It was a great trip, and we learned all sorts of fascinating things along the way:
- Ho Chi Minh, the first president, lived a very frugal life, fasting once a week and donating the money to the poor
- What is the difference between a temple and a pagoda? A temple is for holy people - monks and nuns - whereas a pagoda is for the common folk
- Saigon has a population of 10 million people and 7 million motorbikes
- Ha Long Bay has a complex and fascinating geological history. There is evidence that people once lived in the caves when the sea levels were lower.
- Vietnam is the second largest exporter of coffee, after Brazil.
- Hoi An served as a vital port for trading with the Chinese and Japanese until the river silted up in the late 19th century and the trade moved north to Danang. The result - today Hoi An is a beautiful little town with a relaxed and tranquil atmosphere.
- The Vietnamese language has six tones. When the French colonised Vietnam, the written language, related to Chinese script, was replaced with the Roman alphabet.
- Vietnam's first university was founded in 1076
- There appears to be only one rule on the road: so long as you sound your horn constantly, you can do whatever you like, especially if you are bigger than everyone else!
- Boats on the Mekong Delta have eyes painted at the front to ward off dangerous sea serpents
Another one for my "Heather in a funny hat" collection
We spent a day in Bangkok to buy some books and resources for the schools, before travelling back to Mae Sot on Saturday. It was good to have a complete break and change of scene - my first real break since I got here - and wonderful to have the opportunity to visit another country in this corner of the world. One of the definite advantages to volunteering!
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