I have never thought in a million years working in a clinic, from eight to nine hours would be so fun. I can’t even begin to describe the patients we saw today, from children with burns to a man who lost his leg in the Vietnam war who we finally gave a wheelchair too. The feeling of meeting all of these people was incredible. This team already I’m close with, and though I’ve only known them for a short period of time, it feels like I’ve known them for a while.
The people here are so sweet and are beautiful on the inside and also outside. Everyone is so friendly and it’s hard to wrap my mind around that I won’t ever see these people again, and yet they will remember us. “Us” as in the doctors who gave them another chance at beating an illness or infection, the people that gave them the real care they need. It’s been a long day, that’s for sure - oh! Also now we’re in Hue. I forgot to mention that. We drove here last night. On the way some of us took the long route which went up the mountain for an insane view while others had the chance to drive right through. Of course if you knew me I’d most definitely take the longer way if it had a view and indeed it did. Other than those two things, everything has been good. Not much else happening, but we shall see! Clinic day one we all have survived!
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Starting from the second flight it was awful. For starters, the people behind us decided to put their feet up, and I was trapped between a woman's pair of feet (thank god she had socks on) and a man on the other side where the window was (sadly who was barefoot). Don't worry, mother got some pretty good photos of my reaction. Basically I spent four hours hunched over onto the small table in front *which was now pushed closer since the lady in front decided to move her seat back*. It was great.
Putting into words seeing Vietnam for the first time, stepping outside of the airport was all a blur. One, it was dark. We landed around 10:30-11:00pm. I was running on 26-28 hours of no sleep. Stepping onto the van and now with the team it was incredible. The outside (though dark) still was busy. People on motorbikes buzzing around, and statues, bridges, along with some art lit up with bright vibrant lights. Reaching the hotel I came to find out that THIS was the legendary Furama hotel. Not much happened after except that my luggage was missing. Thank god that the workers found it (not sure where) but I let's just say I had to wait and stay awake just so I could get ahold of my contacts case and also pajamas. Waking at 6:50/7:00 am in the morning may I say was not THAT difficult. The usual happened as to taking a shower, brushing teeth, etc. then came the part where I finally got to see the whole hotel. I was and still am blown away. It's hard to explain the whole hotel itself, but let's just say that there is a lot of plants from trees and flowers, the lobby leads straight outdoors and a few steps down is the pool, then China Beach. We had a team meeting, and had the chance to see the whole group who is on this mission trip as well as the translators who are lovely. After our meeting getting the chance to speak with a few of our translators, I can't put into words how wonderful they are. We bonded instantly and even took photos and exchanged numbers. I also can't explain how many times people have expected me to speak Vietnamese and also how blown away they are that I'm only the age of fifteen. Following our introductions and saying our goodbyes for now to the team members, mother and I decided to explore some more and also go to the Blue Lagoon (a more private pool) and then the beach and may I say, it is beautiful. Not much happened after except now I'm here writing this. Getting ready to go out with our translators and go shopping for kids who we will soon meet at the orphanage and I'm over the moon about it! The orphanage trip couldn't have gone better. I can't express how strong these kids are, and how lovely it is to be with them. Meeting, playing, and creating a bond was truly something I won't forget. These kids, from the ages of one, to kids who are 12, is quite overwhelming I'd say. At first, I was nervous, being with kids who we'd be giving sugar too was something to think about. I guess not for the other group members since in the end, we (the others not myself) were giving candy to everyone like there was no tomorrow. As time went on, and the sugar started to kick in, kids became louder and the adults became more energetic till it got to the point of picking some of the little ones up, and carrying them through the air. I myself did this, and to my surprise found one after another child on my back. It was indeed fun. It seemed as if we had been there for hours on end, but in reality on two hours and ten minutes. From the first step into the orphanage after our wonderful homemade pho, to the last few moments before heading into the vans, we were playing, laughing, and complete kids ourselves. there isn't much to say except they have made my whole week. I wish I could thank them for giving me such a lovely time with them, and know each one personally (though it'd be hard since there were over 50 kids) To start off my day, it began with a security. Going through the detectors was fine, but having to be patted down and having my arms in the air for another 30 seconds until the security guard told me “Hun, you know you’ve been all set right?” and saw her laughing. Great.
Out of the 14-15 hour flight, we are currently into our third hour in. Time flies by when you’re having fun….. (get the joke? ahahah) Anyway, after watching Lala Land and having our first meal on this long journey I can definitely say that this is going to seem forever. Aside from being stuck on this plane for another solid 11 hours, they have a great movie section including One Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest (I know right Alex?!) along with Moana, and others that I’m determine to watch whether I fall asleep to or not. I’m in the middle of my mother and another group member of this mission, and I’m not complaining at all, expect there is no where to lean. Either I’ll end up sleeping on top of my mother, or end up looking like a mummy with my arms crossed in front of my chest and sit upright. I can go either way. Two of the team members are also behind us, and one of the doctors on this trip keep coming back to visit us. That’s nice. I can guarantee that I will be writing periodically whether it be from pure boredom, or if there is anything happening (I don’t exactly know what would happen, since we’re on a plane flying basically across the world) but we’ll see. Chicken and rice, with a side of cooked peppers, potato salad and a (grape?) cheesecake. I wouldn’t pass next time they offer another meal. Overall this is the long part of the journey and turns out they have NO wife on this trip. Now I know what you’re thinking (probably) “WHAT? NO WIFI FOR A 14 HOUR FLIGHT?” Trust me, I felt the same way at first too, but now I’m actually quite satisfied without having any internet access. It gives me a chance to catch up on my movie viewing, reading and also the best of all: sleep. Update: We only have 8 and a half hours left! Over the course this trip so far from the last time I wrote, nothing’s changed. Sleep, music, and also watching a documentary on the legendary Stevie Wonder is what has kept me busy so far and not driven me insane. Turns out I’ve been wearing my pants inside out since this morning and no one has had the courage to tell me, or that they didn’t notice. However, I don’t understand how people couldn’t see the label and also tag on my tailbone and not realize that this girl was wearing her sport shorts inside out. It’s currently 6:00 pm and have no clue where we are, except not anywhere close to Seoul, South Korea. Update (pt.2): It appears that my clock on the tv that is counting down the hours and minutes till we land has a glitch or whatever, so now I’ve lost count of the hours and can’t seem to find out how much time we have left before we will land in South Korea. It says that we have 23 minutes left, but last time I checked when the clock was right it said we had 7 and a half hours left till we reach our desired destination. I’m tired of squinting at the tiny tv, and also not being to hear what the characters are saying without blowing out my eardrums, However, though not watching any more movies or documentaries, I’ve discovered that there is a music option! Currently enjoying some Frank Sinatra, Glenn Miller, along with the wonderful Louis Armstrong (right now as I type my favorite: La Vie En Rose! I have never been happier with the music selection before. Also, I’ve started “Romeo and Juliet” and may I say thank god there were notes about Shakespeare’s writing and the structure of his sentences. I have never before seen such technical and precise writing, but also I don’t read Shakespeare. Oh! A friend also gave me a travel coloring book, which also serves as postcards! There are even miniature pencils with a sharpener! I’d say that it has been a productive flight so far, and I just looked at the tiny tv once again and turns out that the clock is working again! Six hours and fifty one minutes left! Update (pt.3): Dinner was nice along with a quick nap. checking the clock we have two hours and thirty eight minutes left till we land! Never before have I been this eager to run in my whole life. currently watching “One Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest” and loving it. Only one hour and fifteen minutes into this film, but I love it. Alex if you’re reading this I’m in love with it. Now to finish the book! A fifteen hour plane ride does actually fly by overall (and no I’m actually being serious). Overtime I take a look over the seats on the side it’s always light out - completely throwing me off. According to the computer and phone clock, it’s now 11:54 pm Boston time. Update (pt.4): We have landed in South Korea! The last leg of the journey was indeed rough, but now onto a four hour plane ride to Vietnam! The movie was incredible and almost brought me to tears and can’t wait to see it when I get back home on the stage. Not much is going on otherwise. I have learned that with security here, the guards aren’t yelling, but are the friendliest people. Onto round two for taking to the sky today in only a matter of a few hours! Before I begin may I just say I WROTE A WHOLE BLOG POST ON TODAY AND IT DELETED SO !!! Anyway, today was our first day of traveling to Vietnam. It couldn't have gone any better except for the fact that we purchased tickets to a train, and in the end bought tickets that we didn't even need since it was the wrong train. It all began with security, and me being me, was panicking over taking off my rings and three necklaces. Turns out there was nothing to worry about, and soon enough it was off onto our plane! 2-3 hours of sleep and listening to Ed Sheeran, Queen, and Michael Jackson went by awfully quick till it was time to land. I have never walked so far to find the baggage claim until today. Fast forwarding past the whole train situation and going into our hotel room, there was a meeting for everyone for the trip. Most of the people going this time have been back, and or are Veterans. Being able to work in the pharmacies in a matter of days and in one day to go to the orphanage I can't express my excitement for. Tomorrow is travel day part 2 consisting of a glorious 14-15 hour flight, only to yet land in South Korea, and another 3 hour flight to our final destination. Hoping to beat the 11-12 (I'm pretty sure) hour jet lag even though we all know that knowing me I will never beat it. If you haven't already taken a look at the "about me" page, then hello! My name is Amy, and this summer was only the beginning of what I hope to be my many travel experiences. I had the chance to spend three weeks in the British Virgin Islands .
Being on the trip for three weeks, with no parents, no family, or friends, it was scary. Traveling alone for the first time let alone also being away from home was simply a nightmare. That was, until I began to see the fundamentals of being away. Not even two weeks into the trip, I learned to love travel, exploring new places, meeting new people and doing any community and or environmental work. From the beginning to the end of the trip I had an incredible time, bonding with people who I never met for three weeks. I remember meeting the local kids on Jost Van Dyke, and creating special friendships, and meeting Dory, a fun lovable little girl who I had the pleasure to talk with for hours on end. Yes we did work on this service trip, from tagging sea turtles, to taking kids onto our boat and sailing around the islands with. I remember one night after a long day of turtle tagging and catching the best way to end it was to go back onto the island, and what to do? Attend a dance party! Mind you, I never had seen the staff dance before, so this was a treat as well. It was just us, the small Lifeworks (GoBeyond as it is now) group bonding and making fun memories. Traveling does however, have its costs. Of course whenever you travel there's always the risk of becoming sick. This was the case for myself personally. If you know me, I like to pretend I'm the doctor sometimes and declare what I think is the problem. It began with "it's a rash don't worry I get this all the time" and in a matter of moments it'd change to "not a rash, I need help". Turns out I had developed a skin condition called "impetigo" a bacterial infection which causes red skin sores and much worse. VERY contagious mind you, and very very painful. On top of that, I also had developed eczema at the same time. On the contrary, I did shower everyday (mostly in salt water because of the water tanks and how limited we were) like everyone else, and would keep applying sunscreen to my body. It didn't work. Having these two skin infections made me believe that it couldn't get any worse or at least this was pretty bad. How? Why? I was living on a boat, and being diagnosed with these two skin conditions (by doctors orders) said, to not swim, take a quick dip, or even touch salt water. It seemed as if all odds were against me. From the first week and a half, to the second week transitioning into the third, I was finally cleared to be back in the ocean, to finally go snorkeling once again, and to take a quick dip if it was too hot (which happened on many occasions). Not complaining, but I did however miss out on many adventures that I was looking forward too. Instead, I would sit in the shade (also doctors orders) or take the dinghy, and go back to the boat, to lie on a hot sticky couch with one staff member watching over me. However, this did open my eyes even further to see that no matter where I go, no matter where I travel to in the world, there are always cautions to take. It made me realize to look on the bright side even more. Yes I had to miss tagging the turtles pretty much, and yes I had to miss going snorkeling for lionfish due to my skin condition, but I got to do more writing, reading, taking my surroundings and also learning about the staff and who they truly are. I learned their hobbies, their travel adventures they have gone on themselves, and much more. Though missing out on the big things, doing many little things whilst everyone was away was something I'm glad I got to do. Coming home after being away and living on a boat for three weeks - it's quite a shocker to be back with people who are bustling about, to have a cell phone, and things of that sort. Coming home and being able to have real food, and my own bedroom which doesn't rock back and forth was a huge change as well. But there was something missing. It was the people. It was the environment, waking up with everyone either in a hammock or across the boys room, and no more soft music playing. It was all different. I had found myself in a position (and still to this day) missing the trip. Traveling gave me a rush, a feeling nothing else could offer me. Visiting the schools of the local kids, creating a friendship with people who were all over the country and world. Ever since then I've had this urge to do more with communities in need, and to give back to the environment. This is only the beginning of what I hope will be many of my travels especially out of the country and to new places! |
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I wanted to create this blog website, for people to read on the adventures and possibly be inspired. Just a way for my writing to be shared. Hope you enjoy! |