Week 2 of volunteering

This week has been a hectic one. The GVN Youth tour arrived to Tam Ky which is basically 20 teens from ages between 15-17 who have come to help out and experience Vietnam, so with that brought lots of noise, games and sweets. I think the teens are very brave doing something like this at that tender age and have pondered whether I would have turned out different if I had done it as I am sure my parents would agree that they were probably most of my selfish years. But anyways, that is then and this is now! So our day usually begins at 6.30am with breakfast served my "Grandma", who is such a sweetie with very little English but still welcomes you with a big hello and "how are you" and a big sniff kiss! It's a funny kiss all Vietnamese ladies do where they kiss and sniff you at the same time! Breakfast is usually a fresh bread roll with spreads, cheese, a big plate of exotic fruit and a Cafe saigon (which I have fallen in love with, its a traditional Vietnamese coffee that is served short and strong on crushed ice with a dollop of condensed milk). If we are lucky "Grandma" makes us her signature banana pancakes with honey and cinammon (Delish!!) We then go off at 8am for our first placement which is either working at the baby orphanage or the Disability Hospital helping the physios. We try to plan activities to do at the orphanage every day, this week involved a lot of arts and crafty things and face painting which the kids loved. We then return home for lunch at 10.30 am, yes you heard me....i usually only be considering breakfast at that time back home. Lunch can be anything from pho soup, shrimp, rice, tofu and noodles and then usually a smoothie and fruit. We have a gap then till 2.30pm which we might spend doing lesson plans, going for a walk or something we are all very fond off.......A NAP!! This week we were lucky enough to be invited by Hue to her graduation so that was lovely to be a part of. We all chipped in and bought her a silver bracelet and a cake and she cried with joy saying "I so happy". She got so much attention having 4 westeners with her and I could see that she loved all of it. We joined her class for a party after and were looked after so well. They all asked to have a photo with us so I can only imagine how many sitting rooms had my pink freckly face amongst all their milestone occasions. Our afternoon placement is usually teaching at this beach community with the nicest kids ever who greet you with a "hello teacher" song. Sometimes we head to the beach then or just go back for dinner.This week we got to take a boat out to an island and go swimming, was awesome! Our cook Mrs.Hahn is amazing and makes the best grapefruit salad and rice paper which you fill with pork and loads of veg and dip in this special satay sauce. Evening placement can involve going back to the orphanage, teaching at a summer school or home of affection. Then at 7pm its just chill out time. News for you all........I may come home with a baby............I have absolutely fallen in love with a year old girl called Nha Trang who has the biggest darkest eyes and the biggest cuddles for me every time she sees me. She is such a cutie and I really dont ever want to say goodbye.......