We have now been here for five days. I am finally starting to get rid of the jet lag. Last night was the first night that I got a decent sleep. The food has been good but I am starting to wish for a Hamburger. The team is really coming together. The kids are getting to know each other and I am getting to know more about them as well. We had an orientation from Habitat Vietnam today and the build will start tomorrow. We went for a walk today through one of the local markets. You can get everything from car parts to medicine . Everything being sold on the streets and out in the open. We also walked to a local supermarket which was very similar to home. We all bought some cookies and chips and soft drinks. On the way home it started to rain and we all got soaked.
Everyone seems to be anxious to get the build underway. The kids are all excited and very eager, hopefully the excitement will last all week. We have a lot of work to do in a very short time. I am starting to really miss my family and I think about them constantly. My wife gave me 2 medallions before I left, St. Christopher to keep me safe while I travel and St. Joseph to keep me safe while I build. They jangle together around my neck and remind me of home.
Paul
Sunday, July 4, 2010
Saturday, July 3, 2010
Blogging Dallas, Mitchell, Andrew, Lyndsay, and Hailey
Student: Dallas
School: Fort Erie S.S
So we left the DRRC and head to the airport where we sat till about 1:30. Once I turned 18 at 12:00, I opened a card my mom got me and there were seven scratch tickets. It took me a while to finish them. I didn’t win but I’m glad I got to play. When we got to Hong Kong at 4 the next day, we sat there ‘til 8, then we got a plane to Vietnam. When we got here, we took a tour throughout the city. We got to see the Cu Chi tunnels, then went to the Palace, and the War Museum. We got to join a cooking class which was awesome, and also saw a Water Puppet show (I kept drifting off). The same day, we went to the market to do some shopping, then the next day toured the Mekong Delta, which was today. The hotels are so nice, and the people are even nicer. Everywhere you go they make you feel welcome and comfortable.
- Dallas
- - - -
Student: Mitch
School: Centennial S.S
Busy, crowded, chaotic, yet above all, amazing. This pretty much sums up this distant country. Arriving here after the long, long, long flight in a glorified sardine can has been something of a dream. Not only is the geography different, but so is the culture. Motor bikes fly by us in the thousands or more, road safety is not like ours, and the Vietnamese for some reason, feel the need to touch the tall white boys. The food is good, but very different. I am not hungry, but man I sure could go for a big plate of pasta! Anyways… this is awesome and I am having so much fun. Love you Mom, Dad, Duke… alright, you too Alex. See ya later.
P.S. I am amazing at haggling (don’t know how to spell).
Mitchell
- - - -
Student: Andrew
School: A.N Myer S.S
The sound of boats, the view of wall-to-wall slums on river banks, the feeling of sadness for the people living in residences far below decent…
These are all things that can be observed from where we sit on the 6th floor patio of our hotel. I can see a constant flow of men and women driving their boats down the river transporting goods to earn money and support their families. Across the river is wall-to-wall buildings….well, basically slums. The buildings are built upon wood piles driven into the river bed and extend out into the water forming a dock like structure so the boats can be loaded and unloaded right out their back doors. I have never seen such a sight before. The buildings are mostly 2 or 3 storey buildings and are built from wood, steel, concrete, and the sight of rusted steel on roof upon roof goes along the entire river. Even though the state of these buildings and these peoples’ lives are strained, I have to say the sight from where I stand is very pretty. It is breath-taking, like something that is seen in a movie.
Everybody at home, I would just like to say I miss you all.
- Andrew
- - - -
Student: Lyndsay
School: Port Colborne S.S
“I’d like to ask you some questions if we can speak honestly. What do you feel when you see all the homeless on the street? Who do you pray for at night before you go to sleep? What do you feel when you look in the mirror, are you proud? How do you sleep while the rest of them cry? How do you walk with your head held high? Can you even look me in the eye and tell me why? Let me tell you about hard work -- building a bed out of a cardboard box. You don’t know anything about hard work.” – Pink (with some changes to fit the perspective here in Vietnam).
I heard this song and thought it was perfect, while I sat in my air conditioned hotel room on a queen sized bed, wearing silky kimono, and looking out at kids bathing in a river as bags of garbage and filth floated by. I was looking at houses sitting on rotten pieces of metal as a roof and sheets for walls and doors. I couldn’t help but feel disturbed. I realized that if I look in the mirror I would be proud because I’m here working for a group who has built approximately 7 thousand homes here and this team and I will be adding 2 more. We have all come to a realization that we want to help everyone here. Especially the pig-tailed 6 year old girls begging for money, looking up at you with broken dreams, and hanging onto any thread of hope that they have. But we can’t help everyone, we can only help a few at a time and we have to accept that. Even though it seems like no matter how much we help, there will always be bad living conditions here and around the world. That what we are doing here with Habitat, is the first step and the right step to make. We may not be able to change the entire world but two families is a difference, and that’s all that matters.
-Lyndsay
- - - -
Student: Hailey
School: Westlane S.S
It’s beautiful here - - it really is. Everything from the noisy, busy Ben Thanh Market to the quiet rice paddies of the countryside is simple and beautiful. I have never seen this side of nature before. Just by looking outside the windows of the tour bus, your mind is at peace and you want to embrace everything with your eyes. It feels like you’d miss something if you close your eyes for just one second. The temperature, I find, is very calming (more so in the country), and even when you’re drenched in sweat like a damped sponge, once the breeze hits you, it feels really nice and relieving. The lifestyle may seem very bizarre to us Canadians, but realize that open minds (and tastes) comes with travelling.
I am overwhelmed by the Vietnamese culture, although, I too, am Vietnamese. There are so many things that I was so unaware of, even after visiting this country for a second time. I think it’s because I feel more like a tourist this time, looking into everything from the outside, an observer (I guess you can call it). I am slowly learning more and more about my heritage, and my parents’ and older siblings’ home country. We visited many places and learned numerous things, such as seeing a picture of a Self-Immolator at the War Museum in Ho Chi Minh City, and learning facts from our lovely Vietnamese tour guide, Cherry (Blossom), who told us that approximately 12, 000 people die each year in motor bike accidents. We left Ho Chi Minh City today to My Tho, and are currently just settling in to the hotel here, as we get ready for the build in a couple of days. My Tho is also very beautiful which I will tell you about this place in the next blog entry! As of now, I'm going to go enjoy another Vietnamese dish.
P.S. Miss everyone at home and congratulations WL Grad Class of 2010! Also, Shawn, check your viet_unit3 e-mail! Ok, MISS YA’LL.
- Hailey Dang
School: Fort Erie S.S
So we left the DRRC and head to the airport where we sat till about 1:30. Once I turned 18 at 12:00, I opened a card my mom got me and there were seven scratch tickets. It took me a while to finish them. I didn’t win but I’m glad I got to play. When we got to Hong Kong at 4 the next day, we sat there ‘til 8, then we got a plane to Vietnam. When we got here, we took a tour throughout the city. We got to see the Cu Chi tunnels, then went to the Palace, and the War Museum. We got to join a cooking class which was awesome, and also saw a Water Puppet show (I kept drifting off). The same day, we went to the market to do some shopping, then the next day toured the Mekong Delta, which was today. The hotels are so nice, and the people are even nicer. Everywhere you go they make you feel welcome and comfortable.
- Dallas
- - - -
Student: Mitch
School: Centennial S.S
Busy, crowded, chaotic, yet above all, amazing. This pretty much sums up this distant country. Arriving here after the long, long, long flight in a glorified sardine can has been something of a dream. Not only is the geography different, but so is the culture. Motor bikes fly by us in the thousands or more, road safety is not like ours, and the Vietnamese for some reason, feel the need to touch the tall white boys. The food is good, but very different. I am not hungry, but man I sure could go for a big plate of pasta! Anyways… this is awesome and I am having so much fun. Love you Mom, Dad, Duke… alright, you too Alex. See ya later.
P.S. I am amazing at haggling (don’t know how to spell).
Mitchell
- - - -
Student: Andrew
School: A.N Myer S.S
The sound of boats, the view of wall-to-wall slums on river banks, the feeling of sadness for the people living in residences far below decent…
These are all things that can be observed from where we sit on the 6th floor patio of our hotel. I can see a constant flow of men and women driving their boats down the river transporting goods to earn money and support their families. Across the river is wall-to-wall buildings….well, basically slums. The buildings are built upon wood piles driven into the river bed and extend out into the water forming a dock like structure so the boats can be loaded and unloaded right out their back doors. I have never seen such a sight before. The buildings are mostly 2 or 3 storey buildings and are built from wood, steel, concrete, and the sight of rusted steel on roof upon roof goes along the entire river. Even though the state of these buildings and these peoples’ lives are strained, I have to say the sight from where I stand is very pretty. It is breath-taking, like something that is seen in a movie.
Everybody at home, I would just like to say I miss you all.
- Andrew
- - - -
Student: Lyndsay
School: Port Colborne S.S
“I’d like to ask you some questions if we can speak honestly. What do you feel when you see all the homeless on the street? Who do you pray for at night before you go to sleep? What do you feel when you look in the mirror, are you proud? How do you sleep while the rest of them cry? How do you walk with your head held high? Can you even look me in the eye and tell me why? Let me tell you about hard work -- building a bed out of a cardboard box. You don’t know anything about hard work.” – Pink (with some changes to fit the perspective here in Vietnam).
I heard this song and thought it was perfect, while I sat in my air conditioned hotel room on a queen sized bed, wearing silky kimono, and looking out at kids bathing in a river as bags of garbage and filth floated by. I was looking at houses sitting on rotten pieces of metal as a roof and sheets for walls and doors. I couldn’t help but feel disturbed. I realized that if I look in the mirror I would be proud because I’m here working for a group who has built approximately 7 thousand homes here and this team and I will be adding 2 more. We have all come to a realization that we want to help everyone here. Especially the pig-tailed 6 year old girls begging for money, looking up at you with broken dreams, and hanging onto any thread of hope that they have. But we can’t help everyone, we can only help a few at a time and we have to accept that. Even though it seems like no matter how much we help, there will always be bad living conditions here and around the world. That what we are doing here with Habitat, is the first step and the right step to make. We may not be able to change the entire world but two families is a difference, and that’s all that matters.
-Lyndsay
- - - -
Student: Hailey
School: Westlane S.S
It’s beautiful here - - it really is. Everything from the noisy, busy Ben Thanh Market to the quiet rice paddies of the countryside is simple and beautiful. I have never seen this side of nature before. Just by looking outside the windows of the tour bus, your mind is at peace and you want to embrace everything with your eyes. It feels like you’d miss something if you close your eyes for just one second. The temperature, I find, is very calming (more so in the country), and even when you’re drenched in sweat like a damped sponge, once the breeze hits you, it feels really nice and relieving. The lifestyle may seem very bizarre to us Canadians, but realize that open minds (and tastes) comes with travelling.
I am overwhelmed by the Vietnamese culture, although, I too, am Vietnamese. There are so many things that I was so unaware of, even after visiting this country for a second time. I think it’s because I feel more like a tourist this time, looking into everything from the outside, an observer (I guess you can call it). I am slowly learning more and more about my heritage, and my parents’ and older siblings’ home country. We visited many places and learned numerous things, such as seeing a picture of a Self-Immolator at the War Museum in Ho Chi Minh City, and learning facts from our lovely Vietnamese tour guide, Cherry (Blossom), who told us that approximately 12, 000 people die each year in motor bike accidents. We left Ho Chi Minh City today to My Tho, and are currently just settling in to the hotel here, as we get ready for the build in a couple of days. My Tho is also very beautiful which I will tell you about this place in the next blog entry! As of now, I'm going to go enjoy another Vietnamese dish.
P.S. Miss everyone at home and congratulations WL Grad Class of 2010! Also, Shawn, check your viet_unit3 e-mail! Ok, MISS YA’LL.
- Hailey Dang
Blogger: Fiz, Nancy, Alex, Emily, Curtis
Student: Fiz
School: Sir Winston Churchill
From where I sit I can see the Mekong Delta, tiny waves splashing in the wake of the various boats. It seems that there is a boat for everything here; fish, bananas, people. The water is a diverse source of livelyhood for the locals and they seem to embrace it.
The one thing I have come to love most about Vietnam is the people. There couldn't be a more friendly, hospitable and congenial group of people. Their constant smiles and waves often make me forget about their circumstances. Their lack of... Or so I thought.
I feel so different already as Vietnam has opened my eyes to so much. Sitting in a carefree room in Canada and talking about how lucky I am is a far cry from sitting on a balcony in My Tho and seeing with my own eyes how fortunate I am. I hope that we can make a difference here, I hope that we can touch them the way that they have so uniquely touched us. I can't wait to build.
P.S. The food is really REALLY good.
-Fiz
- - - -
Student: Nancy
School: Stamford Collegiate
Today, we left our hotel to go near our build site. So far we have done a lot of cultural learning. We learned everything about Vietnam - - past 'till the present. Our new hotel has the most beautiful view. It woke me up from reality, I see how lucky I am to have a very strong roof to live under, while some people I see here are lucky to just have a thin steel roof with a broken door. Another difference I noticed is how our rivers and lakes are nice clear water while people here are working in water that isn't clear enough for them to see their reflections in. Today we got a chance to travel around the river in a row boat and a bigger boat. I'm looking forward to the many different things I'll be seeing... Keep you posted soon! :)
- Nancy Nguyen
- - - -
Student: Alex
School: Sir Winston Churchill
Wow, we're really here! It's hard to believe, it's almost like we're dreaming. The heat is definitely real though, and so is the rain! We all got here safe, we all feel pretty well, and we're all anxious to get to work! I hope everyone at home is doing well, and you all had a great Canada Day. I'm sure some fireworks were set off back home for us! Anyways, I should get to bed and get some rest for tomorrow! Talk to you soon!
P.S. Cass, you didn't pack me near enough Skittles...
-Alex
- - - -
Student: Emily
School: Governor Simcoe
We made it. What seemed like it would never happen is finally here and the experience I thought I'd never have is actually reality. We haven't even started building yet and already I have been moved by everything around me. Vietnam is a beautiful country and has a beautiful culture. I have fallen in love with the people, the amazing views and the food. I've got to know everyone on our team so well and it makes me sad knowing soon this will be over. Everyone has grown so close and we have made friendships that I think and hope will last forever. Everyone was chosen for a reason and I now think we know what the reason is. We are like a puzzle that fits perfectly together; without any missing pieces.
We will be building soon and I could not be happier. I am so anxious to dramatically change people's lives and for the selfish part of it - to see the happiness on their faces when we finish! It's dinner time now, but I miss everyone so much and want you to know that I made it here safely. Love you mommy and daddy (and Curt, Sue and Ashley!)
-Emily
- - - -
Student: Curtis
School: Welland Centennial Secondary
Hey everyone. First off, Vietnam is a beautiful country. You arrive in Saigon, and you look outside the airport doors and you're greeted with smiling faces, coconut trees, and a VERY warm sun. The weather is humid. Very humid. And up until this point physical exertion has not really been a factor, but we start building in TWO (2) days, so we will surely be sweating and heating up. We have taken part in a lot of fun tourist attractions, like the Cu Chi Tunnels, the War Remnants Museum, a Water Puppet Show, and lunches and dinners at various popular restaurants. Now we are changing gears. We go from the hustle and bustle of rushing between attractions, to long hard, hot days at the build site. Everyone has become somewhat acclimated to the weather, but it is a long stretch from the tolerance of the native people. I feel like we should all idolize the people here. They work and work and work for little to no pay and still have constant smiles on their faces. Anyways, I can't wait to hear from you all. I'll talk to you all later, much love to you all :)
-Curtis Stratford
School: Sir Winston Churchill
From where I sit I can see the Mekong Delta, tiny waves splashing in the wake of the various boats. It seems that there is a boat for everything here; fish, bananas, people. The water is a diverse source of livelyhood for the locals and they seem to embrace it.
The one thing I have come to love most about Vietnam is the people. There couldn't be a more friendly, hospitable and congenial group of people. Their constant smiles and waves often make me forget about their circumstances. Their lack of... Or so I thought.
I feel so different already as Vietnam has opened my eyes to so much. Sitting in a carefree room in Canada and talking about how lucky I am is a far cry from sitting on a balcony in My Tho and seeing with my own eyes how fortunate I am. I hope that we can make a difference here, I hope that we can touch them the way that they have so uniquely touched us. I can't wait to build.
P.S. The food is really REALLY good.
-Fiz
- - - -
Student: Nancy
School: Stamford Collegiate
Today, we left our hotel to go near our build site. So far we have done a lot of cultural learning. We learned everything about Vietnam - - past 'till the present. Our new hotel has the most beautiful view. It woke me up from reality, I see how lucky I am to have a very strong roof to live under, while some people I see here are lucky to just have a thin steel roof with a broken door. Another difference I noticed is how our rivers and lakes are nice clear water while people here are working in water that isn't clear enough for them to see their reflections in. Today we got a chance to travel around the river in a row boat and a bigger boat. I'm looking forward to the many different things I'll be seeing... Keep you posted soon! :)
- Nancy Nguyen
- - - -
Student: Alex
School: Sir Winston Churchill
Wow, we're really here! It's hard to believe, it's almost like we're dreaming. The heat is definitely real though, and so is the rain! We all got here safe, we all feel pretty well, and we're all anxious to get to work! I hope everyone at home is doing well, and you all had a great Canada Day. I'm sure some fireworks were set off back home for us! Anyways, I should get to bed and get some rest for tomorrow! Talk to you soon!
P.S. Cass, you didn't pack me near enough Skittles...
-Alex
- - - -
Student: Emily
School: Governor Simcoe
We made it. What seemed like it would never happen is finally here and the experience I thought I'd never have is actually reality. We haven't even started building yet and already I have been moved by everything around me. Vietnam is a beautiful country and has a beautiful culture. I have fallen in love with the people, the amazing views and the food. I've got to know everyone on our team so well and it makes me sad knowing soon this will be over. Everyone has grown so close and we have made friendships that I think and hope will last forever. Everyone was chosen for a reason and I now think we know what the reason is. We are like a puzzle that fits perfectly together; without any missing pieces.
We will be building soon and I could not be happier. I am so anxious to dramatically change people's lives and for the selfish part of it - to see the happiness on their faces when we finish! It's dinner time now, but I miss everyone so much and want you to know that I made it here safely. Love you mommy and daddy (and Curt, Sue and Ashley!)
-Emily
- - - -
Student: Curtis
School: Welland Centennial Secondary
Hey everyone. First off, Vietnam is a beautiful country. You arrive in Saigon, and you look outside the airport doors and you're greeted with smiling faces, coconut trees, and a VERY warm sun. The weather is humid. Very humid. And up until this point physical exertion has not really been a factor, but we start building in TWO (2) days, so we will surely be sweating and heating up. We have taken part in a lot of fun tourist attractions, like the Cu Chi Tunnels, the War Remnants Museum, a Water Puppet Show, and lunches and dinners at various popular restaurants. Now we are changing gears. We go from the hustle and bustle of rushing between attractions, to long hard, hot days at the build site. Everyone has become somewhat acclimated to the weather, but it is a long stretch from the tolerance of the native people. I feel like we should all idolize the people here. They work and work and work for little to no pay and still have constant smiles on their faces. Anyways, I can't wait to hear from you all. I'll talk to you all later, much love to you all :)
-Curtis Stratford
Blogging- Ian, Mike, Ryan, Kevin and Alanna
Student: Ian Peebles
School: Eastdale
We have arrived at the Hong Kong airport after a long 18 hour flight. Most beautiful airport ever. The landscape is extraordinary. Now we have to fly for 2 hours to Ho Chi Minh City. Airport was plain and didn't have many sights. Outside of the airport we met the rest of the crew, and our bus driver, with the bus. The heat was different, bearable but hot. Half an hour later we arrived at the hotel, four stars. Rooms are amazing and there is a pool on the roof. We then went for dinner, food was great, tried everything. Next day we cooked; spring rolls, chicken and soup. It was an awesome experience. Later we went to the the Emperor Pagoda, WOW. Then a water puppet show, which was the best puppet show I've ever seen. Dinner on a boat was one of a kind. The tunnels we went to the next day were awesome. The food here is great except the rice. The heat is getting worse.
-Ian
- - - -
Student: Mike Petrini
School: Laura Secord
I must start off by saying that it is really hot. However, with that being said Vietnam is a very wonderful place to be. There are many people here and in the four days that I've been here, I haven't seen an unhappy person. They treat you just how you want to be treated. They always smile and say hello. I find that Vietnamese people are very kind and hard working. This is a wonderful place, excellent food! (I don't want to leave) Kindest people you will ever meet, wonderful places to see, and it's never cold! An example of a nice person was today when I was getting my things to the elevator, this kind man took my bag from me and carried it there, then assisted me down the stairs and asked where I wanted the bag. Or today when a lady was selling rice hats, I bought one and she helped me with trying it on and getting the ribbon to fit correctly.
Yes, we are building houses, but two houses aren't nearly enough. The team is a great one. We all get along and joke and have good times together. I believe this is a must to build houses. We all have reasons for doing this and we as a team want to help. I'll leave off with this statement. We, as with most people in the world take a lot of things for granted. We are never truly happy because "we want things". Most Vietnamese people don't have a lot and they are happy, next time you want something just think that these people will probably never see it or what you own. They work just for the food for that day. So ask yourself, do you really need that? Will it really make you happy? Or will helping others make you happy? Don't take things for granted like clean drinking water aka sink water or eating food you don't like everyday. I know I won't.
-Mike
- - - -
Student: Ryan Kroeker
School: Eden
The moment we stepped out of the airport doors I could not believe how many people there were and how many vehicles there were. The amount of motorcycles in the city was even more! I'm having a great time here. It is a lot of fun, the food is good, the hotel,is very nice and it is a huge adventure everywhere you go. The views on top of the hotels are so cool too. Everything is going great here, hopefully everything is going great at home too.
-Ryan
- - - -
Student: Kevin Johnston
School: A.N. Myer
Our journey finally started. Although the beginning was not what I expected. It was like going to Toronto, but with a lot of mopeds. Now that we are in My Tho, I feel as though going to Ho Chi Minh City was a huge stepping stone for the team. We were able to all adjust to the culture and get an idea of what's here in My Tho without such a big culture shock. Also with our first sharing circle, on top of the hotel by the pool, I think that everyone is starting to realize what this is all about. This has already been the experience of a lifetime, the whole team is already coming closer and more comfortable with one another. Building the houses will better our experience and make everyone realize what they have. In my eyes that is the real experience of a lifetime. Good morning Vietnam! Missing everyone at home, but hope you're still having fun without me ;)
- Kevin
- - - -
Student: Alanna
School: Grimsby
I think I'm still in shock. This life changing experince that I have been counting down the days for, since December is finally here. Arriving in Vietnam, was incredible. It was dramatically different than walking out onto the streets of Grimsby. The sudden wave of heat, the extreme amount of people everywhere, the astonishing number of scooters honking and driving in every direction and the hydro wires tangled up in massive bunches hanging above pedestrian's heads. But the most incredible thing that I have seen is the unbelievable amount of kindness in everyone's hearts. The people are extremely hardworking and passionate in everything they do here; whether its working in the rice fields, selling produce in the market or smiling and waving as you walk by. Ho Chi Minh City was a great place to adjust to the amazing culture of Vietnam. Our Vietnamese cooking lesson was great along with shopping in the market, the water puppet show, Chu Chi tunnels, War Remnants Musuem.
After leaving the city life behind today as we moved to My Tho, we all realized it didn't give us a true understanding of what the majority of Vietnam truly is. Our first day here in My Tho has been amazing. We took a boat on the Mekong River, stopped at a small island that produces fruit and honey for the mainland. Traveled by horse-cart through a jungle seeing many people living in and with next to nothing. It amazes me that the people living in such harsh conditions look happier then most of the people at home. Sampans took us through the heart of the river, it was more beautiful than I could have ever imagined. After having a nice lunch looking over the river, we traveled back to the mainland and arrived at our hotel. Our hotel is really nice, it looks over the whole city and the Mekong River. I have throughly enjoyed every second of this experience and I can't wait to spend the next week here building.
Love, Alanna
School: Eastdale
We have arrived at the Hong Kong airport after a long 18 hour flight. Most beautiful airport ever. The landscape is extraordinary. Now we have to fly for 2 hours to Ho Chi Minh City. Airport was plain and didn't have many sights. Outside of the airport we met the rest of the crew, and our bus driver, with the bus. The heat was different, bearable but hot. Half an hour later we arrived at the hotel, four stars. Rooms are amazing and there is a pool on the roof. We then went for dinner, food was great, tried everything. Next day we cooked; spring rolls, chicken and soup. It was an awesome experience. Later we went to the the Emperor Pagoda, WOW. Then a water puppet show, which was the best puppet show I've ever seen. Dinner on a boat was one of a kind. The tunnels we went to the next day were awesome. The food here is great except the rice. The heat is getting worse.
-Ian
- - - -
Student: Mike Petrini
School: Laura Secord
I must start off by saying that it is really hot. However, with that being said Vietnam is a very wonderful place to be. There are many people here and in the four days that I've been here, I haven't seen an unhappy person. They treat you just how you want to be treated. They always smile and say hello. I find that Vietnamese people are very kind and hard working. This is a wonderful place, excellent food! (I don't want to leave) Kindest people you will ever meet, wonderful places to see, and it's never cold! An example of a nice person was today when I was getting my things to the elevator, this kind man took my bag from me and carried it there, then assisted me down the stairs and asked where I wanted the bag. Or today when a lady was selling rice hats, I bought one and she helped me with trying it on and getting the ribbon to fit correctly.
Yes, we are building houses, but two houses aren't nearly enough. The team is a great one. We all get along and joke and have good times together. I believe this is a must to build houses. We all have reasons for doing this and we as a team want to help. I'll leave off with this statement. We, as with most people in the world take a lot of things for granted. We are never truly happy because "we want things". Most Vietnamese people don't have a lot and they are happy, next time you want something just think that these people will probably never see it or what you own. They work just for the food for that day. So ask yourself, do you really need that? Will it really make you happy? Or will helping others make you happy? Don't take things for granted like clean drinking water aka sink water or eating food you don't like everyday. I know I won't.
-Mike
- - - -
Student: Ryan Kroeker
School: Eden
The moment we stepped out of the airport doors I could not believe how many people there were and how many vehicles there were. The amount of motorcycles in the city was even more! I'm having a great time here. It is a lot of fun, the food is good, the hotel,is very nice and it is a huge adventure everywhere you go. The views on top of the hotels are so cool too. Everything is going great here, hopefully everything is going great at home too.
-Ryan
- - - -
Student: Kevin Johnston
School: A.N. Myer
Our journey finally started. Although the beginning was not what I expected. It was like going to Toronto, but with a lot of mopeds. Now that we are in My Tho, I feel as though going to Ho Chi Minh City was a huge stepping stone for the team. We were able to all adjust to the culture and get an idea of what's here in My Tho without such a big culture shock. Also with our first sharing circle, on top of the hotel by the pool, I think that everyone is starting to realize what this is all about. This has already been the experience of a lifetime, the whole team is already coming closer and more comfortable with one another. Building the houses will better our experience and make everyone realize what they have. In my eyes that is the real experience of a lifetime. Good morning Vietnam! Missing everyone at home, but hope you're still having fun without me ;)
- Kevin
- - - -
Student: Alanna
School: Grimsby
I think I'm still in shock. This life changing experince that I have been counting down the days for, since December is finally here. Arriving in Vietnam, was incredible. It was dramatically different than walking out onto the streets of Grimsby. The sudden wave of heat, the extreme amount of people everywhere, the astonishing number of scooters honking and driving in every direction and the hydro wires tangled up in massive bunches hanging above pedestrian's heads. But the most incredible thing that I have seen is the unbelievable amount of kindness in everyone's hearts. The people are extremely hardworking and passionate in everything they do here; whether its working in the rice fields, selling produce in the market or smiling and waving as you walk by. Ho Chi Minh City was a great place to adjust to the amazing culture of Vietnam. Our Vietnamese cooking lesson was great along with shopping in the market, the water puppet show, Chu Chi tunnels, War Remnants Musuem.
After leaving the city life behind today as we moved to My Tho, we all realized it didn't give us a true understanding of what the majority of Vietnam truly is. Our first day here in My Tho has been amazing. We took a boat on the Mekong River, stopped at a small island that produces fruit and honey for the mainland. Traveled by horse-cart through a jungle seeing many people living in and with next to nothing. It amazes me that the people living in such harsh conditions look happier then most of the people at home. Sampans took us through the heart of the river, it was more beautiful than I could have ever imagined. After having a nice lunch looking over the river, we traveled back to the mainland and arrived at our hotel. Our hotel is really nice, it looks over the whole city and the Mekong River. I have throughly enjoyed every second of this experience and I can't wait to spend the next week here building.
Love, Alanna
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
We're here !
Hi everyone,
We are finally in Vietnam! The flight was not as bad as we all thought it would be. Everyone is in good health (minus the jet lag) and in just two days we've done several things and ate just as many. Vietnam is beautiful, here is a gist of our adventure since our arrival: we took a walk to a nearby restaurant yesterday and had some delicious Vietnamese food,unpacked,ate more food, and got some much needed rest. Today we graduated from a Vietnamese cooking class, and visited a Vietnamese Pagoda. Tonight we will be viewing a water puppet show and eating dinner on a boat cruise on the Saigon river. We will be starting our individual blog entries tomorrow so check back often for updates.
Love,
The Blog Team (Curtis, Alanna, and Hailey)
We are finally in Vietnam! The flight was not as bad as we all thought it would be. Everyone is in good health (minus the jet lag) and in just two days we've done several things and ate just as many. Vietnam is beautiful, here is a gist of our adventure since our arrival: we took a walk to a nearby restaurant yesterday and had some delicious Vietnamese food,unpacked,ate more food, and got some much needed rest. Today we graduated from a Vietnamese cooking class, and visited a Vietnamese Pagoda. Tonight we will be viewing a water puppet show and eating dinner on a boat cruise on the Saigon river. We will be starting our individual blog entries tomorrow so check back often for updates.
Love,
The Blog Team (Curtis, Alanna, and Hailey)
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Hong Kong Arrival
So we're on our way! We all survived the 16 hour flight to Hong Kong from Toronto, and now are in the process of a 3 hour stopover here at Hong Kong Airport. It's about 4am here, so the airport is very quiet. Some of us slept a lot on the way over, others not so much, but either way this will be a good time to catch up on much wanted sleep. So hello from Hong Kong Canada!
Friday, June 18, 2010
Send Off BBQ
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Thanks everyone for coming out and celebrating the DSBNi team's trip to work with Habitat for Humanity - Global Village in Vietnam. After a great morning hike along the escarpment and the Bruce Trail, the team arrived at Woodend Conservation Area appropriately tuckered and hot . . a taste of things to come! The support that the team has experienced all through the year is very much appreciated. Now we start packing our bags. Stay tuned to the blog, as we plan to bring you regular updates from Vietnam.Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Laying Block
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Another Monday night: another experience. Last night, Paul led the group through the basics of mixing mortar and laying block. Everyone had a turn at the blocks, and learned how important it is that they are set level and true. In the end, that "wall" looked solid! Good work team!Tuesday, May 4, 2010
A lesson in food
Monday, April 26, 2010
Team Building
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Mike at Shoeless Joe's
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
March Update
Last night, we began our Monday evening meetings. There is lots of activity planned for these preparation sessions as we start to get ourselves ready for Vietnam in July.
Tonight, Ian was busy greeting many supporters at MT Bellies restaurant in Welland as they hosted a fund raising evening for him and DSBNi - Vietnam. It was yet another great success! There has been a lot of fundraising going on this month - - a spaghetti dinner for Kevin , a restaurant night at Pho Dau Bo in St. Catharines for Dallas, tonight for Ian AND tomorrow night at Shoeless Joes in St. Catharines for Mike. It is great to see all the support from the community.Students are doing great in building awareness about this year's DSBNi project.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Speaking at Rotary Club of NOTL
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Today, Emily and Andrew traveled to Niagara-On-The-Lake to speak to the Rotary Club about the experience of DSBNi. Andrew brought slides from DSBNi-2009 in El Salvador, while Emily explained that she is looking forward to learning about another culture while helping to build a home in Vietnam. They did a great job of representing themselves and our 2010 project to an interested audience. Well done!
Thursday, January 14, 2010
A Very Successful Evening
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Fort Erie Secondary had a great fund raiser last night at the Old Bank Bistro. The school's Pomegranate Restaurant served up a great dinner to a very impressed full-house. Proceeds from the event were going to support Dallas Marriot for DSBNi, as well as to the Community Outreach Program Erie (C.O.P.E). Way to go Dallas! You are well on your way.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
January Team Meeting
Who knew that team building could be so much fun? With each meeting, people become more familiar, names get easier to remember, and we start to learn more about each other. A month ago, we were strangers. After Vietnam, we will never be strangers again.
There is a lot to do to get ready for building a house in Vietnam this July. The many forms are now getting completed. . . the sooner the better :-). And this week we had time to share fundraising ideas. It was great to hear about each others ideas, from spaghetti dinners, to selling T-Shirts (hundreds!! Wow!), to plans for fund-raising activities in schools. It is already an inspiring team.
Tomorrow there is a fund-raising dinner for Dallas Marriot at the Old Bank Bistro in Fort Erie and it is SOLD OUT! Congratulations Dallas!
There is a lot to do to get ready for building a house in Vietnam this July. The many forms are now getting completed. . . the sooner the better :-). And this week we had time to share fundraising ideas. It was great to hear about each others ideas, from spaghetti dinners, to selling T-Shirts (hundreds!! Wow!), to plans for fund-raising activities in schools. It is already an inspiring team.
Tomorrow there is a fund-raising dinner for Dallas Marriot at the Old Bank Bistro in Fort Erie and it is SOLD OUT! Congratulations Dallas!
Sunday, January 3, 2010
WELCOME !
Welcome to the "DSBNi 2010 - Vietnam" Blog. This will be home for our news, information, and eventually our thoughts and reflections as our team embarks on an adventure of a lifetime! In July, we will be building a house with Habitat for Humanity - Global Village half way around the world in My Tho, Vietnam. This Blog will grow as we get ready, and will culminate with daily team entries once we are actually working at the build site. You will be amazed!
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