Reflection On My Hanoi Experiential Learning - Adrian

When we first arrived at Hanoi, my first impressions were that is an undeveloped country, with neither proper toilets nor roads, and that their facilities would be very old and basic. However, i slowly realised that even though vietnam is still developing, it can still be a very good place to live in. As Vietnam was influenced by the french in the past, you can get to see many french-styled buildings there, which shows that not only does Vietnam has Geographical features, it also has Historical features.

The stay in Hanoi had left me with many memorable experiences, one of which was the cyclo ride around Hanoi. The cyclo ride taught me alot about their traffic here in Vietnam. Even though they have traffic lights and pedestrian crossing, they do not really use them. When on the cyclo ride, the traffic is just so cramped! You could just stretch out your hand and touch the motorcycle next to you. I find it quite wierd though, even though the traffic is cramped, no major accidents had happened before, maybe its because of their flexible driving skills. Even though they keep honking at each other, they do not scold foul languages at each other, which shows how compassionate vietnamese are.
Another memorable experience was the trip to Ha Long Bay. While on the ferry, we could see many landforms formed mainly by erosion. Some are headlands, bays and wave cut platforms.

On Ha Long Bay, we get to enter the one of the famous tourist spot in Vietnam, the Dau Go Cave! In the cave was limestones being corroded through solution. The Cave was so big and when the tour guide told us that the limestones would only increase in 1mm of length every year, i wondered how long did it took for the cave to form such a magnificient site!
Last but not least, and the most memorable experience to me was the visit to Agent Orange Orphanage. Previously, the Orphanage only accepts children who suffered from the Agent Orange, now, they also accepted children who are physically or mentally disabled. The Agent Orange could be pass down for generations, and now the Orphanage has 3rd generations who suffered from the Agent Orange. Upon visiting the Orphanage, i finally knew how fortunate i am.

This trip had taught me to be independant, and not to take things for granted, which i have always been doing before. I have also learnt to appreciate everything in Singapore as i do not have to go through any hardships in Singapore.

I would like to thank the teachers, friends and the tour guide(Mr Quynh) for making this such a memorable trip.