Reflections by Emily

woke up bright and early to a hot breakfast - very american. Once that was finished, and we were ready to set out on the day's activities, we stepped outside with the intense heat and humidity hitting us like a brick wall. I quickly realized that sweat and stickiness will be the norm for the next week. We made our way towards a war museum, somewhat disturbing in exhibits but informative none the less. Next, we went to the old presidential palace where Mr. Dang brought us on our own personal tour. After, we split into groups for a some fun and relaxation, the majority of us going off to get facials or manicures and pedicures. It was a very luxuries hour indeed, much more than I thought existed in Vietnam. After a while, we all piled into the bus to first visit the Goddess of the Sea temple where some of us (including myself) wrote a wish to be burned in the incense. We soon moved on, and eventually ended up at the first of two orphanages we'll visit this trip. This was an all girls orphanage and an experience different from any other I'd had. We did activities with the girls, the most popular toy being a foam frisbee being tossed around a huge circle. These girls were so cheerful and willing to learn and share their time with us, it was something I will never forget. After waving goodbye through the bus windows as we left the orphanage we headed back towards the hotel and went to a restaurant with delicious food and exotic dishes that many of us tried - I personally had the pig womb and pig tongue, though others tried things weirder than that. It was a very full day, but really fun none the less!