This place is absolutely beautiful. It is a dirty, polluted, disgusting place but the people are what make this place so special. Everybody is so kind to one another and it really all feels like one big community. There are some
major differences that I am still trying to get used to. For one, there seems to be no driving laws. There are more motorbikes than cars and there seems to be no system. None other than drive slow and dodge others. I have even had to learn how to walk into full traffic just to cross the street! Thankfully, no accidents yet (knock on wood). Another thing is the food. Vietnamese love fresh food and especially fresh meat. To show the freshness of the meat, they actually have live animals on the side of the road which you order and they kill and prepare it for you. I know what you're wondering. Yes, I have seen cooked dog. Apparently it is good luck to have this as a meal at the end of the lunar month--which is in three days. We will be seeing it a lot.
The place that I am volunteering at is called Hanoi Friendship Village. It is a non-governmental institution that raises orphans affected by the effects of Agent Orange during the War. The kids are so cute and very playful. On Saturday, I went for a walk around the Village and there was a crowd of kids who ran up to me and led me around the place. I will be adding pictures soon.
Hugs and Kisses!
