By Hamish and Josh
Today, we woke up to the sound of the morning wakeup call at 7 am. First, we spent half an hour of getting ready and beginning to pack. We were looking forward to big day ahead, involving shopping at local markets and the upcoming lengthy train journey to Hanoi. Then, we filtered into the buffet and dining area of the luxurious Asia hotel. At breakfast we discussed yesterday’s events, whilst enjoying the Western and Vietnamese breakfasts and fresh juice.
As we left the hotel on route to a local market, we had time to think and chat about the cultural experiences which we have been fortunate enough to have in Hue, and what we have learnt from them. We noticed the connections to the CUE program, and in particular, the urban domain. We continue to observe and question how the city’s history and people have shaped what it is today. We are becoming global citizens through this trip, and learning to place value upon understanding a place in a genuine way. After a short walk, we then arrived at a local Hue market named Dong Ba. We split of in small groups to explore. We were struck by differences between this market and those of Ho Chi Minh and Hoi An. This market was less lively, though no less busy. We enjoyed ourselves bargaining and making some successful purchases.
Afterwards, we enjoyed lunch at a Vietnamese restaurant across the road from our hotel known as Ushi. We dug into the delightful flavours of some fresh rice paper rolls, lemon chicken, crispy chicken noodles, and sweet and sour pork.
Later, as the anticipation built for the train journey, and after a lot of waiting, we made our way onto the bus to go to the train station for our train at 3:30pm. Upon arrival, we were alerted to the fact that our train would be late. Another announcement about half an hour later told us that the train was arriving. We made our way out onto the platform where we would soon board the train. As the train arrived, and came to a halt, we embarked onto the train where we were met with narrow corridors and cosy cabins. In each cabin was four beds in which we would spend our night. The train jolted into motion and a gush of excitement was instantly felt by all. We will go to sleep with thoughts of excitement for what lays ahead in the final few days of our journey, to be spent in Hanoi.
Josh: Missing you all, hope Dan’s exams went well and hope everyone is good back in Australia. Love you all, from your favourite child/sibling.
Hamish R: Hi family members, hope all is well back in Melbourne and Imogen’s final exams are going well. I am really enjoying the trip and have had some delicious food. Missing you very much and will see you soon. Love you very much, Hamish x
