URBAN DOMAIN 2024

Vietnam Yellow: Day 8 – Hanoi

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It’s day eight of the big experience and we have already done so much. Today we visited the Hanoi botanical gardens and had a chat with Vietnamese students who were studying english, and wanted to test their skills against us. The students and other locals were very keen to take photos with/ of all of us. The Hanoi Botanical Gardens is a popular place among the locals who come for an assortment of reasons such as exercise, relaxation and to play sports.    

  

  
   
  

   

 From the botanical gardens we walked to a small lake, where an American B52 plane crashed after being shot down. The remains have been left as a reminder of Vietnam’s strength against the US. 

   
 After a lunch of Pho and spring rolls, we visited the Hanoi zoo. Quite a few of the animals were hiding due to the heat and not the greatest living conditions, so we didn’t get a chance to see them, but in the hour we were there we got the chance to visit most of the zoo. A personal favourite of ours were the Northern White-cheeked Crested Gibbon. 

To finish off the day we bought food and drink from the Lotte Mart to prepare for our twelve hour train ride later in the day.
   
 Taliesin and Pat

China – Day 9 – Dali

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We started off the morning at the Dali farmer’s market. It was fascinating to see such a wide range of vegetables and fruits, and most of them were foreign to Australia. There was also lots of meat, chicken and fish. We found seeing some of this produce challenging as much of it was sold still alive or recently slaughtered. We (Chloe and Elizabeth) think we’re going to consider becoming vegetarian!

Whilst we were here we had a wander through some of the town surrounding the market. We visited a silk weaving school and learnt the intricacies of weaving what were beautiful silk scarves and wall hangings. Another highlight was to see fresh locally made pizza made for us. It was quite different to what we traditionally call pizza in Australia – also cooked quite differently.
  

Next we visited the three pagodas. These were quite different to the pagodas we had seen previously on this trip. Unlike the colourful pagodas we saw in Beijing these were cream in colour and were quite a different shape. Two of the towers were leaning like the tower of Pisa due to past earthquakes. The views from the top of the temple behind the pagodas was quite special.

 



  
  


The best part of the day was the scenic boat cruise travelling to a small fishing island. Here we saw people dancing, more food markets, and more fish. We entered a school and played basketball and table tennis with some local kids. The two young boys playing table tennis were extremely talented, beating all the students from our school. After that, we reached the hotel with time to spare, so our group bonded over large games of UNO. There were some disputes over cheating and teaming up but overall we had a good laugh.

Special mention: Happy Birthday to Sunny!


  

  
  

 

When back at the hotel we continued work on our Journey Docs. We not only reflected on the exciting experiences of each day, but processed the historical, social, emotional and economical factors of the trip so far. A section of the booklet asked us to highlight the everyday differences between China and Australia. The hardest part for us would probably be the adjustment to squat toilets without toilet paper supplied.

To finish off the day we headed back to Foreigners Street where we could buy our own dinner in small groups. We were then given more time to explore the area and learn more about the culture. There was a group of mostly older women who were dancing in sync to a traditional song. We all joined in and had a laugh and also interacted with the locals by saying ‘Ni hao!’. This exploration time allowed us to be more independent and learn more about our own personalities  and abilities.


 

– Elizabeth Moskal and Chloe Chin

Temples Day 7 – The Killing Fields

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An emotionally draining day has passed today on the Big Experience. The Temples began the day by visiting the ominously named “Killing Fields”, which were located a couple of kilometers outside of the capital city, Phnom Penh. As we entered the fields, we were confronted by disturbing history of the people who set up Killing Fields: the Khmer Rouge, a communist faction that ruled over Cambodia from 1975 until they were overthrown in 1979. The paths in the Killing Fields were studded with the bones of victims of the Khmer Rouge’s purges. The people that were executed during these purges were people who were considered to be enemies of the state according the political philosophy of Pol Pot, even though they were usually just innocent people trying to live their lives. The types of people usually targeted by Khmer Rouge included educators, intellectuals, doctors, lawyers and people wearing glasses (considered wealthy, as they could afford them). The purpose of these purges was to remove all of the people from society who were considered to be corrupt, impure or immoral by Pol Pot, and would ultimately get in the way of his goal of setting Cambodia back to year zero, a state in which the society would go back to its roots, before it had the corruptions that Pol Pot so hated and be able to start over again.

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It is interesting and in a way disgusting to think that although all this carnage and genocide happened a mere 40 years ago, many of us had never even heard the term “Khmer Rouge” or even the name Pol Pot. We had never heard of the three million people who were killed by the Khmer Rouge or the millions of others who were forced out of their homes in the cities, or the thousands of children who were forced to become Cadres (Child soldiers under the regime) and were made to kill friends and even members of their own families.

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We asked our tour guide, Mr. Lucky (named so because he was born just after the fall of the regime and was lucky to not have to be a part of the aforementioned horrors), why the people who were involved in the regime were not all thrown in jail for their participation in the atrocities? He responded by saying that “The is no Jail in Cambodia big enough to hold everyone involved with the regime, seeing as millions of people (including children) were forced to join the regime, we must simply forgive, but NEVER forget”. It makes us think about how in Australia, we seemed to have now forgiven our forebears for having commited a similar atrocity against the indigenous peoples of our country. In Australia, enough time has passed that can talk openly about the aforementioned atrocities and reflect on who we are as Australians, our values and what we consider to be right and wrong. However, for the people of Cambodia the events were so recent, so brutal and on such a massive scale that the entire nations suffers from a type of post-traumatic stress disorder. It is extremely difficult for us, as young Australians to comprehend the psychology of it all. We meet people who talk casually about seeing their wives head get cut off and weeping whilst telling us, but then say that they had only four months ago had dinner with the man who had performed the execution.

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In conclusion, these sites and facts have made us realise how lucky we are to be born in this stable time in this prosperous and peaceful country!

By Alexander Saccasan and Hannah Carroll

LC Pagodas – Day 6

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After a slight sleep in (our alarm broke) the group checked out of the hotel and were prepared for the exciting seven hour bus journey taking us from Siem Riep to Phnom Penh. During this journey we stopped off for lunch and enjoyed some traditional Cambodian food. It was amazing to experience how fast a restaurant can service 33 guests so quickly. 

After a few more bumpy hours in the bus, we arrived at the Skun market, or more commonly referred to as the spider market. Walking off the bus with great anticipation we were greeted with many very young sellers offering us their fruit, and offering us their spiders. Mr Walsh was the first to experience the spiders (unwillingly). Two tarantulas were placed on his t-shirt by a school girl who was keen to get him to buy her pineapples. Yes, you guessed it; he did buy her pineapples and some bananas. Some of the brave few from our group decided to not only hold a spider but they tasted the culinary delights of deep fried tarantula, a taste and texture hard to forget. 

After the markets we were on the home stretch to Phnom Penh. On arrival to our new hotel, we were able to find out who our new room mates would be for our short stay at Town View Hotel. After settling into our hotel we ventured out and crossed the busy streets of the city and eventually made is safe and sound to our Thai restaurant. We ate dinner as a family and a delicious meal was had by all. We walked along the river side for a short way and then headed back to our hotel.

To finish off the day we were able to relax on the roof top of our hotel in the pool over looking Phnom Penh before getting ready for the big day ahead of us. 

Blogged by Matt Krstic and Matt Hinde

   

  

  

  

  

  

  

  


‘Reflections’

Cambodia 9th-14th November 2015
1. Nothing yet has really surprised me drastically, as I’ve visited many 3rd world countries before, but after spending 3 days building a house for and interacting with the villagers; it really awakens you to how deprived some families are, even of simple things like good health, shelter & food. However, its grounding to see that these people that have next to nothing, are some of the happiest people you will ever meet. —Lani Butler

2. For me this is my first time going to a 3rd world country, even though I have traveled to many different countries. I was very surprised when we visited the village these past three days, to see that they lack in food, healthy water and protection from weather. Seeing the children every day brought a smile to my face, this trip is such an amazing experience for everyone and I can’t wait to see what the next couple of days will bring – Max King 

3. This trip is my first time visiting a third world country. The first few days have been exciting, but also very confronting. Visiting the village, and interacting with the people of the village will be something I will never forget. I am amazed at how happy all of the people are, yet they don’t have anywhere near as much as we do. I was also surprised that the language barrier didn’t stop us from making friends with the local people of the village. This trip has already been an amazing couple of days, and I know that the rest will be even better. – Rachel Heath

4. So far this trip to Cambodia has really changed the way I think. I’ve learned that there are so many people living with next to nothing but are still the happiest people I’ve ever met. I’ve realised I take many simple things in life for granted and I should appreciate what I have. The night markets have been incredible and I’m quickly learning how to barter. I’m really excited about the next few days we’re spending in Cambodia. – Nina Coghill 

5. I am so lucky, the way I live and have a great education. I don’t have to worry about lack of food or resources since they are all supplied for me. Up to now the trip has been very confronting for all of us, when we see what the kids have in the village, they play with stones and sticks to entertain themselves. Our worlds are so different compared to them. I have loved sharing smiles with the village children, and helping them live a more sustainable and healthy life. The change of environment has challenged me since I constantly feel a weak and tired, but I’m dealing to help me cope with that. I have also learnt not to take anything for granted and to be happy with what you have instead of always wanting more and better things. Also having our devices at home is great since then we can really connect with the country and other people in our group. Opening our eyes more. I have really really enjoyed seeing elephants and having a dance party on the bus!!! I miss home but I am really enjoying this once in a life time experience -Marelie Koot 😊

6. I think that the people here have very hard lives and that they are very resilient. They seem to not value the same things as I do, and I found it very interesting how they would marry and have children at such young ages. Comparing our lives, I’m so lucky that I live in such a wealthy country and I am safe, health and have the ability to get an education. -Eleanor Chadwick

7. This is the first 3rd world/developing country I have visited and the diversity is very similar to what I have been told e.g big hotels and leisure clubs where the wealthy go and next to them they have poor shops and slums. In the village where we built the house I was surprised at how happy the kids were even with little to do or play with. Whilst out here I haven’t thought about home because there hasn’t been much time to. -Sam May

8. Cambodia is a country like none other that I have ever been to, the country shows off the diverse nature of people’s emotions and captures imaginations. There are a few things that I have learnt in the short time I have been here, one of these is how fortunate my peers and I are- the fact that some many of the population makes less than $1 a day and that we all go to such a fortunate school just makes be think more and be grateful. The other main thing I have learnt whilst I have been here is that their history of unfortunate events and how a country can rise from the ashes makes me see how easy Australia has had it so far. I loved this place as soon as I got off the bus. – Cooper Green-Shiel

9. There is so much to say about Cambodia. It’s a very poor country and people are surviving off very little but are all still making the best of what they have and it didn’t hit me that hard until the tour guide shared his story. Being in Cambodia has opened my eyes to how lucky we are in Australia and when we finished the house for a lucky family and gave them gifts it was so nice to see their reaction overwhelmed with joy. Overall in my short time in Cambodia so far I have enjoyed every second of my time and appreciate how lucky I am but my favourite moment so far has been wondering through the different temples. -Luca Micalessi

10. From the short period I’ve spent overseas I’ve experienced more than I have in my past 15 years. As soon as I walked out of the airport I experienced a massive culture shock, the way of life was so different and made me realise just how lucky I am. before this trip I couldn’t come to grips with a country being in such poverty but during the house build it really hit just how poor Cambodia was and what simple pleasures I took for granted. After hearing our tour leaders story of his life and the hardships he’s had to overcome I understood that happiness isn’t determined through money but rather through a strong community, family and friends. – Matt Krstic 

11. I’ve been overseas before, but in the short time I’ve been in this country, I’ve witnessed how fortunate and lucky we really are. During the house build, I saw in person really how poor the families are, and building this house for this one lucky family resembles winning the lottery for them. When the locals helped out building the house, it showed how unselfish and kind everyone is for each other and that money isn’t the true form of happiness. I’m trying to soak every moment of this memorable, life changing experience in and the hardest part of this trip so far has been the constant sweat from the punishing humidity. – Matt Hinde

12. I have already come to a conclusion during this big experience that I should be very fortunate for what I have since this country and its people have a hard time surviving. Bargaining in the markets was a bit of a challenge because I had to completely ignore people who were trying to sell their stuff (especially children) to signify you are not interested. However, I managed to do well and reduced the price to a very low price. I have learnt a lot of Cambodian phrases and words by studying their language and asking the people what something is and also applying them during the trip. This skill has reminded me the importance of learning a different language. So far I have enjoyed most of the experience and have bonded well with both peers, teachers and the Cambodian people and hope to keep the amazing journey from now on. -Daniel Choi

13. I have been overseas many times before, but never to a third world country. I thought I was going to be prepared for what I was about to witness here, although there are some eye opening experiences that we have already had that I hadn’t expected. I now realise how thankful I am to live the life I do, I am now more grateful for the little things my parents do, for example going grocery shopping so we always have food in the fridge. The most challenging part of this trip so far has been building the house. I never realised how challenging it is to build a simple house in extremely hot weather with limited materials. It was definitely an eye opener for how the Cambodians have to live on a day to day basis especially in the village areas. My favourite part of this trip so far is just how close some of us have gotten, it’s so much fun going out to dinner and going around the markets in small groups and it definitely forms new friendships. – Frances Peck

14. I have never been overseas so this trip so far, has been very different for me and out of my comfort zone. I still sometimes believe that I’m still in Australia even though the culture and society is vastly different. The most challenging part of this trip would be seeing all the unprivileged children and poor families. As I am not surrounded by this usually it is a new perspective I have on the world and my lifestyle. It does make me appreciate all the things I have in my life and how lucky I am to be brought up the way I was. The best part of the trip so far, would have to be either playing with the children in village that we built a house for or the night markets. The reason why I enjoyed the night markets as it is a new experience for me as I have never been to one or bargained before. However the children faces when we arrived in the village put a smile on my face as they would be so excited to see us. – Charlotte Hayward

15. Coming to Cambodia and seeing how the people here live has showed me how fortunate we are in our every day lives. I’ve noticed that most houses are only 1 story, the occasional double story looks to be only 1 or so rooms and nearly everyone owns a motorbike. This is so different compared to how Australians live and I think it shows a big difference in the way our governments govern our countries. My favourite part of the trip so far has probably been the night markets and building the house in the village. The markets I love because it’s so different to Australia and you get a taste of a different culture, you get to bargain and experience new things. The village I love because it’s not something you would normally do when going overseas and it’s also something you get to do with your friends. You get to give a well deserving family with barely anything a brand new house which gives both you and them a smile. – Amy Galston

16. I’ve experienced poor countries before but the culture shock here has been astonishing. Seeing all the families that cope with the really tough living situation is inspiring and motivational and hearing people’s stories is showing me that even if you start at rock bottom, you can always pull through. – Lizzy Kormany

17. I found the culture really confronting, seeing so much poverty everywhere and so tightly packed. The food is great and I learned that you have to be ruthless when bargaining. Tom G 

18. Cambodia has been great expirencing a different lifestyle and culture has been confronting while interesting during the trip. Markets and walking around the streets has been very fun while educational. Jake H

19. Cambodian lifestyle and culture is very different to what we experience in Australia, everything is chaotic and fast but it all works out. The markets are good fun and I’m learning new skills. Josh C 

Vietnam Yellow: Day 7- back to Hanoi

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Last breakfast in Mai Chau 

After a sad farewell to the wonderful people of Mai Chau and several hours on the (air conditioned) bus, we arrived back in busy Hanoi. We couldn’t have asked for a better welcome as our guide ushered us into a pizzeria for lunch. Multiple pizzas and plates of pasta later, we were absolutely stuffed and ready to begin the afternoon’s adventures. 

  
 
We visited the “Hanoi Hilton” prison museum to see what it was like to be held captive there. The prison has been used to hold many different convicts over the years, and different sections of the museum showed us what the conditions were like in each. Quite a few of us were a little apprehensive, as many people died within its heavily guarded walls. We left enlightened to a darker side of Vietnam’s past, and once we had freshened up, our mood only increased.    
   
  
After a delicious Vietnamese dinner,we stepped outside onto the darkened streets, and were greeted by the glowing stalls of the night markets, where we bought plenty of goodies at a bargain price (and some presents!). After another good day in Hanoi, and plenty of purchases, we prepare to leave to another beautiful city tomorrow. 

  

  
– Faye and Nicole 

Vietnam Red-day 4: Our trip to the Mekong

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After a slight sleep-in,Vietnam Red boarded the bus to set off on an adventure to the Mekong delta! Upon the bus, the guys and gals of Vietnam red commenced many bonding conversations and activities. The activities included, card games and chopsticks. We were even treated to a few live tunes from Mr Tudor on his ukele. The bus trip was around 5 hours. Outside the window, Vietnam gave us many sights to enjoy. It was very clear when the city of Ho Chi Minh disappeared and the rural area appeared. It was clear due to the increase of rice fields. We stopped for some lunch at a nearby restaurant and had some chicken sandwiches with hot sauce. 

  
After a half hour stop there, we hopped back on the bus and traveled deeper into the Mekong for another 2 hours. When we arrived we where welcomed by a nice man and his boat. This man took us on an interesting ride along the Mekong delta. On the boat trip we tried our best to avoid mosquitos whilst enjoying the scenery until we arrived at our home stay.When we arrived at our home stay, we were embraced by the nice family’s smiles and hospitality. After we had a look around our rooms we traveled down the foot path to have a look at the foundation of the house we are going to build and met the family we are building the house for. 

   
   
 After that we scavenged for a place to play a game of soccer with the local people. It was difficult to communicate with the people but in the end we still found a way to have a blast. We had a three on three soccer tournament which ended in nothing but smiles. After a very hot, yet fun game of soccer we sat down as a very sweaty group for some dinner. The food the cook prepared was delicious and organic. With full bellies from eating too much incredible food the group sat down to discuss the amazing trip so far.

Brock and Ben.