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Published: January 1st 2006
Hello! Hello!
Today is the first day of orientation..
Orientation
New things to experience
Very relaxing
We spent part of the morning going to the local market. For a small place, Tam Ky sure has a huge market. Mind you it is probably because it is the main market for the entire town. I plan on going there again in the next couple of days since we did not have that much time there this morning. Also found where things like the post office, ATM and bus station are located.
At the market I totally felt like I was the one on display. Seeing this "giant" Chinese Foreigner (a lot of people seem to think I'm from Singapore!) Well, I guess all 6 of us volunteers were on display. 😊 It was sad seeing the children beg for money and then having to ignore them since I don't want to give them anything and be swarmed in seconds. I admit that I was totally overwhelmed by the whole market experience since being Sunday everyone was out and about with bikes and cyclos and trucks going every which way. I can't wait to go back though and test out a bit of my bargaining skills (btw, I have none!) Actually I'm not sure what I even need to buy since all food is supplied for us. Perhaps I'll pick up a few trinkets or something. Who knows what I'll end up with??
We are hoping to find a nice place to go tonight to have a beer (or in my case a Coke). There really isn't a place to sit and relax at our guest house plus it would be nice to get "away" from the house once in a while.
Our placement will start on Tuesday. I was looking at the tentative schedule and I seem to be working mainly at the Baby Orphanage (playing games, teaching crafts) and one day teaching English (that should be interesting!) I guess with six volunteers the work is being spread out and the days are actually quite on the light side in terms of "working". That's okay though. Mega relaxation time is always good in my books! I can't wait to check out the beach or travel up to Hoi An on the weekend. The beach is about 10km away. The translator said that we can easily ride the bikes out there. That should be an experience!
Well, it is almost time for lunch. I will write about a few of my observations in my next entry. So much to tell still...
Love,
Bonnie
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anonymous
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Happy New Year's From Richmond
Happy New Year's Bonnie! This is my first attempt in responding to your very informative and entertaining journal entries. It's wonderful to hear that you have landed safely at your first destination. You will soon be a pro at bargaining at the markets. You will have to pace yourself or you will end up with mucho junk to carry on home! Will look forward to hearing more of your first day with the "babies"; could it be your own youthful baby face that determined your placement? New Year's Eve was spent quietly here at the Lee Household. Everyone was in bed by 11:00 p.m.! I was awaken briefly by some neighbourhood revellers banging their kitchen pots n' pans around midnight. New Year's Day arrived with sunny but cold skies here in Richmond. There were reports of light falling snow in parts of the Lower Mainland. Take care for now, Your Aunt K. - Aunt K.