HELLO.
We are GROUP A! :D:D
Mr Desmond Chong
Reynold Heng
Low Boon Kiat
Wong Weng Lum
Joseph Lim
Dave Tay
Qin Hua Fei
Leona Lim
Ang Li Ting
Jana Lay
Group B
Group C
Group D
Group E
Group F
November 2008
December 2008
January 2009
Layout: xxx
|
|
Friday, January 2, 2009,8:25 AM
Day 5
We took a boat to the Mekong Region in the morning. There were many pythons there. We tasted some local snacks, tea and tropical fruit there and also got a chance to buy some of the food. We were also allowed to do some shopping at the handicraft village and buy some snacks from the villagers. After that we took the ‘sampan’ back to the jetty. It was interesting as all of us wore hats on while cruising through the canal on the sampan. The canal was quite muddy. Although there wasn't much scenery to take in, it was still a once in a lifetime experience to be able to sit in the sampan!
We took the boat back again, and made our way to the restaurant for lunch.
Lunch was at a local restaurant, where we had a taste of some of their local specialties, such as the deep fried elephant ear fish and the sticky rice ball. The dishes were very unique and special, which we cannot find back in Singapore. They were rather delicious as many of us were craving for more.
Next we visited the war historical musuem. We watched the water puppet show. It was an eye opener as it was something new we do not usually get to see. The puppets were all moving in the water.
Reflections:
It was a very interesting day today as the whole day was filled with activities. The Mekong Region was particularly interesting and the sampan boat ride was a great experience. Lunch was great too as we tried a few local dishes. We completed the day at the musuem and the water puppet show which we enjoyed watching as well. We had an enriching experience as there was a lot to take in. We saw for ourselves the village life the people there lived. It was very different from the lifestyle we have in Singapore. We also had many chances to appreciate the food, culture and history of Vietnam.
|
|
Thursday, January 1, 2009,4:59 AM
Day 2 comprised mostly of the travelling to Dalat and the short lessons we were given accompanied by interesting stories told by our tour guide.
It was a long journey to Dalat, also known as “City of Villas” with its French architecture and cold weather and along the way most of us got tired and ended up taking naps. We were told stories to keep us more enthusiastic about the trip so far. For instance, the story of some haunted house that most of us listened to.
During lunch we went to a restaurant at a small town, Bao Loc, enroute to Dalat. We were finally able to stretch our legs for some time. Near the restaurant there was a gift shop which most of us entered to do a little gift shopping as well as have a look at what there was to offer. The speciality was coffee and tea.
However, the journey got much more interesting along the way after lunch when we ended up getting stuck. Our bus wasn’t the one that got stuck but a truck in front of us that was blocking the way. We ended up waiting in the bus for some time and some of us anticipated what would happen. Then teachers and the tour guide informed us of the situation, and that we were to walk to the tea and coffee plantation and factory that we were heading to. Some started asking questions immediately, like what to bring and how muddy the road was. Soon after that, we were out of the bus and some of us were given raincoats as it was drizzling. Now came what we personally think was one of the most memorable highlights of the day, WALKING ALONG THE MUDDY PATH, it was something most of us squealed and moaned about. It was entertaining watching everyone dodge a muddy area every now and then, and hearing the squishing sounds our shoes made when we stepped into the mud.
When we reached the tea and coffee plantation and factory it seemed to stretch on for miles. The plantation was huge. Then we took a short walk up to the factory while we enjoyed this lush green scenery before us. With our cameras by our side we started snapping pictures. Since it had rained and our shoes were muddy, we ended up standing outside the factory, looking through the large door where we were given the lesson about the process of how these produce are made. We gained much more insight and knowledge about tea. As we made our way back to the bus, it was another episode of ’DODGING THE MUD’. By the time we were on the bus, everyone had their shoes covered in mud and we started to clean it up with wet wipes and tissues. And it was no mistake that we’d dirtied the bus.
The trip back after that was the same monotonous journey, with the bus really quiet at times and noisy at another when people started waking up. When it was noisy, people were chatting, listening to music, or playing with their psp. We modern people can’t stand doing nothing.LOL. After that we had dinner, and we enjoyed the meal and took photos outside the restaurant, which was the best in Dalat, before we got on the bus and were given a briefing about Dalat in which we came to know about the famous and most beautiful lake in Dalat that we passed on our way to the hotel and more.
Though the travelling took up most of the day, it was nice admiring the scenery that surrounded us.
By Jana
The day may not have been as exciting and activity filled as other days, but it was a day that we could take in the beautiful sights around us. Living in Singapore we don’t have the opportunity to see mountains near us as well as have a feel or see what life outside so much luxury has in store for us. In Vietnam, life was simpler and more carefree. The food served to us at the restaurant was grown by them and not bought at a nearby supermarket like what we do. We have come to appreciate the comfort and luxuries we have in Singapore after seeing for ourselves how much more fortunate we were. All in all, day 2 was a learning experience, not of just knowledge but of coming to be grateful for what we have that others don’t.
By Leona and Jana
|
|
HELLO.