URBAN DOMAIN 2024

China- Day 14

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This morning we were greeted by a pleasant -2°C, with a layer of freshly fallen snow. This was quite amazing since some of us had never experienced snow before. Despite the astonishment of finding snow and it being freezing cold, we were still excited for the day ahead. It was a great start to the day.
Two hours later, after the long bus trip, we arrived at the tourist centre at the bottom of the Great Wall. We then took a very small shuttle bus to the base of the Great Wall. At this point we could only see the wall from a distance, however, what we could see in close distance was an excruciatingly long flight of stairs. After our somewhat challenging trek up the stairs we reached the wall itself. From here we could see the great divide the wall had created between the beautiful landscape that surrounded it. Many of us were fascinated by the extent of which you could see. The air from on top of the Great Wall was beautiful and fresh and better quality than what we had been breathing in the past few days. From here we toured across the top of the wall. This was difficult as the thin layer of snow had built up to create a very slippery surface. Many of us fell, but it was all in good spirit. With the surrounding snow we made snowballs and threw them at each other, whilst attempting not to get hit ourselves. By now, most of us had began to feel the full effect of Beijing’s cold weather, so it was time to descend down the wall. For lunch we split up in to many small groups, to buy some lunch from the various surrounding food stores. 
After yet another 2 hour bus ride back to the hotel, we prepared ourselves for dinner for a nearby restaurant. Here we got to experience the true culture of China through its’ food. We ate many different dishes such as the famous Beijing (or Peking) duck, casual dumplings and other meats and veggies. For some the Beijing duck was a very new taste, as duck is not a common food in Australia, but most seemed to like it. We then headed back to the hotel to prepare for our next adventure.
By Jeremy and Max.

Vietnam Grey – in Hanoi

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We’ve arrived safely in Hanoi after a long and rickety train ride. We’ll post details of Days 14 and 15 later tonight.

   
   

Vietnam Yellow – Day 14 update

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Good morning to everyone back in Aus!

We arrived safely in Ho Chi Minh city this morning and will be posting our day 14 blog tomorrow, along with day 15. 

Day 15 includes visiting the Cu Chi tunnels and heading to Mekong delta for our overnight home stay. 

Post soon 🙂

TLC Pagodas – day 13 – Kampuchea House and Thai School

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Kampuchea house was definitely one of the groups most emotional but amazing experiences we have had on the trip. We first met Belinda at the house and she explained to us what the function of the project and the people who work and volunteer there is. As the kids crowded around us we soon realised that we were about to make their day. We played footy, badminton, volleyball and soccer with the children, just to name a few activities. The kids were so happy even though in their past, they had been through so much emotionally. After we spent a few hours bonding and playing with the Kampuchea House kids we presented the girls with hygiene packs and the house, money, which we had from our fundraising walkathon. After we left, we hopped on the bus. it was moving and extremely sad, saying goodbye to our new friends that we felt we had known for a long time. On the bus to lunch, it was the quietest 30 teenagers have ever been. After our trip to Kampuchea house we were all filled with a sense of wanting to know more about the volunteering programs around South East Asia and the chance we have been given.
We stopped at a restaurant nearby for a genuine authentic Khmer lunch, which most people really loved. After lunch, we headed off to see the life of school kids in Cambodia. Heading off the bus we were welcomed by the children standing in rows as we entered the centre of the school. We got the lucky opportunity to watch a performance by some of the talented students and then were split up into groups. My group and I had the challenge of teaching the younger kids who had minimal to no English. Other groups played sports or attempted teaching students English skills. Although it was challenging, it was an amazing experience to see the classrooms that these children work in and to encounter how grateful they all are for the education that they are given. By the end of our visit to the school house we handed over the gifts which were stationary that the school really appreciated and said our goodbyes before heading back to the hotel.

At the night markets tonight we went to the corner restaurant to enjoy a well earned and quickly devoured meal. After all plates where licked clean we left the restaurant to embrace the night life – as the streets were buzzing with culture, we headed off in groups of 3 or more to spend our parents money. I was surprised to find how confident the tuktuk drivers are in approaching us and offering us lifts and things – often walking around the market doing so. This was a bit shocking as I don’t experience this back at home. The night soon came to an end but we all had a lot of fun and I’m excited for Wat’s to come in the future.

Anna K Maddi S and Elliott H






TLC Temples – Day 14

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Today was one of the biggest, most memorable days of this entire experience. We began the day in the bus relaxing while Yousa taught us about the differences between the Australian and Khmer education systems. In Australia, most kids begin school at around 5 or 6 and continue through 12 years of schooling and then university (as you probably know). We are taught for 6 or so hours, 5 days a week for most of the year. However, because of the effect of the Khmer Rouge, their schooling system is severely scarred. This is because of the fact that most of the educated people were killed during the Khmer Rouge’s reign, as they were seen as a threat. Nowadays the Khmer children are only taught 2 or 3 half days a week. The teachers are usually only paid about US$50 a month which isn’t enough to sustain much of a life or a family. As a result, most teachers seek other jobs to get enough money in areas like tourism or sometimes private tutoring. 

Because of all these problems in their education system, Yousa opened his own school where kids can go to get extra education. The school helps with maintaining their culture through music and dance lessons as well as teaching them English and Chinese. Before we arrived at this school we bought some school supplies with our fundraised money with the guidance of Yousa himself. We brought a collection of writing books, pens, pencils, art supplies and English and Chinese text books which will facilitate the children’s education. We arrived with a welcoming honour guard which instantly made us feel special and appreciated. Students that were involved in the dance class performed a traditional welcome dance and a coconut dance. The performance truly showcased and highlighted the aim of the school and how they are preserving their culture. Next we split up into small groups and assisted in various places around the school. This included playing sports and teaching English, maths and spelling. There was a certain happy and excited vibe emanating from the school. After two hours of spending time with the students we had to say goodbye. The time was short but the memories will be everlasting. 

The next stop was Kampuchea House. This incredible facility is a home for orphaned and deserted children. As soon as we arrived we couldn’t help but notice the family like bond between the housemothers and the kids. Belinda, the Vice President of the orphanage, explained why there was a need for Kampuchea House and how it began. A committee noticed that there was a high need for a home for children who had deceased or absent parents in small villages. With legal certifications from governments, Kampuchea House began! The village elder would would tell them what children were in need of not only a home but a family and a thorough education. Ultimately the decision to live at Kampuchea House and be under their legal care was up to the child. When we arrived we were greeted with smiles and hugs and immediately formed bonds with the kids. We spent hours playing ball games with lots of laughter. It’s seems odd that these kids are orphans and have so little but yet they are some of the happiest people we have met on this trip. They all had such rough starts to their lives but this place is able to turn it around and give them a chance to have a bright future as well as a family to support them on their journey. We also found it surprising how good their English was. This is because of an Australian volunteer named Sean. He originally volunteered for three months but has ended up staying for three years. 

This memorable day was complemented by a trip to the night market and B.Y.O.Dinner from the selection down “Pub street”. 

By Elias and Jasmine.
















Vietnam Red- Day 15

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The morning dew was fastened on the train windows as we arrived at Vietnam’s capital city of Ha Noi. There was a mutual feeling of sleep deprivation like a plague throughout the Vietnam red cohort. This was not helped with the jam packed day which faced us. We visited the temple of literature first. This enlightened us about the schooling in Vietnam in feudal times and contained Vietnam’s first university. During our visit, we witnessed some graduates, celebrating their last day, spending it at the temple.
We took the big bikes with four wheels to the old quarter: The heart of Ha Noi, where we were driven around and shown the different kinds of streets and buildings all around. Each street is dedicated to a particular craft or product – such as coffee street or stainless steel street. We grabbed lunch in the old quarter and then ventured back to the hotel where much needed rest was provided for nearly 4 hours. After a great siesta, we were ready to go off to explore the city.

We visited the Christian church Nha Tho built in 1886 out of materials shipped from France. We saw the stark contrast of the attendance in the church to Australian churches as it was packed on a Sunday night with people spilling out the doors. We headed straight to the water puppet show which was an art form none of us had experienced before. The puppet show took place in water with about 100 people in the theatre. To finish the day off, we had dinner at a local restaurant on a very busy side street, which had a various amount of dishes. 

We are still slightly sleep deprived and ready to go to bed. 

P.s happy teachers day (Note from Vietnam Red Staff- the students presented us with some gorgeous keepsakes today to celebrate the occasion)

From Cris, Cole and Lucas O.

Goodnight!  

Photos: at the Temple of Literature; the trip staff with their gifts; outside the Nha Tho; waiting for the water puppet show to begin.