Day 12

Vocational Center for Red Cross- This center was started in 1997.It is similar to Lower Shore Enterprises, only on a very primitive level.It is very much in need of adaptive equipment and more services.You can sponsor a child here for $20.00 per month.This is definitely a worthwhile program and I hope Brittany's Home Foundation can do more sponsorship in the future.

This center is for disabled students from the rural, poorer areas.Some are illiterate, a few live at the center, some return home and come back each day.They are taught trades.They have a sewing room with old Singer sewing machines - ancient by our standards today.They learn how to make their own clothes and then progress to other skills, if possible.The girls sleep in one room - very, very poor conditions.There is also a stamping room for the boys to learn how to print - they take ink and press it through on the paper that is placed underneath - very primitive.Embroidery is also taught.These young people need to build their self confidence and self esteem.Eighty have been placed in jobs.Many have limited skills though.Some are deaf, blind, two in wheelchairs, some can speak only a few words but they are friendly and appreciative of our visit.

Today was a long work day.We cleared land for a vegetable garden for this center.It took us most of the day with a break for lunch.The students helped us get the equipment for the garden and helped rake, sow the seeds and water the garden.

The land had rocks, was made almost entirely of clay and was very hard.It was 102 degrees.The center provided the hoes, rakes, shovels but not gloves.We planted lettuce, onions, pumpkins, etc.I hope, but have my doubts, that this project will survive.The clay soil definitely is not going to promote growth and I have no idea what they will use for fertilizer.A lot of the students and instructors left clothes here for the children.

Afterwards, a group went to the beach to relax.Dinner was at Pizza King, a real treat from the usual cuisine.Tomorrow we travel to Hoi An where a group of these young people will be meeting us.

We had a roundtable discussion this evening about our trip so far.Our guides have really stuck to the schedule and have provided us with a variety of meals and arranging a variety of activities for the group.

Day 13

Our bus driver took us to Hoi An (about an hour) - We visited/toured a traditional village with 27 stations depicting Vietnamese traditions/history.Very interesting how they farmed, made mats, made oil, spinned cotton, made silk, etc.Very real depictions of the "old" way of life although some of it is still used.The Vocational students went with us, we played games, had lunch, and then socialized with them some more before going to Ancient House Hotel.This hotel is absolutely beautiful.They make rice cakes in back of the hotel in the old tradition.The hotel was built from this original trade.

It had canopy beds with rose petals on the bed as we entered.Gorgeous - a real treat.This town is definitely a tourist attraction.Everyone comes here to shop and have their clothes tailor made.We visited some shops, ordered some tailored clothes and visited the vendor's market. We also went to the Silk Market for a demonstration on how silk is made..

Dinner consisted of shish kabobs.We have had a variety of meals, more than enough to eat.We have been fortunate that we have had such a variety - something for everyone

Day 14

Toured Hoi An on a cyclo.This was an hour tour of the city in a cart with a man behind me on a bicycle peddling me around.Interesting way to see the sights and very comfortable.It was raining. He took me to see the Japanese Bridge, the temples, the market and the old city.

We then later walked through the streets, shopping for souvenirs.The market place is hectic but the people are willing to bargain, much more so than in Ho Chi Minh City.Everything is in the market - vegetables, fish, jewelry, scarves, handbags, shoes, etc.If your clothes were ready, you could pick them up today.If not, tomorrow morning.Everyone enjoyed this shopping extravaganza.

The cloth shops are everywhere.You can have any type of clothing made you like.They will make it overnight and have it for you next day.We met one Australian couple who had come to have their wedding clothes made. It is about an 8 hour flight from Australia so it is not uncommon to see a lot of Australians.

Day 15

Slept in a little.Had breakfast and walked to city center for our last day of shopping an touring. Tours are readily available here.You can take a boat ride on the river or rent a bicycle and tour the area.Today was very hot.Left Hoi Ann mid-day.Flew back to Ho Chi Minh City.

Arrived Ho Chi Minh City late - about 10:00 p.m.Staying at same hotel - Bong Sen Hotel.