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Monday, October 27 ("Avian Flu"/ sailing to Vietnam): During our team meeting Cindy told us all passengers would have their temperatures taken two nights before we arrive in Hong Kong. The Chinese Immigration Officials stated that anyone with a high temperature would not be allowed to disembark the ship. So Avian Flu and I meet again. At UMD we spent so much time discussing how to manage if a pandemic occurred...I thought it was behind me and here I am (half way around the world) discussing it…I can't believe it!
The rest of my day was packed with Vagina Monologue practice, a photo session to learn camera techniques, and cookie tasting contest. Before we arrived in Malaysia, I asked my residents to purchase unique cookies/snacks for a snack food contest. We gathered to taste all the different treats folks found. Everyone really liked the spicy chips I bought from women making snacks from my Kampung Homestay. Students found all kinds of interesting things ranging from pepper crackers to butter cream cookies.
Tuesday, October 28 ("Pirates"/ sailing to Vietnam): As we traveled south from Malaysia to Vietnam, we entered the Straits of Malacca. This narrow, long (500 miles) path is used by thousands of ships each year. In just one day, we've seen more ships and sea life than usual; we were told a lot of ships pass through the strait with about 25% of the world's oil and 25% of the world's trade goods. The Straits also harbor pirates. Yes, pirates! I thought pirates were a thing of the past, but not true. They still exist. Now ship crew members are patrolling from the front and sides of the ship to watch for pirates. In the past the Captain asked students to serve watch shifts, but this particular Captain decided not to involve students.
Today we learned that the Captain willing to pay a fine to berth by a pier closer to city center in Vietnam. From what I hear, there's a lot of construction near the dock so it is not safe to walk into town (because of street traffic in Vietnam); so SAS will be shuttling people into town by bus every 30 minutes.
Wednesday, October 29 ("Coldsick NOT Seasick"/ sailing to Vietnam): I spent in this morning because I have not been feeling well since Malaysia…not seasick (thank goodness!) just sick with a cold…I have a really nasty cough and sniffles. Curtis said, "you gotta pass the temperature test so we can go to Bejing" when heard me coughing today. He's right! If I don't get a good temperature reading, I will be detained, which would ruin our travel plans.
Aside from hacking up a lung, I spent a majority of my afternoon mediating another roommate conflict, assisted with our monthly life safety drill, and attended logistical pre-port. One more day until Vietnam!
Thursday, October 30 ("Good Morning Vietnam"/ Vietnam to Cambodia): GOOD MORNING VIETNAM! I woke up early today so I could watch us float down the river to the pier. It was hot and humid outside but I found a private corner to see what I could see: fishermen working on boats…homes tucked in large tropical plants…river boats exchanging goods. As I sat on deck five, I started thinking about the historic significance of Vietnam—it's such an important piece of American history. I wonder what it was like in America during that time. What happened to daily life in Vietnam during that time? How will Americans be received present day? Although the Vietnam War was not during my life and time, it is part of my history as an American. So, in this place, I carry that with me as I am representing America.
The customs process took a bit longer than usually and the ship was not cleared until 12noon. I just ate lunch and packed. I am going to the Union to collect 37 students for my Cambodia trip; this time I am on my own with a large group. I'll return in a few days. LOL, pray for me!
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