37th SSEAYP 2010 - Vietnam Ho Chi Minh~

Day 44 - 7 December 2010

The weather was hot and humid. At 7am, Neng and I reluctantly dragged ourselves out from bed. Enjoyed a quick bath and wondered what was lining up for us for the second day of our Homestay programme in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam as part of our 37th Ship for Southeast Asian Youth Programme (SSEAYP).

Breakfast made by Ma Thu (This was one serving)

I remember 10 years ago when I followed my school for a visit to Ho Chi Minh City, the guide told us that the eating of french loaves was a remnant of the French culture during when Vietnam was a French colony.

I felt amazed by myself for being able to squeeze one whole french loaf into my stomach.

Our first stop for the day was the War Remnants Museum. During the taxi journey, I made full use of the time learning Vietnamese words and phrases from Em Nhung.

With Em Nhung, Ba Mao & his two colleagues in Police Force and Neng

Outside the museum were many battle planes and armoured vehicles. On the first floor, there were an assortment of the pyrotechnics and ammunitions that were used during the Vietnam War.

With Ba Mao who fought in the Vietnam War

Atrocities of the American forces were also featured at the museum. The use of Agent Orange, a chemical warfare agent, had dire consequences of generations of Vietnamese.

And to think the Americans are advocating Human Rights!

Mutated Foetuses due to Agent Orange

The symbol of Hanoi







Diplomatic ties with more than 150 countries


Met many Participating Youths (PYs), including my gangway partner

A section of the museum featured the imprisonment system under the South Vietnam (pro-US) government during the Vietnam War.

Tiger cages, used to fit 7 Vietnamese in one

Punishing female prisoners with snake in their trousers

Next, we headed to the Museum of Vietnamese History.

Ma Thu prepared lunch for us.

Met Host Brother in Police uniform


333 Beer for every meal


Vietnamese Spring Roll

I love the Vietnamese culture of taking naps after lunch. Good time to recharge ourselves.

Went to the bank to exchange for Vietnamese Dongs before proceeding to Dam Sen Water Park.

Setting the camera timer

Dam Sen Water Park was a huge serene park with recreational rides. Probably because it was a weekday, the Water Park was quiet if not for our chattering. 

Manager of the Park was sister of Ma Thu

Thanks to Ma Thu's sister, we got a free buggy ride

After playing bumper cars, we rested ourselves at the cafe.

Dinner was steamboat-styled.

Erm....

Gift from District Youth Union

Gift from Host Family

Exchange of Gift

Since there was still some time, we went for shopping at the Benh Thanh Market.

Met many other PYs

Again had a long discussion with Neng until we entered our sleep....