Today was supposed to be the second day of our volunteer project. The project was made to help out with the 1000 year anniversary of Hanoi which is 5 days from now. So, I say "supposed to" because things worked out a bit differently than planned.
Here is the story:
Karen and I cabbed over to the meeting spot yesterday morning where we met up with a few other volunteers from various projects, and waited around for a bit. After some time, the director lady told us to take our stuff, as we were going to the place that we were staying in (which we thought we were already at). We arrived at this place, met all the other participants, and then waited. After a while we introduced ourselves and looked at the itinerary which looked a lot like much touring of the city, going to museums and such, free time, games, and things like that. All of this is alright... minus the fact that it isn't volunteer work! After the group started asking about our volunteer work, it was told to us that it was pretty much for us to learn about Hanoi, and then make a poster/movie/slide show about how great the city is... not super awesome. Anyways, it appeared that it wasn't what we expected, and crappy accommodations (cockroaches and not enough beds!). We decided to ask for our money back, which we received the majority of (from the Vietnamese organization who were quite nice) and to leave on our merry way. The Canadian organization kind of sucked though, as they charged us more than the others, and none of the money apparently went to the actual organization. The battle will continue with them for sure.
Anyways, today we went to the Temple of Literature, which was nice, and would have been more peaceful if there weren't thousands of people in and around the area (the festival has drawn MASSIVE crowds). We also had an AWESOME vegetarian meal in the style where its all veg, but cooked to look like meat. This is in order to make carnivores feel more at home (a la padmanadi style). An added bonus was that it cost us about $3 each for more food than we could finish. Yes. Also checked out the festivities this evening, it was super crowded, but a really cool atmosphere. Cool performances and neat random street-happenings. Soon we will probably take a three or so day trip to Halong Bay, as well as a place called Sapa.
On the road again, and so much wiser.
Here is the story:
Karen and I cabbed over to the meeting spot yesterday morning where we met up with a few other volunteers from various projects, and waited around for a bit. After some time, the director lady told us to take our stuff, as we were going to the place that we were staying in (which we thought we were already at). We arrived at this place, met all the other participants, and then waited. After a while we introduced ourselves and looked at the itinerary which looked a lot like much touring of the city, going to museums and such, free time, games, and things like that. All of this is alright... minus the fact that it isn't volunteer work! After the group started asking about our volunteer work, it was told to us that it was pretty much for us to learn about Hanoi, and then make a poster/movie/slide show about how great the city is... not super awesome. Anyways, it appeared that it wasn't what we expected, and crappy accommodations (cockroaches and not enough beds!). We decided to ask for our money back, which we received the majority of (from the Vietnamese organization who were quite nice) and to leave on our merry way. The Canadian organization kind of sucked though, as they charged us more than the others, and none of the money apparently went to the actual organization. The battle will continue with them for sure.
Anyways, today we went to the Temple of Literature, which was nice, and would have been more peaceful if there weren't thousands of people in and around the area (the festival has drawn MASSIVE crowds). We also had an AWESOME vegetarian meal in the style where its all veg, but cooked to look like meat. This is in order to make carnivores feel more at home (a la padmanadi style). An added bonus was that it cost us about $3 each for more food than we could finish. Yes. Also checked out the festivities this evening, it was super crowded, but a really cool atmosphere. Cool performances and neat random street-happenings. Soon we will probably take a three or so day trip to Halong Bay, as well as a place called Sapa.
On the road again, and so much wiser.
Hi Laura,
ReplyDeleteGlad you're alive and well, and that whatever happens, you're embracing the right spirit. I'm excited to see what else this trip brings you!
(Hi to Karen, too)
All my love!
Annie
hey ladies!
ReplyDeleteThinking about you lots, super stoked to have you back home and to hear more about all your adventures!
Poppy