Author: Annabel Southey

It was a unique experience waking up in a rural village this morning, but the breakfast was certainly delicious. Omelettes with bread and jam were just what we needed to give us energy for the labour intensive day ahead.

After a very, very short boat ride across the river we once again met the family to begin our hard day of work. We were not only building their house but their future as well. For their kids and for the rest of their family – a well built house could last between fifty and sixty years. We mixed concrete, laid bricks and used old methods of construction; however, after lunch we were surprised to find angle-grinders and cement-mixers, which halved the time of doing things.

After hours of very physical work and sweating underneath the belting sun, it’s hard to believe these people do something like this everyday. They have to work for everything and are happy to accept any help they can get. These people are a lot worse off then we are back in Australia and the fact that they are so less fortunate drives us to give them something we take for granted everyday.

Tom Wilson

After another brilliant buffet breakfast, we headed off on a four hour bus ride to the Mekong Delta. We stopped over for chicken and salad rolls and cold drinks at lunch time, then got back on the bus and practised our village performance (the cup song). After many run throughs and adjustments, we had it perfected. Then we arrived at the Mekong River, taking a short boat trip to our village house build project.

When we arrived in the village, we dropped off our bags at the house we are staying in and headed to see the building site. Interacting with the locals was an amazing experience, as most of the children (and adults) had never seen foreigners before! Everyone was so friendly, all waving or saying hello. It was our first opportunity to properly speak in Vietnamese, and a confronting experience but definitely worth it. The locals loved it when we spoke their language.

When we went to see the building site, the foundations were laid and set for tomorrow’s building work. We had true local cuisine for dinner which was exquisite.

Sylvie

Here are two more photos to keep you going until we get back from the Mekong! These were taken from a rubber tree plantation we came across on our way back to Ho Chi Minh City yesterday, from the Cu Chi tunnels.

Tomorrow the Vietnam Fireflies head into the Mekong Delta for our community project. We will be gone for 4 nights and won’t have internet access during this time. We’ll continue to write daily posts and to take lots of photos, but won’t be able to upload until we get back to Ho Chi Minh City.

All going brilliantly and having loads of fun.

What an experience! We started off the day with an early start, heading to the Thien Phuoc orphanage, a foster home for disabled children. Seeing the children so happy with so little brought tears to our eyes and we knew that our company was appreciated. We bonded with children aged 6 months to 17 years old and were then able to feed the kids that were unable to feed themselves. Sadly they had to go to bed and it was time for us to leave but we were glad we were able to make a difference.

We were then able to enjoy a delicious traditional Vietnamese lunch in a floating restaurant on the Saigon River and after we walked to the Cu Chi Tunnels. This was eye opening as we were able to experience the living conditions of the people in the American War. Moving through the small tunnels we were able to gain a greater understanding of the hardships that were overcome. We were also able to see the various weapons and traps used and the uniforms that were worn.

The bus ride back to the hotel was quite long and we all fell asleep after the jam packed day we had had. For dinner we ate at K.O.T.O (know one teach one), which is a restaurant run by disadvantaged youth. They are taught the skills necessary to be waiters and chefs.

Today was very exciting and never to be forgotten.

Gina & Maddi

Wow! Our second day in Vietnam, our first full day in Ho Chi Minh City. Our day started at 7:00am with a buffet breakfast in the hotel. We left the hotel at 8:30 to visit China Town, where we witnessed a crowded wholesale market. After a good 30 minutes we detoured from the market to a Buddhist temple. Upon entering the temple, the strong smell of incense hit us. The temple’s decorations were amazing. Overall, China Town showed us a different side to Vietnam’s people and business structure.

Next we headed to the War Remnants Museum. Right as we entered we were welcomed by numerous planes and vehicles which were used in the American/Vietnam war. It showed us in great detail what Vietnam went through during the war. The museum was very confronting and educational. At 11:00 we held our own small service for the ANZAC soldiers. Madi J, Tia, Thomas M. and Cohan all read out a stanza of two poems, followed by a minute of silence.The service was moving, particularly as we were at a war museum. Lest we forget.

Today was also the first time we had to purchase our own meals in Vietnam. We all chose to embrace Vietnam by buying traditional Vietnamese food.

Our final activity of the day was the ‘Great Race’ around Ho Chi Minh City. During the Great Race, we were able to experience the true senses of Vietnam. The humidity really started to affect us especially whilst trying to get to and from different city locations. Crossing the road was definitely a hard obstacle to overcome. When we got the opportunity to ride a rickshaw, our eyes were opened to the Vietnamese style of travelling – motorcycling – as there are around 4 million motorbikes in Ho Chi Minh City alone. Well done to Team Pineapples, Maddi G, Gina, Lachie and Chris, who won the race.

Madi J & Tia