Reflection on my Hanoi Experiental Learning - Nur Syahidati

When the teachers told us that we were going to Hanoi, the capital of vietnam i assume that the places will be filled with tall shopping centre and etc. But i was wrong. When we first arrive in the city, the capital was filled with tube-like buildings. the wires were entangled and could be seen hanging from the ground. The weather was extremely cold for me and i woke up every morning sneezing non stop. Thank you jolene and hui qi for all those tissues. Hanoi felt like a third world country. But as the days went pass, i discover that the country's way of life is very simple. Unlike singapore that has a stressful lifestyle. Most of the vietnamese uses scooters to get to and fro. On the first day, i felt scared by the motorists as when we were on the trishaw, the motorists were honking and some of them nearly crush into the trishaw.But then i found out that their honking meant "excuse me" in a polite manner although i could not accept that fact. It might be because in Singapore it carry a totally different meaning.





(look at the distance between the trishaw on the righthand side and the motorist)

If i have another opportunity to go to Hanoi, i will definitely go on the cruise to Ha Long Bay.
The scenery was exceptionally beautiful. I had a wonderful experince there taking photos and learning how all these places were formed.




The visit to the Hilton Prison had revealed to us the tortures that was used by the french on the vietnamese. I am really amazed by their courage and am indeed surprised at their loyalty for their country. Although being kept in a dark room and did not know of what their future holds for them, they refuses to budge to give away any information to the French.

The visit to the orphange had left an impact on me. It was really sad to young kids at the age of 2 or 3 years old couldn't walk or stand. There were therapists helping them but they were crying and just seemed pitiful and helpless.

During this trip, i have learned never to take things for granted . I am really grateful that Singapore does not have the weather that Hanoi have. I also discover that one should not take advantage of the facilities that one have. I am just grateful that i was born healthy. I would like to thank the teachers for giving us such a memorable time. Lastly, i would like to say that Vietnam is a wonderful country.