and the audio wasn’t 100% but, it was 1960’s so I guess we can excuse that. Then we saw how the traps were made and how deadly they were. The group took many photos and really learnt a lot about the American war against Vietnam. After seeing the deadly traps we got to go into one of the teeny tiny trapdoors that open into the Cu Chi tunnels. Many students and some teachers even went inside to get a photo of them coming out. It was very squishy inside and all of us had to squat to fit into such a confined space. Following on from that most of us decided to actually go into the tunnels and crawl through 20 to 120 meters of the restricted spaces that would make anyone feel claustrophobic. Right after it was time to hit the road, Jack. On the bus we had lots of banter thrown around the group and played some fun games.
Once back we filled in our journey docs and headed for dinner which was Indian which was delicious. We were glad we had napkins for once in a restaurant. As the day started to end we headed home from dinner and bought bubble blowers from street sellers and took photos of people in Pickachu costumes. Once we got back to the hotel we headed to bed.
We miss you all!
Luke and Siobhan