只要笑一笑，没什么事情过不了

It has been 4 days since I am back and a super long time since I have updated. I wanted to blog about my feelings before the trip but I was so busy packing and letting myself have enough rest. So I shall say more about my feelings here. Mind you, it's gonna be a long long post and perhaps I will keep on typing until I end my shift today :)) (nothing much to do here anyway...)

We have done many reflections, sharing, reflecting on essay during the trip. But I guess, those channels are somewhere for you to provide politically correct answer and not offending anything or other people.

Right before the trip, I still don't know many people in the trip except for a few closed ones, and a few okay ones. So it is kind of awkward feeling when I was at the airport. I stood there, don't know what to expect, with my mum, and waiting for my close friends to arrive. I am already beginning to feel that, I may not be able to blend in with the rest of the people, because I am not the chattering type who can chatter all the way about kpop, leisure, play and all, right from the taking off of the plane til the plane touched down in HCM... But oh well, that was my first impression.

We reached Ho Chih Minh City and met the 4 Vietnamese volunteers. They were very nice and helpful on the first look. Then we went to YMCA for a short orientation, met the SP and other volunteers and found them very interesting as well. And then, we had our dinner on an open space on one of the levels of YMCA. Their building is kind of "not as developed" but has those feel when I was in Tampin (my mother's homeland in Malaysia). And eating dinner under the night sky, with the cool breeze is super "got-feel". I like! and the food was good too!

Next we checked into our hotel in Ben Tre where we are going to stay for about 10 days. Frankly, it is already a luxury for us volunteers, to be on an OCIP trip staying in HOTEL. I doubt other people on OCIP stays in HOTEL with WIFI. Well, I hope I was on those trips staying in the village, with very bad conditions, having to do laundry and cook your own meals that kind. Err, no comments because YMCA is very concerned with our safety too. And still, we have people complaining about no water heater, room too small, air con very cold.... all sorts of funny nonsense.

And then the service begins for ten days at Le Tho Xuan Primary School. With a day or two in the middle for home visits. I am personally not very good with kids or I should say, don't have particular love for them (not when I see cats haha!), or interacting, playing, bringing smiles to them all the while, because I am personally not a cheerful person and that kids will be drawn towards cheerful, smiling, humorous people? Well I don't know, but I am particularly patient with them if I were to teach them something. That's also a little weird about me, I have been interacting alot with kids since I entered university, in RSPHI events, childcare and other events. But I guess nothing has changed in me, well, I hope this trip will change me a little.

We have been swopping classes, seeing different kids from grade 3 and 5. We have a few familiar faces, but we don't exactly teach the same children everyday. It was fun teaching the children but can be tiring at times especially bringing them out for games. The vast difference I see in the children here and in Singapore is that, they are not afraid of responding in class, be it wrong or correct, they are always willing to raise their hands and answer questions. Unlike in SG, even if we pinpoint a certain student, he or she might be unwilling to come up and answer questions, well, I don't know for primary schools but that's certainly the case in Singapore. The kids can be very notorious too, I remembered a particular class where they imitate one of our volunteer to bang on the wall, and then wanting to flip the table, use ruler to hit on another girl's head and cry... throwing paper planes all over, very dramatic. I guess because of language barrier, we aren't able to control the class but I think, language barrier is not an excuse. We could do something more.

Playtime with the kids can allow you to forget whatever problems you have, in the hustling buzzling city life, away from all sort of funky technologies. Just playing with a bunch of people, chap-teh, five stones, zero point, the running and catching the leaf game, and hopscotch... alot of games that don't require technology. and of course the all-time favourite volleyball. I enjoy playing it with the kids, however, it is quite a pity that I didn't get a chance in volleyball because all the players are too good. This playtime session with them during breaks really re-discover my childhood times in Tampin playing with my village neighbours and my cousins too, that same atmosphere, that same environment, that same feeling. But of course, this is in the school's court. A little bit different from how frequent we use to play badminton by the roadside, sometimes at the badminton court at the temple. And how we have to let the cars pass first before we continue playing, and how frequent the shuttlecocks got up the roof, or got into other people's houses and that stopped the game to find another shuttle to continue playing. They are mostly guys so I seldom play zero point. But chapteh and five stones are definitely. However, the children here played the real stones and they played with six. So, I kind of forgot the rules and also difficult to find the feeling back again. I am never good at those games haha.

There was also once when some of us took out origami paper to keep some of them occupied. My particular favourite girl taught us how to fold roses. And also, I taught them how to fold cranes and turtle, and fold for them too. Never did I thought that they love it so much. In particular, I remembered this A+ boy in my chaotic class, knowing and understanding whatever that was taught for that day. He was there and he wanted me to fold a rabbit for him, but the instructions were so bad that I couldn't figure out exactly that it was trying to drive at. Both of us really figured a long long time and it took us no words to communicate with each other, just gesturing. So I got to realise that, sometimes, language is no doubt important, but not the only way to communicate. Finally, I figured out the rabbit, but I still think it is not of the correct method to do it, at least the boy got his rabbit and was so delightful for it. That was the time I felt my sense of satisfaction and achievement.

And then there was this issue of judgement brought up by Keqin that I wanna address about. I found sentiments in whatever she shares and I would like to further emphasize on that. Everyone has their own biases and favourites. We are all humans, and this is reality, yes I believe that. In a class or in anywhere with a group of people, there are bound to have lovable ones, the sporty ones, the naughty ones, the shy ones and many more kids with different but unique personalities. We can't just focus on our favourite ones and ignore the others, that's what I believe most people do. But for me, I tried to reach out to the other kids who are not gaining the equal amount of attention from other people too. I still work on this principle alot, but, I also fell into my own trap too. I also have my favourites too because one is super pretty and caught my attention, and the other is cheerful and works hard to practice his English. However, I don't particularly show my favouritism and attention onto them because I know, there are also other kids who don't stand out but just needs as much attention as those who stand out too. Humans always make this same mistake. Also, I think Fiona brought up a good point of judging the kids. There was one particular boy whom she mentioned that was naughty all the time, so Fiona refuses to let him hold the teaching materials while she was carrying them to class. Never did Fiona thought that the boy actually wants to help him carry to the table for her, and not playing with it. I guess this simple act taught most of us a lesson too, not to have the first judgement of every kid as this might affect your own other intentions and behaviours.

Construction was fun. I like doing work haha, can sweat out more in hoping to lose weight. However, we are having too much good food that it seems impossible for me. On the first few days we help out at carrying stuff using sacks. Well they don't really have wheel barrows so we have to settle for this method. Then, we painted the school gates. It was fun but can be tiring because we have to go under the sun. But I like it alot, and chatted with friends at the same time. Painting takes alot of skill and patience too. Then, lastly, it was the wall murral and I am glad to have some contribution in it for the design. Ultimately, I didn't contribute in the drawing of the dinosaurs but in the alphabets too. But particularly angsty at this incident whereby our original design for it needs to be "patented" and so, cannot use for the murral. Well, just, what is this? What do you want? Why didn't you say earlier so we could settle for something else the night before when we are discussing it. Okay, just something that needs to be ranted out and I don't understand why such things can happen in an OCIP trip. Another incident was, I was happily and quietly painting the outline for this wall and suddenly somebody just stomped in and shouted, "Hey don't outline this it's super ugly!" Don't you feel very wronged as this instructions were passed down by the boss. And, to the person who said this to me and drawn the board, the board wasn't very nicely drawn in the first place, the proportion wasn't right. You can ask me to stop outlining but could you please do it in a nicer way, and maintain more eye contact with me?
Other than this, I really enjoyed painting the murral and wants to get it nicely done within the deadline, I guess some people sense my urgency haha!

On Sunday, we went to visit one of the homes and it was a nice experience. I love doing this and I have always watched in shows, especially the ones Pornsak is in. Home visits are just the best way to really understand the lifestyles of people living in the place. How we walk down the plantation, and trying how to cut the coconut, seeing and tasting all the fruits of their plantation. I like... my kampong neighbour also always ask us to go and see their plantation and he would introduce us to the different things he planted e.g., chilli, vegetables, fruits, and sugar canes(and I miss the bananas he planted and those are the world's best small bananas! The best taste). Anyway back to topic, we also fed the fishes and ride the motorbike (from a policeman) around the area. I hopped on to Xin, wow, she's only 18 and she knows how to ride. That's so cool. But I think that's something they should learn in Vietnam because bike is the common mode of transportation. Even in Malaysia too. But, it is very dangerous. Then, we just walk around, ate lunch. We ate with some of the owners, and they are actually teachers of Le Tho Xuan primary. It was kind of awkward but interesting as we depended on Xin for the translation. I feel kind of bad when we got to eat first instead of the elderly and owners there. I feel even more bad for sleeping in front of their living room where they place their ancestry tiles and they even offered us the mats. We did nothing but to lie down there and enjoy the beautiful weather. Actually, we did nothing much too. I find that I could have just explore more of that area. Oh, I guess I spend more time looking at their domestic dogs and cats, and a caged bird. haha! I just like the kind of life they have. In my grandmother house, I also sleep like that at the living room without locking up the gate, and enjoy their weather and scenery in my peaceful nap. Yes, in front of the religious stuff too. The house we visited was not too poor, their living conditions were still okay and well off to be able to host us too.

We did a dance in part of the closing ceremony on Wednesday to mark the completion of the day care centre. The dance to "Just the way you are" was choreographed and led by Fiona. It was really a good job done by them but, there are still attitudes and comments that displayed their unwillingness to cooperate. As a team, I think we should work together to make this event a good one, even though it was something last minute and impromptu. I am super lousy at dance but thankfully, I manage to do it too.

There was a particular night that some of us went to the fun fair after shopping at the supermarket near our hotel. We purposely took a walk back instead of cabbing when the fare is very cheap only. I never regret this decision as we could explore abit more in the town. Took photos with the nice statue opposite it. And caught some rides in the funfair near that. It was so fun on the round viking ship and also the bumper car. Ouch, got a bruise on my left leg and Keqin's on the right leg because we bump so hard into each other! Relieving our childhood memories again. I love fun fairs!

There was also a particular night where some of us went to the Karaoke in the next hotel and I was surprised that their rooms are soooo big and spacious! A big TV screen, with a stage on the right and had some disco lights, and a super big semicircle couch for ten over of us to sit. Including a big space in the middle. At the side there is this super big rest room for you to use. Sadly, their karaoke has only classic English hits and Vietnamese songs. But we had a fun time singing and especially waiting for the system to rate our singing. We sang many children songs, and also YMCA where we just shout "Young Men" and "Y-M-C-A" and got so high scores for them. All in all, I had a nice time with this bunch of people.

Time flies and Wednesday comes and it is our last class with the kids. Most of the people definitely miss them especially the two friends I know haha! They have been emo-ing and emo-ing for days. Well for me, I miss them, but not emotional to that extent! I admit I am emotionless haha, when it's time to move on, move on. However, I do fall at times too :P They are too nice and wonderful and that, I will always remember them in my hearts and memories. Maybe because 10 days is still quite short for me, a slow person to be open up fully to them and also to interact and forge more strong bonds with them. Whatever it is, I had my fun time here! I may look very emotionless but deep inside, I am truly happy to meet you all. Thank you kids from Le Tho Xuan Primary for a wonderful lesson in my life!

The "last" dinner at school was also very memorable and worth remembering when the principal came to each of us with a shot of rice wine. It was good haha... it has been a year since I last drank a shot of wine. We ate a little late that day and couldn't see what we are eating too. The average time for sunrise is about before 6 and sunset at around 6. It is just a nice feeling to set up tables and chairs at the school court yard and eat our meals with everybody. The teachers cook for our every meal and I am appreciative of that.

Kind of miss the feeling of waking up to sunrise and also to the nice river by my window in Bentre. We left Ben Tre for Ho Chi Minh for R and R. I like R and R as I can see more in Vietnam besides their schooling life. We went to Mekong Delta River for a two hour boat discovery. I enjoy taking the boat, it is not very shaky as I had expected, and particularly love the smaller boat because only 14 of us can sit there and we can have a nicer time together and smaller boats go faster and windier! Also, there was a little boat ride manually rowed by the villagers there. This reminds me of the boat ride we had in San Frans when I keep rowing the boat in a wrong position and direction, and then got laughed by my other three friends hahaha! I tried almost everything on the island, except the python... AHH!!! Actually, the id in me tells me to go and try but, in the end I didn't because I am very afraid of snakes or anything that looks like that, I don't want to get goosebumps or nightmare after that.

And then to War Remnants museum. I didn't know much history about Vietnam war, and also not when I go to DC and look at the Vietnam War memorial. Well, I guess I must go read up. And, never did we thought we could meet a friend there who was at Vietnam for GSS. We wanted to meet up in Ben Tre but couldn't. And so lucky enough to meet there, right at the museum haha. Had a great catch up too :)

Dinner was very good, like seafood for most of the dishes. In an awesome place with the director of YMCA. And don't know why Last Christmas plays non stop from the slowest and oldest version to the more fast and modern version everywhere we go.

Then, we wanted to chill at night at some pub but the plan was changed to massage! Cool, I wanted to try massage but dare not, and no friends to go with, and too expensive. Now, finally have the chance to try and it is not expensive. We had a 90 minute package and had a nice time. I must say the masseur was very professional and they are so young. Those around me keep asking us not to laugh not to laugh but we ended up laughing. I feel so refreshed and good after having a massage. Would definitely try it again in other countries! Heard BangKok one was good.

The next day was Cu Chi Tunnel, a great 1 plus hour ride from HCM. It was enjoyable seeing and trying out the many holes and tunnels to go and hide. Especially the main tunnel, it was tiring but exciting! Was also bad , but a miscommunication for Dinh to carry my bag throughout the tunnel when it was Sin who ask me to put down my bag at the entrance! A great experience after all! Also, ten girls had our tries and the rifle shooting. Was afraid of the sound but it was okay haha!

The highlight of the trip was Ben Thanh Market. Well, I don't personally love shopping but I want to get some clothes and coffee for myself and parents. The stall owners there was kind of scary and aggressive when I thought they were supposed to be nice and friendly? Hmm, they will just grab you and ask if you want to buy and how much can you pay for it, and they will not tell you the price. One of my guy friend was getting the hang of bargaining but was also constantly harrassed by them too HAHA! There was a particular incident when MJ has already bought the shirts at the price he wants, and then later one of my friends came and wants to get the same price as MJ too. But the seller does not want to sell her at that price too. Maybe that's the style of selling and buying, the price should remain confidential. Anyway, in the end, the seller walk to us after buying, not far away to come and return the money and does not want to sell the shirts to us anymore. She rejected our money and wanted to get back her shirts. Well, seriously? err...

I just don't feel like shopping at this kind of environment anymore, very tiring, though you could get things really cheap. But I also enjoy looking at my friends bargaining for a 5000 cheaper, 10000 cheaper... when that amounts to a few cents in SGD. Different standards of life. That's very amazing.

We chilled at this cafe call PMG Art Gallery Cafe before we had our dinner. It gives me the same feeling as Group Therapy Cafe that I went with Phong and Deric. Then one table played truth or dare while waiting for dinner to be served and carried on the game of "Kiss, Shag, Marry". OMG. my first time knowing this game but I think I heard some people playing it somewhere before. And they got really super high performing all the stunts and dare. HAHA! Well, me, Marcel and Mabel Tan are lucky enough not to be at that table. But most of the time laughing away and concentrating on other things at the same time :P I chose to drink beer that day, just for the reason that it costs the same as mineral water. And all the other drinks look so sweet to me. Interesting decision.

The final morning, we went around walking to some places for quick photo taking before we depart for home. We went to Notre-Dame Cathedral and Post office. Initially some has doubts like, what's nice to see at the post office but, it never crossed our minds that post office could be very traditional and cultural place to visit. Many tourists go there! As for the Notre-Dame Cathedral, we witness some new couples taking their wedding shots there, and also having their solemization ceremony there. Sweet! Oops, I can't stop comparing but the ones at Montreal was a WOW.

14 days passed really fast and we finally, have to depart for Singapore. We all had a great time in our own ways. And the hardest thing to do is to say goodbye to our wonderful Vietnamese volunteers who played and work hard together with us for the past 2 weeks. We all really really forge close bonds with one another, laugh alot together, slog out hard together. We got to thank them alot for taking time off their busy schedules and accompanying us here and there during the nights. Particularly, Yen, the staff who have spent most time with us during R and R, and also spend alot of time with me and Mabel talking about alot of things under the sun. Thanks for believing in us and if not for your company, our trip won't be as fun as we thought. Sin, you are so cute and young, but blur at times too haha! and oops, I can't stop imitating you for "What you want?" "I can't believe!"... Dinh, thanks and so sorry for carrying my bag walking through the tunnel. But you are very awesome with kids and also, admirable for your energy and passion in volunteering! Mark, thanks for being so friendly and also, I can see that you tried very hard to communicate with us using English. All the best!

I can just say that, this 14 days is kind of special for me, as this marks the end of fulfilling my three and a half wishes I made before I enter university. Though this OCIP may not be the really hard core one that I want to experience, but it certainly left my university path with a deep footprint. Though there are bound to have mishaps here and there, like how I could not, at all, communicate with some people in the trip due to my personality. I enjoyed it alot, also, due to the wonderful friends I made in the trip.

The Siva Sisters: I enjoyed talking to you all as there were just no barrier between us. Though we sometimes speak a different tongues but our minds think alike. I think that is more important than speaking the same tongue but minds don't think alike at all. I also enjoyed the times at service when we work together, chatting about other things too. Hope you two have a great time in the trip too and such a pity that you didn't join us for some activities we could have done together!

F and F: What a perfect duet you all made. I did not know you two very well initially. Really of zero communication but as time passes by, me and Mabel got really close to you and we definitely enjoyed the B times together over supper the shopping, the massaging, and the fun fair! You gals will definitely be busy after the trip but I hope we can still meet up and our friendship can last!

Mabel Ng: My dearest roomie haha! I got very used to calling you Mabel Ng so please bear with it haha! The activity after facilitation session was not a very nice time to tell you my heartfelt words because the whole thing was just so funny. Anyway, I am really grateful for you with me in the trip and forging a better bond between us with the rest of the people, and within us as well. If without you I guess the trip would not have been so exciting and funny anymore with your htht sessions every night. I believe I know you more and better after the trip, after sharing much stuff with me about you. I bet you also know a little more about me as I shared my story with you. I am not an easy person to be known, okay, I rephrase, knowing and understanding me as a person is not an easy task. I think I am not easy to get along with too HAHA! I don't show my feelings that often, I don't smile, neither, I don't cry, that often. But thanks for being understanding and nice all the time and sharing with me whatever your thoughts. I am also grateful for someone like you, and being in a circle of friends who share the same level of thinking and interest during the trip. Thank you so much!

I think even after the trip, I will still continue to be myself, well at least, I knew myself better and who I want to be. I will not change to fit my ideal self, but change for the better. But, what I learn from the trip, will never be erased and will continue to put into good use when I return to Singapore. Thank you Vietnam!

只要笑一笑，没什么事情过不了

Thursday, January 3, 2013

Dad's Jokes

Sunday, December 30, 2012

What have I done in 2012

Wednesday, December 26, 2012

Reflections from ISP

Wednesday, December 5, 2012

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Father mistreated in the house

Saturday, November 17, 2012

Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Welcome

Her

WishList

MyDarlinks

Blog Archive

Smile =)