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Journal Writings by Colin, Mallory, & Lauren
Colin Griffith
Hanoi Narrative Journal
Hanoi
Hanoi, the City of Peace, this city's slogan is quite ironic because Hanoi was everything but peaceful. In that beautiful city we had many wild memorable adventures. As the airplane glided through the thick white clouds on our descent into Hanoi International Airport, I pondered what this ancient capital would be like. Hanoi must have seen much in its 1000 years. We had been in the airport just a few days Prior, and the weather had not changed much at all; it was winter, cold, cloudy, and wet.
We were staying at Le Metropole Hotel located just on the skirts of the Old Quarter, and our drive to our destination was a good preview of outer Hanoi. In our large van we passed rice paddies, factories, markets, and homes. The narrow houses in Hanoi are built up rather than out, each at least four stories tall. As we got closer to the old quarter, the neighborhoods started to get older looking with the buildings painted in vibrant pastel colors. We turned the corner and I felt like I was back in Paris, but with a Vietnamese flare. We pulled up at the hotel around 9:00 in the morning. I jumped out of the van, and my eyes were drawn to two old navy blue French cars for rent at the hotel. The cars were so cool they really made me feel like I was back in time a hundred years ago, in the capital of Indochine. The hotel was built in 1901 in French colonial style like many of the buildings in the area.
We had most of the day left so we decided to walk to lunch. Before we could go anywhere else we had to take out a couple million Dong from the bank. The exchange rate in Vietnam is about 17,000 Dong to 1 US Dollar. Our first feat was to try to cross the street. There was a cross walk and a light, but it didn't even faze the hundreds of motorcyclists and cars speeding down the street. I forgot to mention the horns. It was a symphony of noises, "HONK HOOOONK, BBBBEEEPPPP, WWE WANG WE WANG, UNK, EEEEP…" We had to cluster into an amoeba like group and slowly walked across hoping we would make it. We walked through a typical Asian market with raw meat scraps hanging around, fish flopping, grimy vegetables sitting out, and slaughtered featherless chickens being washed in buckets. The market opened up to a small street with motor scooters, rickshaws, and the French gourmet restaurant, called the Green Tangerine. The restaurant was beautifully decorated and the food was exceptionally delicious.
After lunch we attempted to walk to Hao Lo Prison, aka the Hanoi Hilton. We were in the vicinity, but every person we asked pointed us in a different direction. We were going in circles. Finally we had a short conversation with someone who spoke English, and he pointed us in the right direction. From a distance the building did not look too menacing, but as we approached I noticed the electric wire and glass shards running along the top of the walls. We toured the place, as well as viewed all the museum's exhibits. After walking through the cells I stepped out into the bright yellow courtyard and sat down at the bottom of a flight of stairs. I thought about what it must have been like for the American prisoners. I thought I could find out by watching the museum movie of how they had been treated. It made it look like they were at summer camp. After watching, I couldn't believe it, then I remembered that we were in communist Vietnam and the government had staged the movie. It was a very eerie place with a dark past.
The next morning we slept in and started a little later. At breakfast we planned our day while sampling the scrumptious buffet. There were omelets, pancakes, chocolate croissants, and much more. We decided to pay a visit to good old Uncle Ho. The day was very fitting for the event: cold and overcast. Perfect for viewing a decease communist leader. Everyone in the whole city was telling us that we were to late and it was closed, we went anyway. Our group jumped out of the taxi and ran through gates. We checked our bags, went through the security check, and dashed through the now empty snaking fenced in line till we reached a sidewalk. Some of us started to walk on it, but were quickly forced off onto the road by an official. If you stepped out of the two white lines you would be whistled at. After a short fast walk the mausoleum was in sight. The building was large and made of black, grey, and red marble. It seemed to resemble the Lincoln Memorial, but yet it was far from it. The design was very simple and clean cut, it was layered, and the roof had an Asian curve to the roof. As we approach, an order was yelled to march two by two and not to stop. Katie and my mom burst into laughter, but were soon silenced. As we entered the building I to was trying to hold back laughter. On the floor there was a red runner that had to be walked on or else. We continued up some stairs and turned right. The mausoleum opened up into a square, gloomy, red room. There was a tall ceiling, and men in white uniforms with large guns lined the walls each a yard or so apart. In the center of the room was a deep area guarded by four kneeling solders. In the middle of it all was a raised glass casket that held an old man. It was Ho Chi Minh; father of communism in Vietnam.
The seven of us wandered around the Ho Chi Minh Park looking for places we had seen on the map. We did not find Uncle Ho's stilt house, and the museum was closed. As we walked around I could still see his waxy face with his wispy goatee, and gave me Goosebumps. We headed off to the War and Military Museum. A Vietnamese college student was our tour guide. He showed us Vietnam's ancient wars, and the French war. My favorite part of the ancient exhibit was the wooden spikes. The story goes when the Vietnamese were at war with the Mongolians, the Vietnamese put iron tipped wooden spikes underwater near shore. When the Mongolian fleet attacked, their boats sunk. Then our guide showed us the US War or as we know it, The Vietnam War. I learned that the northern Vietnamese believe that the US invaded their country and just killed the people without a reasonable cause. It was Interesting to see both sides of the story. War is a hard topic to talk about because each side has a different view. I also believe that The Vietnam War is like the war in Iraq we are fighting today. We also saw war vehicles such as tanks, planes, and helicopters. Next we climbed a former communist lookout flag tower. It had three main levels, the first terrace, the second terrace, and the tower lookout. To reach the top we had to go through a series of old rooms and staircases. The first few were fine, but by the time I reached the tower steps I had hit my head three times. Mallory, Lauren, and I raced up the tight spiral staircase. Once at the top our backs were sore and we were dizzy. It made me wish the Vietnamese were not so short. It was late in the afternoon and we were craving a tasty feast at a close by Italian restaurant. The spectacular view made up for it all. From that high we saw much of Hanoi.
When it was time to leave I was sad to be parting from the incredible country of Vietnam. We had seen and learned so much. I knew I would miss the friendly people, intriguing culture, and the delicious Vietnamese food. Remembering all the exciting activities we had done our two days in the city made me smile. The adventures we had, I will never forget.
HoiAn
By Mallory Griffith
Hoi An, Vietnam, was a wonderful place to visit. It was so beautiful and peaceful. Beaches, rivers, towns, historical sites, shopping, and so much more. I really enjoyed our time in Hoi An.
Our first morning was a hot tropical day, a perfect day to explore town. However, what needed to be done first was to relax by the pool with Lance, Lauren, and Colin. When Katie, Mom, and Jodie got home from shopping, Jodie said I would love town, and she was right. The town was so spectacular! First we saw an ancient temple that was turned into a museum. This unique shrine was a medley of Chinese and Japanese architecture. I enjoyed the dark wood floors, the elaborate carvings on the corners of the ceiling, and the beautiful paintings on the wall. In the museum I shook two Ying and Yang coins and thought of a question to be answered. If the coins landed on the same side it was no to your question, if the coins landed on different sides it meant yes to the question. For dinner, we ate at a place called Morning Glory, and it was scrumptious. Then we were tired and went home.
It was a somewhat cool night for southern Vietnam, and we decided to go back into town. We were running out of time because it was almost sunset. Our group rushed to see the famous Japanese covered bridge called "Lai Vien Kieu". It was a brilliant place to see the sunset. After that, Jodie and I went to get shoes made. I picked out a pair of lime green ones with silver sparkles and a black swoosh. It was going well and then she asked for a down payment of 400,000 Dong, but I misunderstood the saleswoman. I thought I was giving her the entire amount to purchase the shoes. Then I found out that it was $95 US!!! Jodie was very upset, so she marched up to the lady and said, "You took advantage of a little girl and took all her money, we want our money back!" In the middle of the argument Jodie told me to get Lance. Lance intimidated the lady by standing there and doing nothing but a death glare. Jodie took the money from the lady's hand and we left. In the end I got a really unique pair from a different place for only $10.00. It was quite a night.
Day three, we went to a Vietnamese veteran's house. Mr. Phong told us about his life and how he fought along side the Americans because he didn't like Communism. He showed us around his village and introduced us to his relatives. For example he said, "This is my uncle, the Communist." His cousin told us that the USA should be more like Cuba!!!
The next day we went back into town on sidecars, it was an extraordinary experience! I was excited to learn that Hoi An is famous for their tailors. We found one named Trang, she was so funny and as tall as me. I purchased six things. I got a skirt and four pair of pants; she put a "M" on the pocket. It's my own brand. That night we heard a blaring speaker in the street. The announcement was telling people to listen to the government and that the government is good. That was enough for us and we went home.
In conclusion, our trip was very exciting and memorable. I really want to go back. There are so many great thing about Hoi An. I highly recommend going there and seeing all the wonderful things.
LUANG BRABANG Lauren Griffith
It was the 27th day of March around 3 o'clock pm as we hovered over the rice fields getting ready to land. I looked out my window and saw Laos. Once we landed in the little airport, got our bags, and stepped outside, before us lay Luang Prabang. The driver picked us up and drove off to the Mekong River View Hotel that overlooked the Mekong River.
We unpacked our bags quickly then ran down to the river's beach to take a boat ride. As we glided down the river we saw kids swimming in the river and playing. We also saw monks playing soccer on the beach and swimming and having fun. Our boat slid right onto the riverbank after our long boat ride. Next, we ran up the stairs only to hear what we were doing next. It was late so we went out to dinner and the night market.
The next day we decided to stick around the Mekong River View. Then we went to see the bamboo bridge that goes over a tributary of the Mekong River to the weaving village. We were trying to find a way to cross the river without using the bridge. Colin was the first to fall in, then Mallory, than me. Colin got past the current no problem. For Mallory and I, we weren't so lucky. We got swept away by the current the first time. Everyone was scared what we would hit a rock since we were going so fast. The second time we decided to stick to the bridge supports. It was a difficult feat. The attempt was long and it took a few tries. We had to depend on one another to help each other out to cross the river. A lot of times we thought that we were going to get pushed away again. We couldn't take the current any longer so we grabbed one another and climbed up the supports to the top of the bridge.
Katie, Mom, and Lance had already started walking to the weaving village. Then Jodie and Colin did too. Mallory, Dad, and I were left behind. The plan was to find everyone. We walked up a path to get to the weaving village. We walked down the road then I immediately saw Jodie and Colin. They didn't know where anyone else was either. The village we were in was rural and very run down. Chickens, dogs, cats, pigs, goats, and people were running around. People were making paper mache lanterns, books, and paintings. We gave up looking for them and headed back to the hotel where the staff told us they were having lunch in town.
In town there was lots of monks and monasteries. It was the cutest town and very mellow. Lots of restaurants in town were good. There's shopping for everyone. Dinner came very quickly. We met up with everyone and ate at the same place we did last night, the Blue Lagoon. After that we took a tuk-tuk back to the Mekong River View.
After a good night sleep we set off for the biggest waterfall in Laos. It was a long car ride with great views. There were many rice paddies we past through as well as villages. After the long drive we were finally there. We got our tickets and started our excursion to the waterfall. On the walk to the waterfall there was a bear reserve. About ten minutes from there lay the falls. There were four layers of waterfalls that you can swim in. We picked the one with the rope swing. Once we got settled we went to see the BIG waterfall. We were astonished by its size. The group decided to go up the top where the falls start. It was pretty steep hike, but we did it. The view was looking down at the drop that was 100 ft or more. It was quite an amazing sight. Of course mom was saying don't lean too hard on the fence and stay away from the edge. Mallory, Jodie, Katie, and Mom were tired so they went down for lunch. Colin, Lance, Dad and I wanted to go on so we picked a hike that went to a cave, through a beautiful forests, over pretty rivers, and lime green rice paddies. We ended up in the middle of nowhere. We all missed lunch and were very hungry. Luckily for us there was a food stand in the middle of the forest. There was also a little house where a family lived. We got some chips and some flashlights then we forged on to the cave. It was a very nice cave with occasional golden Buddha figures aligning the walls. We went in very deep. It was really dark the only light shining was the flashlight that was very dim. You had to dodge the stalactites while trying not to slip on the slippery floor. I started to get scared when we couldn't see the entrance any longer. So we decided to walk back. We did our beautiful hike all over again, we stumbled down the steep parts, and ran down the easy p arts till we were finally there. We took one last swing on the rope swing and one last jump off the waterfall. We said goodbye to the adventure and our good memories.
The next morning I awoke to find eight bikes lined up on the street ready for Mt. Phusi, four of them were blue plaid, and the rest were black and red. I wanted the blue one, but it was too big. After breakfast we all jumped on our bikes and rode off. We started off on a not so busy street then we came across some very busy streets. It was really hard crossing them, but we all did it. We got there five minutes later. It was such a hot day that it was a little hard climbing up the 190 steps to Mt. Phussi. When we got up there, there was an amazing view. There was also a little temple up there too. There were a few other people up there including two ladies that wanted to take a picture with me because of my hair and fair skin. It was strange having two grown women fighting and pulling me just to get my picture. I looked out the side railing to see the view one last time before we walked down. It was a great ending to a great trip.
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