Spiritually, I've continued to witness the practices of Buddhism. I've also realized the importance of architecture within the religion. I've visited a lot of sacred places in the past week and have noticed that the ideal place to pray consists of a large pagoda or in front of a massive religious figure. I find this really interesting considering most everything else in the culture is small. I really enjoy how important religion is in this culture and how open it is to all people. I think that this adds to the great sense of community and peace that you feel while in Vietnam.
Intellectually, my knowledge continues to grow in the classroom and through my experiences here. In the classroom our Vietnamese is coming along but then every time we try and practice on locals they ethier laugh at our pronunciation or they don't understand. This is upsetting but a true challenge of learning a foreign language. I really enjoy learning about communism here. I find it really interesting how most people are happy with the government system here yet America hates communism. I think the various aspects of communism are efficient while other aspects are not (just like any government system). However, I am still confused by the mix of democracy found within Vietnam. For example, their laws on paper, are similar to ours. Yet, there really is no freedom of speech or freedom of press in Vietnam but on paper there is. Vietnam isn't allowed to say anything disrespectful or disobedient when discussing the government which questions freedom of speech. Vietnam only has one newspaper and it is run by the government. Therefore, there is no freedom of speech. We also continued to talk about the horrors that U.S caused Vietnam during the war. This makes me when to get up in front of history classes and explain to them the real story and explain to them that we need to come over and help this country after the pain and destruction we've caused them. It's not too late to help.
Psychologically I continue to feel more and more like I'm part of the community here. Although we all receive stares and smiles they are always genuine and almost always followed by a "hello." One of my favorite things about being in Vietnam is just talking to people and letting people know that American people can be friendly and loving just like them. I love immersing myself into the culture. Going into a packed restaurant and just sitting in the center, going to different coffee shops and seeing who confronts me or what people's reactions are to me. For example, this week I went into a coffee shop with my sketch book and pencils. Five women were sitting at a table across from me. They were all smiling and saying hello. Then I noticed that they kept laughing and looking at me. Finally, one of them asked to borrow a pencil, laughing hysterically. I felt embarrassed but I walked over anyways and handed the pencil. She pretended to use it and then asked me where I was from, how old I was, how I was doing with laughs in between questions. Everyone was staring. Although I didn't feel comfortable it was an experience and I think that it was out of curiosity not for the sake of teasing.
Emotionally, I don't want to leave! My emotions here are calm, patient, eager and driven. I feel like time is flying by and I just want to keep exploring. My spirits and health have been great. I love the food, I love the people. It's been a great experience emotionally. Everyday something new captures my heart and touches me on an emotional level.
P.s. I have a best friend. She sells gum and fruit every night to people eating and drinking. She knows a little English but she is so sweet. Her and I teach each other Vietnamese/English. She sells me her stuff at a discounted price and gives me gifts of guava for the program house to share.
Intellectually, my knowledge continues to grow in the classroom and through my experiences here. In the classroom our Vietnamese is coming along but then every time we try and practice on locals they ethier laugh at our pronunciation or they don't understand. This is upsetting but a true challenge of learning a foreign language. I really enjoy learning about communism here. I find it really interesting how most people are happy with the government system here yet America hates communism. I think the various aspects of communism are efficient while other aspects are not (just like any government system). However, I am still confused by the mix of democracy found within Vietnam. For example, their laws on paper, are similar to ours. Yet, there really is no freedom of speech or freedom of press in Vietnam but on paper there is. Vietnam isn't allowed to say anything disrespectful or disobedient when discussing the government which questions freedom of speech. Vietnam only has one newspaper and it is run by the government. Therefore, there is no freedom of speech. We also continued to talk about the horrors that U.S caused Vietnam during the war. This makes me when to get up in front of history classes and explain to them the real story and explain to them that we need to come over and help this country after the pain and destruction we've caused them. It's not too late to help.
Psychologically I continue to feel more and more like I'm part of the community here. Although we all receive stares and smiles they are always genuine and almost always followed by a "hello." One of my favorite things about being in Vietnam is just talking to people and letting people know that American people can be friendly and loving just like them. I love immersing myself into the culture. Going into a packed restaurant and just sitting in the center, going to different coffee shops and seeing who confronts me or what people's reactions are to me. For example, this week I went into a coffee shop with my sketch book and pencils. Five women were sitting at a table across from me. They were all smiling and saying hello. Then I noticed that they kept laughing and looking at me. Finally, one of them asked to borrow a pencil, laughing hysterically. I felt embarrassed but I walked over anyways and handed the pencil. She pretended to use it and then asked me where I was from, how old I was, how I was doing with laughs in between questions. Everyone was staring. Although I didn't feel comfortable it was an experience and I think that it was out of curiosity not for the sake of teasing.
Emotionally, I don't want to leave! My emotions here are calm, patient, eager and driven. I feel like time is flying by and I just want to keep exploring. My spirits and health have been great. I love the food, I love the people. It's been a great experience emotionally. Everyday something new captures my heart and touches me on an emotional level.
P.s. I have a best friend. She sells gum and fruit every night to people eating and drinking. She knows a little English but she is so sweet. Her and I teach each other Vietnamese/English. She sells me her stuff at a discounted price and gives me gifts of guava for the program house to share.