Health So far, my health has been so so - I thankfully have not gotten sick from any food or drink, but the pollution factor has been a problem. Whenever you go outside, you inhale massive amounts of dust & pollution, and when you ride a motor bike or bus (the buses usually have all the windows open since there is no a/c) this is a huge problem. The faster you go, the more you inhale and when riding the motor bike, cyclo, or regular bike, you are at face ...

Orphanage- Pros So far, I realize I've made it seem like a really terrible place but its not at all - it's actually one of the wealthier orphanages due to the Buddhist Temple relation, so they recieve many gifts, toys and money. Just in the past few days, we have had over 20 foreign visitors bringing gifts (apparently because of Tet; their New Years and only big holiday, many people give around now to get in their "good deeds" with Buddha.) Each t...

Orphanage- Cons I've posted a bit of general information about the Dieu Giac in previous posts, and here's some of what I've experienced so far: When I first arrived, 3 small children ran up to me and took my hand, and more came up and held their hands on me as I walked. This is very common whenever they have outside visitors. The children are all starving for attention and affection and they deal with it by either getting it from you (sitting on your lap, ta...

Transportation Well there are about 5 options here when you want to get around - cyclo (a cart w/ wheels and a bicycle like thing in front operated by a man- not for long journeys), motor bike (think Vespa scooter but not as nice), taxi (VERY expensive), bus or walking. Traffic usually has no direction, lanes, traffic lights, road signs, or order in general. You hear endless persistant honking because that's what's done if you want someone to move out of the w...

Living Situation Hey, sorry I know I've been slack about posting but things are sooo busy! I'll be posting when I can in sections in order to play catch-up, so I'll begin with where I'm staying. Right now, there is only me and one other volunteer (Fiona, from Glasgow Scotland, who is amazing, and we really "get off well" as she puts it- she leaves on Monday, and I'll miss her terribly!) Then in early Feb, 7 new volunteers are coming from all over so ...