Written by Ethan and Hamish G
Today, our first of many in Vietnam, was filled with incredible highs and thought-provoking lows.
At our early morning breakfast, we were expecting to see cereals, toast, and other Anglo-Saxon delicacies; however, we were pleasantly surprised as this was not the case. The room was filled with all kinds of Vietnamese dishes, many of which we all dug straight in to.
Our tour guide, Hai, informed us that our first destination of the day would be the War Remnants Museum. This was the most insightful, confronting and transformative experience of the day. The front courtyard displayed war vehicles from the Vietnam War – known as the “American War” to the Vietnamese, to distinguish it from previous conflicts. Adjacent was a replica prison, which was identical to those used in the Vietnam War, which caused feelings of sadness and shock to the group. The main building contained 13 sections, each describing a different aspect of the war through the Vietnamese lens, from a large collection of journalistic photographs to the effects of Agent Orange, which was the most challenging room in the entire museum. We were deeply moved by the countless photos depicting the awful consequences of war, and struck by the deep resentment toward the American intervention.
Next, we bussed to the Vietnamese campus of RMIT. Here, we met the other group in Saigon, Vietnam Red, and were treated to a talk by the Director International who informed us of the benefits and opportunities of studying and completing our university degrees abroad. For those of us already considering studying in another country, this may have been the final push to influence our future decision. We later were taken on a tour of the world class grounds, which included sports courts, tech labs, music rooms, dorms and shops. It seemed quite a relaxed, quiet atmosphere, perfect for those completing their tertiary education abroad.
We ate lunch at a restaurant called Pho 2000, famed dining spot of former US President Bill Clinton. As always, and keeping with the theme of delicious food, everything was scintillating. We all left feeling very full, but excited for the next item on our itinerary: The Amazing Race.
The walk to the starting point was nervous yet energetic. Hai told us the rules, handed us our maps, and we were off. Our instructions took us through the central district of Ho Chi Minh City, from the tallest building, the Bitexco Tower, to the Reunification Palace. Two and a bit hours later, we all arrived back at the Blue Diamond Hotel exhausted, sweat-soaked, and thoroughly knowledgeable about the city. In our little race groups, everyone had become that little bit closer.
Dinner was a long walk from the hotel, but the food proved worth it. Dishes kept flying out of the kitchen, and we struggled to keep downing it all before the next meal came out. To be honest, the food has been one of the more enjoyable experiences of our trip so far.
Overall, it is astonishing how closely bonded we have become as a group in just two days. As Ms. Hutchinson always says, you don’t know someone until you’ve travelled with them. Today happened!
Ethan: Mum and Dad, it has only been a couple of days but I already miss you guys. I really hope sometime we can all travel to Vietnam together and experience the culture for ourselves.
Hamish G: Mum and Dad, I am having fun and I am missing the family. I miss Tom, Izzy, Moon and Shadow as well. See you guys really soon. Love you.
