Hi All,
This a reminder about the post tour meeting this Wednesday 12th March at 4pm in the Community room at the Duncraig campus – students only. It would be great to see you all there…and you don’t want to miss the Vietnam Tour video that was put together by a couple of wonderful members of the team. See you soon.
Mr Merrifield
Hello all,
Hope everyone is happy and well! We would like you to attend a post tour meeting on March 12, 4pm at Duncraig Campus in the Community Room. This brief meeting will also us to seek valuable feedback from you regarding the tour. It is really helpful for our future planning. Please make an effort to attend, your input is appreciated.
Tour staff and Mrs Wilson
Blog post plans
Day 10 in Ho Chi Minh city!
The final day of our tour in Vietnam!
Day 10 started early for all of us, ensuring our bellies were filled with breakfast, “our Vietnam cone hats” were on our heads, and our suitcases (a lot heavier than usual for some reason?🧐🧐) were finally packed and ready for our final adventure ahead.
The short day truly begun when we walked to the Post office to send some post cards and explore the office’s interesting souvenirs; such as a music box that was turned for over a minute because some of us expected it to be a jack in the box😔.
Also, on the walk to the post office we took a lovely photo in front of the Ho Chi Minh statue…however not so Pinterest worthy as everyone was trying to protect their eyes from the scorching sun directly in front.
After that we walked directly to our tour group’s favourite coffee shop, Highlands, stopping for a while to enjoy our favourite cooled coffees, juices and frappes, all paid by the school’s money! (Extra tasty)
After either satisfying or nauseating our bellies with dairy, we headed off to Book street (literally 5 steps out the door of Highlands). Unfortunately to the parents, none of us can tell you that we bought any books because they were 99% written in Vietnamese. However, we still enjoyed pretending to understand what was written inside. Outside the little book stores, other little things were sold including a cute stingray bag bought by Josh and a self portrait painted in realtime of Paige!
Then we walked to our favourite food markets for the last time. As usual, we were given 200,000 dong each and free roam! Everyone was trying something different, but every meal at the Ben Tanh markets is delicious. We enjoyed our drinks, whether it was Miss Freeman’s hydralite, a refreshing juice, or just a coke.
After filling up on our last meal in Vietnam (we all made it count), we began the final walk back to the hotel. Despite the hot weather, we took the time to look at the cultural architecture , buildings and street views for one last time.
It was a relief to step into the cool air conditioned lobby of the hotel. We waited there for a while until Handsome Kevin arrived. After his noticeable arrival, we took our suitcases, hand luggage and Vietnamese hats (not very convenient) onto the bus.
During our bus ride on the way to the airport, we connected the speaker, made a Spotify queue and sung the whole time while looking out to Ho Chi Minh for the very last time on this trip. As we arrived at the airport, Handsome Kevin took our final group photo. Finally after saying goodbye to him, we entered the airport labyrinth.
With no issues checking in our bags and going through airport security, we were all stress free upon arriving at the gate. Everyone was trying to use up the last of their dong with some even giving it away (thanks Luke).
Time to head back to Perth! We boarded our flight, a bittersweet feeling of missing Vietnam and wanting to see our families. The final and fourth speed down the runway and off we go!
(The plane food as usual was a bit questionable but still yummy.)
Thank you to all the staff, parents, and friends for not only allowing this amazing trip to happen, but making it a long lasting and happy memory for all of us 💛🇻🇳
Your final bloggers,
Abbey and Kate 😊
What an incredible day we have had! We started early by having breakfast in the buffet fueling up for our long day of adventures. From there we met our cyclo driver and hopped onto the bikes to set off to explore the massive city.
Our first stop was the very colourful and vibrant Chinatown markets, where we navigated through small isles filled with colourful food and small gadgets. Unfortunately you could only buy items in bulk so many of us didn’t purchase anything.
Next we cycled to the Thein Hau temple dedicated to the Chinese sea goddess. The temples amazing architecture and atmosphere was a peaceful contrast to the busy streets outside.
After that we worked up an appetite and were treated to a beef pho for lunch, which was the perfect fuel for the rest of the day.
After having very full and content stomachs for hopped on the cyclo to head back to the hotel where we tipped and said goodbye to our driver. After a small rest we set off on foot during the intense midday heat, but all was worth it when we reached the weapons bunker which is a historical site used during the Vietnam war. The bunker was filled with replicas of the guns and ammunition used in the war, this is where some of us got the hold the (unloaded) guns!
After experiencing how heavy the guns actually were we all decided then when we get back to Perth we need to go to the gym aha. Once we left the bunker we had a short walk to the Thich Quan Duc monument, this monument is dedicated to the monk Thich Quan Duc who self immolated in front of other monks and citizens to protest the south Vietnamese governments persecution of Buddhist’s.
After walking through a pivotal moment in the Vietnamese history we decided to walk back to the hotel to enjoy some free time. Some people decided to stay in their hotel and relax while others decided to explore the local markets or swim in the refreshing pool. Once we had our free time it was time to get ready for dinner. Everyone got into their nicest outfits and set off for our last dinner in Vietnam.
Once again our stomachs were full and we were ready for bed but we had one last thing to do…. At the start of the tour we were given a challenge that we had to complete by the end of the tour, it was to buy an item that was 100,000 dong or under that represented a memory/experience, our group or the culture of Vietnam. Tonight was the night that each group had to stand up and explain to everyone else why they were worthy of winning the challenge.
It was time to vote……. AND THE WINNERS WERRRREEEEE MS FREEMAN AND MR MERRIFEILD!!!! With their “delicious” chicken feet for Mr Andrew’s to enjoy 🤢🤢🤢.
Overall today has been a very enjoyable last day with lots of adventures and new historical information learnt, we all wish you guys could join us on this experience and can’t wait to see you all at Perth airport tomorrow night!!
Goodnight everyone – love Paige and Akayla 🤍
With the bustle and rush of Day 7 over, the students enjoyed a much needed sleep in until the late late hours of 9am.
Day 8 started the way we wish it hadn’t – a long morning walk while weary and half-awake. Though I’m sure none of our daydreams would prepare us for the journey ahead. Soon, the bustling morning life of the locals faded into background noise as our destination came into view. All 20ish of us – a much more awake 20ish of us – entered the gates of the expansive Independent Palace.
Inside this prestigious property we found ourselves passing two hours in an entirely different era.
Rusting telecommunications equipment. Yellowed maps littered with long gone plans. Seats that have been left bare for longer than sat on. These were our sights as we passed the two hours learning exactly how Saigon fell in 1975. We read, or maybe skimmed, each plaque that described how the palace was before it was empty. Each new room revealed another aspect of the war and soon, after this in depth history lesson, we reconvened for the next leg of the day.
We rested for lunch in the brimming Ben Tanh Street Food Market. From cheesy naan to Greek gyros, everyone found themselves chowing down. Luckily, the refreshing taste of ice creams and a myriad of desserts helped against the beating humid heat.
After lunch we found ourselves walking to our new destination – the War Remnants Museum. From the entrance we passed by swathes of military vehicles, a replica of the cruel cages and conditions of the prisons, and then finally into the main building.
As we climbed each level we were confronted again and again by the stories which were no longer fictional to us. Each exhibit further opened our eyes to the atrocities of warfare. From the photos on the wall we were exposed to the debilitating consequences of agent orange, the extent of the warcrimes committed , and how hundreds of thousands of lives were lost or impacted decades post-war. The entire twenty years of war – the bloodshed, the families, the people – were all condensed into this museum.
Although quite heavy, I know we all came out of it wiser and aware.
The rest of the day was fortunately much easier to stomach. That is, once we arrived back at the hotel we found ourselves splashing around in the pool, bartering at the markets, and dropping off some laundry (most likely to the relief of the parents reading this.)
Finally, we enjoyed a satisfying dinner of local Vietnamese cuisine. Our stomachs full of food and belly deep laughter, our heads full of new lessons, and our hearts feeling a small tug as this tour approaches it’s end.
From Joshwa
Day 1 in Ho Chi Minh city!
After a super early morning we climbed on board the bus that would become our home for the next 13 hours. Along the way we received a very in depth history lesson from our tour guide, Thuan, or handsome Kevin.
We visited handicapped handcrafts and got to see the workshop where disabled war veterans are hired to create traditional laqueur works. The prices were much higher here since these artworks are created with authentic materials.
We could not take photos of the work cause each item was a new, unique piece, but take our word for it that the artworks were quite stunning.
We then hopped back onto the bus to go to the Cu Chi Tunnels. Handsome Kevin directed us through collections of military equipment such as traps and animatronics depicting life at camp during the Vietnam War. We all got the unique opportunity to “drop” into a hole for one of the tunnels and close the lid above, covering it with leaves to hide away the entrance just as the Viet Cong would have.
Then it came time to enter the tunnels. We decended into the narrow, confining, and dark tunnels and found ourselves needing to waddle through or simply crawl through. With exits all around us, some students chose to opt out sooner than others, but majority of the students succeeded in completing 100m of these tunnels. Upon emerging everyones celebrations were cut short as it turned out we had one of the much easier tunnels.
We then embarked upon the next leg of the journey: a 2 hour bus ride to the Mekong Delta River which ended up being 3 due to standstill traffic. To everyones (mainly Luke’s) dismay a traffic jam/car accident of sorts had occurred upon our road and we were completely stuck on what was basically a high way. There were many outcries for a bathroom (again mainly Luke) and a futile suggestion of a bucket. But in the end, everyone (especially Luke’s bladder) persevered and we arrived at a rest stop for the Mekong Delta River where we all practically sprinted from the bus into the bathroom (of course, mainly Luke).
To quote Handsome Kevin – “after releasing water we are going to find more water” – and so we arrived at the Mekong Delta River docks. We were greeted with gifts of traditional hats and boarded a lively boat. This boat took us across to the coconut candy factorie.
Once again, our handsome tour guide Handsome Kevin talked us through how they create these delicious candies, and we sampled peanut, pandan, jurian, and cocoa coconut candies.
We climbed aboard the boat once again and travelled to the Unicorn island – one of four islands named after the four holy creatures in Vietnam culture: unicorns, phoenixes, turtles, and dragons – to which Unicorn island hosts an elaborate honey business. We sampled delicious honey tea and some purchased royal honey made from the queen bees meals.
In groups of four, we then boarded small kanoe-style row boats and we transported 2km down a small river by the locals on a very serene boat ride. We arrived to a small restaurant where we were treated with a performance of local songs and a platter of food. Finally, we boarded golf carts which quickly transported us back to the main boats, from where we made our way back to the bus for a final 2 hour bus ride back to the hotel.
We took control of a shopping malls food court for dinner, most students choosing to have pizza or pasta for a simple, quick dinner. Unfortunately for Alyssa and Joshwa, this was not the case, as their pasta was forgotten and they had to wait 40 minutes to get a pasta. At least it was a pretty good pasta.
And that was our crazy busy day in Ho Chi Minh!
From Alyssa, Ainsley and Meg
Today was the last day of Hue, 😭
The day began with an early morning down to the buffet, followed by leaving at 8am to have the closing ceremony at the Quang Phu Kindergarten. Saying goodbye to the A25 mart, which supplied water and ice-cream for us for the last 6 days, along the way.
Before the ceremony begun, 10 students volunteered to form some traditional Vietnamese dumplings, these students were then met with lovely Vietnamese university students, who, with designer 
names like Calvin Klein, or Louis (Vuitton), learnt our names and tested themselves on it, quickly becoming close friends with us.
Meanwhile the rest of the group worked on donating the glasses to the community, organising prescription and making a lasting impact for the people 
The closing ceremony began with the kindergarten classes 
performing impressive dances, including children being lifted into the air and flags being lifted high and proud.
The next act consisted of the teachers wearing gorgeous, blue, traditional attire and dancing with sunflowers to ethereal music, they finished off the dance with yellow material and formed it in the shape of the star on their flag, earning a loud round of applause and 
cheering from the audience.
Our very own Liam Gordon then performed a few breathtaking pieces on the piano, firstly one of his favourite, then a traditional Vietnamese nursery rhyme, truòng cháu là truòng mâm non, which led to some children and teachers singing along. We then performed our school song accompanied by Liam.
The performances ended with the University students performing a song also, which was changed last minute as their original choice was ruled, ‘too sad for the occasion’, they looked as though they really enjoyed singing regardless.
After a few speeches and awards given to the teachers, students and university students, it 
was time for the last final look at the music room that we had spent the last few days designing, while the TV played a montage of all the memories we made along the way.
We were then invited to have a traditional Vietnamese lunch, there 
was a beef broth soup, some rice noodles on a seperate plate, and multiple other ingredients arranged across the table, using these you could make your own lunch and eat it among friends.
After some lively chatter, sharing of instagram accounts and a quick TikTok video, it was time to head to the airport, Luke answered a few 
questions, highlighting the reasons why we had decided to provide service to the school.
Little did we know that the teachers had an unexpected surprise waiting for us, as we had a few hours to kill before we had to go to the airport, a surprise trip to the Aeonmall! Where we were allowed to split into groups, and spend 200,000 VND for lunch, and we roamed free for around 2 hours, grabbing drinks at Highland Coffee, debating whether to go into a cat cafe, or shopping for souvenirs at H&M.
Finally at 2:30, it was time to travel to the airport, and leave Hue.
At the airport we walked in and it was completely empty. We had plenty of time before we had to check our suitcases in so some of us were playing card games like uno and spot it. 
Some other people got drinks from highlands coffee. We checked our baggage in, got our visa and passports checked and got our plane ticket. We then went through security and boarded our flight.
On the plane, the view outside the window was really incredible, after we passed up above the clouds, the difference from the dark bleary night to a gorgeous sunset dipping under a sea of pink hinged clouds was insane. Really quick and short flight, a much needed rest after the busy day.
We got off our flight and waited forever for our suitcases, including watching the same specific box go on many laps around the belt, the owner no where to be seen. We finally got our luggage and left the airport.
After struggling to figure out which bus was ours our tour guide (Kevin.) waved us over and we were off to the hotel. Watching the busy road pass by, until we reached the Jovia hotel and checked in.
It was dinner time! Some of us went to the 
street food markets and some of us went to the mini mart 2 blocks down from the hotel to grab something for dinner. Had our dinner and went to bed, for a very late night after a long day.
Hope everyone had an amazing day today. We both had lots of fun and excitement.
From Belinda and Tahlia x 😁
This morning we got to sleep in for an extra hour which we all needed very much, and then we moseyed our way out of the hotel at a late 9:30 am. We then walked the plank onto a dragon boat as we drifted across the Perfume River to our next destination. First, we visited the Thien Mu Pagoda Temple, which includes us wearing modest clothing in respect to their wishes. We then quietly explored the temple which contained a praying area, statues and a huge bell! This beautiful place was the perfect opportunity for aesthetic photos, either in the foliage, outside the temple, or standing in front of a door. The temple was built in 1601 and is a religious, historical place in the city of Hue.
After, we went back onto the bot and travelled by foot to Nina’s Cafe for lunch, which was tucked away in an alleyway (we had a difficult time searching for). The food was delicious, and needed as we were all very hangry. As soon as we decided to leave the cafe, it began to rain, so we geared up with our emergency rain ponchos and walked to the front of The Imperial City in Hue. During our travels, we sang many songs from ABBA, Backstreet Boys, and our favourite, Let it Go by Idina Menzel. This cheered us up in the gloomy weather we were in, but we finally reached the Imperial City at around 2pm.
Dayym did the Emperor and his family have a nice place to stay! This was HUGE! The interior was beautifully painted in red with gold accents, stunning flower wall papers, and a meticulous exterior consisting of many mosaic pieces of a variety of colours. This building holds great memories of the feudal era in Vietnam during the Nguyen Dynasty back in 1805 during the reign of Emperor Gia Long. Although it was still raining, we pushed through and continued to explore the magnificent lifestyle of the Vietnamese Royals with their fancy vases and plates imported by the British, but we eventually said goodbye to their amazing infrastructure and headed for the Dong Ba markets.
The rain finally came to a stop as we left the Imperial City awaiting to haggle for cheap goods at the markets. As we arrived at 4, we walked through the narrow alleys in search for bargains. I’m not going to lie it did kinda smell in there, but I guess it was the mysterious red paste to our left and right and the miscellaneous meats including a raw tail from some animal Elyssa took. From bags to clothes to shoes to food, there was everything you could ever want in those markets. Some people’s haggling skills are too good by telling the seller people sell the item cheaper or mourning over their loss, getting a cheaper price than ever! If you need someone, Kyra’s your gal, she got a Louis Vuitton bag from 680, 000 Dong to 250, 000 Dong 👏👏!! Mr Merrifield bought some spicy mango and red crispy stuff (look delicious) for us to nibble on as we sat outside the markets waiting for everyone to finish up. Eventually, we left just after 5 and quickly stopped by the mini mart as the teachers thoughtfully bought us all a chocolate/ice cream after our long day of walking (around 17, 000 steps) and got back at the hotel around 5:25pm (thank you guys 😊). After a good hour and a half worth of rest and warm showers we headed to Why Not? Bar for some dinner.
Different to the other restaurants Why Not? had Mexican food options which everyone seems to love and devour, whilst some has some classic dishes of fried rice and beef pho. The atmosphere was inviting and the 80’s music was a bop! Lily tried to teach Luke pool but that didn’t go so good and neither of them could sink a ball for ages! If you know how to play pool please teach Luke a better technique, it would be much appreciated 🙂
We ended the night singing our school song in preparation for our ceremony with the Quang Phu Kindergarden tomorrow which everyone enjoyed singing, some lip syncing and some reading off their phones because after nearly their whole schooling career they still don’t know the lyrics to our school song!! (No hate guys)
Anyways, for our final day in Hue I would say it was quite eventually and fulfilling! I’m sad to say goodbye but we can’t wait to head to Ho Chi Minh for some new memories to be made.
Thank you Hue for all the beautiful and wonderful things you have brought into our lives (especially the cuteness overload by the kindy students) and can’t wait for the adventure to continue!
– Eva and Charlii
Good afternoon parents and families
Today we were doing the finishing touches on the mural and painting the windows outside, while the others were teaching their lessons to the Vietnamese kids. The building consisted of cleaning up the edges of the rainbow and finishing the writing on the walls, by the end of it the mural looked amazing cooperating everyone’s ideas and with the touch of all the students creativity.
For lunch, we had delicious Bahn mi’s from Ahn Thi, then quickly went back to work, getting the final touches done and cleared the room for it to be swept and mopped
We then started the tiring job of scraping the paint of the window which was difficult and tedious but eventually we finished and the windows looked great. It was then time for the children to eat their food once they woke up from their nap. We helped give out the food and spoon fed some whilst others brushed and redid their hair.
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We then prepared for the final reveal by connecting the new TV, setting the ukuleles and placing the colourful mats in the floor. We greeted the kids high fives and smiles and took their hands as they walked past revealing their brand new music room. The children looked around pointing at the amazing art work and ukuleles ready to be played. Liam then played a lovely song on the piano for the children and teachers. We then sung baby shark with all the kids which made everyone smile. Then Luke led the Hokey Pokey like a king in which everyone joined and had lots of fun. We then took a group photo with all the kids in their new music room. We repeated for the other kindy classes who were just as enthusiastic as the first. We said our goodbyes and hugs and left to go to the bamboo factory.
The bamboo factory was filled with amazing baskets and lamps which were beautifully crafted by the local people. We were lucky enough to see them threading and shredding the bamboo into thoughtfully made pieces from lamps to boats!
After that we went back to the hotel to freshen up, then went for dinner at Madam Thu 2 restaurant. The food was very tasty and the restaurant had a nice atmosphere. We then went for a lovely stroll through the city and viewed the colourful bridge which lights were reflecting on the water. Then in the way back some of us went straight back and while others continued to enjoy the lively streets of Vietnam (with a little shopping of course).
We all then eventually made our way back to the hotel excited for the extra hour of sleep we get tomorrow followed by the new things we will see and experience.
Saanvi x2 🙂
Good evening parents and families!
Today, we volunteered to write the blog post about our activities for day 3. With a sudden weather change, the rain bought a cooler day for us to work in.
Today, the building and teaching teams swapped roles, so now everyone has had a go at everything. Another task given to the building team was sanding down and painting the wooden shutters and doors. In the cold breeze, they worked their arms and made the doors look brand new.
The mural, needing only a few minor touch ups before being presented tomorrow, is nearly finished and brings so much colour to the room.
In only 2 days, we have accomplished so much as a team. Listening to music and enjoying each others company bought a lot of joy. Some of the main hits played in the room were mamma mia and frozen with many songs played by Liam on the Piano.
Although these tasks have been challenging, and many of us are very tired, the rewarding feeling of knowing the happiness it will bring to these students outweighs the tiredness.
For lunch, we were treated to another local Vietnamese meal of chicken, rice and spinach, which we ate on tables made for kindy kids to sit at. During painting, the school gifted us with what they called sludge cake (shrimp cake wrapped in leaves) which was only tried by a few students. Later, some of us explored the streets, some got head massages and many of us just chilled at the hotel. Dinner tonight was at DMZ bar and restaurant, where we enjoyed a variety of meals and bonded over soft drinks, mocktails and smoothies.
We are off to bed now as we need rest before another fun filled eventful day tomorrow!
Kyra and Samara
