Author: fcreak

 We started off our day a little later at 7:15 and after a great breakfast we got on the bus and headed down to Chinatown. This was our first chance to shop, although it was so hectic that we didn’t really get to. Even though it was early in the morning it was still hot and crowded.
We got back on the bus and headed to the War Remnants Museum and on the way, our tour guide Mr Hai taught us some basic Vietnamese words and phrases that we used throughout the day. The museum was quite confronting as we learned more about the history of The Vietnamese/American War and the effects that it had and still has on Vietnam and their people. The museum closed at 12 and we headed back to our hotel. Today was the first chance we’ve had so far to choose our own lunch. We headed out in small groups and looked for nice restaurants to eat at. One group had a chance encounter with a group from Vietnam Orange and for them it was nice to see familiar faces. 
At 2 pm after lunch we came back to the hotel to commence ‘The Great Race’ around Ho Chi Minh City. We broke off again into small groups and participated in fun activities. Individually, the groups got to visit The Saigon Central Post Office, ride on a cyclo, walk through markets and go up to the top of the tallest building in Saigon. The group that won the race then enjoyed their prize of free foot massages.
After a couple of hours of free time, we went for a delicious dinner at one of Ho Chi Minh’s traditional restaurants, the food was great and we all enjoyed the chance to relax with our friends after a big day.
By Alessia and Tom

   

   

   
  

   
 

   
  

  
   
   
    
 

An early start at 6:00 am this morning, waking up to our group leader Hai’s ‘wake up call’. Breakfast was a scrumptious Asian style which included extravagant orange juice and miniature bananas. We all enjoyed the view from the eighth floor of the bustling city of Ho Chi Minh in the early morning.

After brekkie, we all scurried onto the bus and began our long two hour drive to the Cu Chi Tunnels, 70 kilometres away. Cu Chi was a change of scenery from the busy Ho Chi Minh, from city to almost country side. We watched a propaganda video made by the Vietnamese about the Americans throughout the Vietnam war in a traditional bunker. Afterwards, we walked a trail of bunkers which showed displays of Cu Chi military techniques and living circumstances during the Vietnam war. This gave us a broader understanding of the Vietnam war and the hardships the Cu Chi people endured. We also got to walk through a tunnel which was only 1.2 metres tall, which proved very interesting and enlightening for all of us. For lunch, we ate a lovely meal in a floating restaurant along the Saigon River which obviously meant we had a majestic view. 

After lunch we travelled to the orphanage on the way back to Ho Chi Minh. At the orphanage, we met Sister Kim who is in charge of the orphanage. We split into groups and all went to different areas that included kids with different needs. All of the children were mentally or physically disabled which made it a very touching experience. We fed them dinner and played with them, giving them attention and TLC which is what they needed. 

Throughout these bus rides, we’ve discovered the groups love for cards.

Dinner was an interesting barbecue that we cooked ourselves right in the middle of our tables. 

Lots of love,
Juliette and Tanner.

   

  

    
   
  

After a day of travel we arrived safely in Ho Chi Minh City where we met our guide Hai. We checked in to our hotel then headed out for our first Vietnamese meal. It was a hit, everyone loved the food! It was then back to the hotel for an early night to get plenty of sleep in preparation for the exciting day ahead. 

  

  

  

   

Here is a sneak peak of tomorrow’s weather in Ho Chi Minh City. Looking forward to seeing you all tomorrow morning.