By Chloe and Matt S
As the trip rapidly comes to an end, today was saddening for most. We realised that it is the last full day that we will spend in the wonderful Vietnam! We started the day with a visit to the sacred Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, which is the final resting place of the Revolutionary Communist leader of the same name. Although we were not able to go inside, it was nonetheless amazing to see this significant site. With a parade of people outside, including multitudes of tourists, we spent time enjoying ourselves and taking photographs.
After a short bus trip, we arrived at the Hanoi Hilton, which is the ironic nickname given by American GI servicemen to Ho La Prison. Originally constructed by French colonists, the prison was utilised by North Vietnam during the war to hold U.S. prisoners of war. The prison was eye-opening and confronting, a window into the brutality of a different age. We viewed cells complete with life-size mannequins, clothed to resemble the prisoners that were once held there. With their feet locked up and only little personal space, it was saddening to see how such prisoners were treated. We learned about the devastating extent to which the prisoners were tortured. Rebellious prisoners, for instance, had to stay in pitch-black rooms which caused numerous physical and mental health issues.
Our last major excursion of the day was to the Australian Embassy. Replete with Australian flags and familiar accents, we felt briefly as though we were back on Australian soil. We were invited into a lecture room to learn about the diplomatic relationship between Australia and Vietnam. We learnt that the Australian embassy in Hanoi was a medium-sized embassy, proportionate to the size of the relationship we share. We learned many interesting facts! Among many projects in the country is infrastructure; Australia, for instance, is building a bridge in Vietnam worth 160 million dollars. We learned about the importation and exportation of shrimp; did you know that Australia imports frozen shrimp and exports fresh shrimp to Vietnam? The embassy has to deal with many problems of both a large and trivial nature. One continuing issue is the flying of the yellow South Vietnamese flag by Australian city councils, which is viewed as deeply offensive by the Vietnamese government. However, the Australian response is to defend our constitutionally enshrined freedom of speech.
After this informative presentation, we had some free time to enjoy lunch and do a bit of last minute shopping. We chose our own places to have lunch. The shopping was amazing. Everyone tried to get rid of their dong and finish buying all the things on their wish list! Getting back to the hotel everyone was in a mad rush to finish their journey.docs, which were due at 5:45pm. We then dressed for our last dinner together in Vietnam as a group.
It was an emotional time for all of us. We reflected on the past 16 days we have spent together and realised that the trip we have prepared so long for is coming to an end!
Dear Hoover squad,
I miss watching Netflix with you and by myself, and the never ending amount of snacks in our cupboards. I also miss you all very much and want a large pizza when I get back and a tub of Connoisseur vanilla ice-cream I’m very excited to have ice cold water at hand 24/7 and tonic water. And I call dibs on choosing the movie tomorrow night and the first shower.
Kind regards, your forever amazing daughter,
Chloe
Dear Family,
This has truly been one of the best experiences of my life. I have learnt so much about myself and have created life long memories. Even though I thought I would never say it I’ve missed you guys a lot. I’m excited to not have to go to the local convenience store to get fresh water and to catch up on all the stuff I’ve missed out on. Mum and Dad, I hope you have a blast in Vietnam next year, it is an unforgettable country. Make sure to drink plenty of coffee with condensed milk.
Matt
