Xin Chao & welcome to the Vietnam Volunteer Network's page about beautiful Vietnam!

When people think of Vietnam they normally envisage scenes from War movie such as Platoon, Full Metal Jacket & Apocalypse Now etc. However, after a long & bitter War, Vietnam is fast becoming Pearl of the Orient!

Vietnam is one of the most beautiful countries in South East Asia, with stunning landscapes, lush paddy fields, ethnic cultures, idyllic beaches & chaotic yet dynamic & charming cities.

With Vietnam’s long history of colonisation & War, there is a mixture of Eastern & Western influences whether it be in the guise of Chinese or French  food or architecture, yet Vietnam is still very much Vietnam in its own right. The delicious food also signifies Vietnam’s personality; aromatic, gentile, strong & spicy!

The language is tonal & even the sounds of the traffic has its own language. It is truly amazing to see the amount of motorbikes & how one motorbike can hold so many people or transport such huge & sometimes strange objects! Crossing the road is certainly something you need to learn as the Vietnamese do not stop, instead they just ride or drive around you.

The spirit of the old & modern co exists in a country that is fast moving & developing in tourism. You will see a lot of beautifully preserved old colonial buildings, temples & Pagodas intermingled with modern ones.

With a population of over 86 million, Vietnam is ranked as the 13th most populous country in the world! Despite a huge population, you will always find children & people making time to say “hello” and you will certainly feel welcomed with open arms & warm smiles!

We hope this information page will help you to consider, not only volunteering in Vietnam to help the children we support but also to tour around our beautiful country on your time off & get to interact with the locals, culture & stunning landscapes that Vietnam has to offer, as well as enjoy the delicious food!

Nature has blessed Vietnam with all the five topographical landscapes of Southeast Asia: mountain, plateau, valley, coastal land and the island system.  The first of these provides one of Vietnam's most popular areas to visit, Sapa.

Sitting 1650 m above sea level, Sapa is synonymous with epic scenery and rich cultural diversity.  Sapa and the surrounding region is home to many hill tribes and ethnic minorities such as the H'mong and Dao people.

With countless rice terraces, valleys and Vietnam's highest peak Mount Fransipan to explore, the area has stunning landscapes every direction you turn.

Sapa is at the mercy of the weather.  It can be engulfed in fog and there was even snow in 2011.  Therefore, Sapa may be more suitable for the more resilient adventurer.

Hanoi is one capital city in the region that is relatively undeveloped but equally unspoilt.  Walking around the Old Quarter with its narrow alleyways and tangled web of streets, you really feel  like you have been transported back 1000 years in this pulsating city.  There are heavy Chinese cultural influences and French architectural designs from its colonial past.

Having endured many invasions and occupations throughout the ages, Hanoi's museums are a definite on any tourists itinerary.  In particular, the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum where Vietminh leader Ho Chi Minh is entombed.

At the centre of this magical city is the jade-green Hoan Kiem Lake which offers a pleasant respite from the frantic traffic.  You may even catch a glimpse of the sacred turtle that inhabits the lake!  Surrounding the lake you can roam around the various propaganda art galleries, sample the street food or marvel at the spectacle of Water Puppet Theatre.

Choose the time of year to visit Hanoi carefully.  Autumn is the best time to visit the capital in order to avoid both the brutally cold and wet winter and intolerably humid summer.

Hoi An is the Vietnamese equivalent of a quaint historic English market town.  Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, the resulting increase in tourism has had a somewhat detrimental effect on the preservation of Hoi An's culture.  Most of the native communities have left the town.  

However Hoi An retains its charm and is a place where frantic motorbikes are replaced with sedate push bikes and time appears to have stood still for centuries.

With many authentic Vietnamese restaurants, some of which offer cooking classes and numerous renowned tailors, Hoi An is the perfect place to recharge your batteries midway through your Vietnam adventure.

Translating into English as “descending dragon bay”, Halong Bay is arguably Vietnam's most popular tourist destination.  Nominated as one of the World's New 7 Wonders of Nature, Halong Bay features more than 1000 awesome limestone karsts and islands of various sizes and shapes.

Ha Long is also home to great biodiversity with typical eco-systems like mangrove forest, coral and tropical forest.  It is also home to thousands of plants and animals of numerous species, such as shrimp, fish and squid.  Some species are particularly rare and can be found no where else.

The only way to explore the bay is by boat, and there are many tour companies offering one or two night cruises.  These often include kayaking trips around the floating villages, walking tours of the incredible limestone caves and squid fishing!

Hue sits astride the Song Huong (the 'Perfume River').  This mysterious, somber city is a historian's dream come true.  

This is a main stopping off point for travellers making their way up or down Vietnam’s coastline.  Over the years, a backpackers scene has developed in the city’s cafés and eateries.

Despite being largely destroyed by heavy fighting during the bloody Tet Offensive of 1968, Hue’s Citadel is a great place to visit.  Some of the buildings have been refurbished or managed to escape damage.  

Also well worth a visit are the tomb of Tu Duc and tomb of Khai Dinh.  Hue is full of history, and the ever-changing community of travellers creates a unique experience.

Vietnam's third largest city, Da Nang is located on the coast midway between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.  Whilst it lacks the atmosphere of Hanoi and the hustle and bustle of Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang is a great place to recuperate on the city's beaches.

Outside of the city, the Marble Mountains and My Son ancient Cham temples are great spots to catch a unique view of this region of Vietnam.

The city is often overlooked by tourists but is one of the most friendly to backpackers in all of Vietnam.  China Beach, a former R & R destination for American G.I.'s, is now home to a small community of guest house owners, marble statue shops, and other various trades.  Some of the most beautiful and isolated beaches in Vietnam are found here, among some of the friendliest people.  This is a must stop for the budget traveller.

Nestled in the South Central Highlands, Da Lat was originally a retreat of the French who sought an escape from the heat and humidity of the coast and Saigon.

The scenery around Da Lat is quite unique, with both French and traditional Vietnamese influences.  Lakes, pine-covered hills and cooler temperatures than the rest of Vietnam, Da Lat makes a superb location to cool down and maybe hit a few balls on it's stunning golf courses!

For those who are looking for a more lively retreat than Da Lat, be sure to have Nha Trang on your 'must see' list.  Originally a small and sleep fishing village, Nha Trang is now renowned for its beautiful bay, its islands and white sand beaches.

Other activities include boat tours to explore the outer laying islands, bicycle tours around the town or a visit to the Oceanographic Museum of Vietnam.  During the evening you can experience Nha Trang's vibrant nightlife.

Nha Trang is also the scuba diving centre of Vietnam, although scuba in Vietnam is no comparison to scuba in other countries in the region, such as The Philippines.

The Mekong Delta is a vast agricultural region in Southern Vietnam and has rightfully earned the title “Rice Bowl of Asia”.

The bustling trade towns of Can Tho and Vinh Long are contrasted by the slow pace of life on the river.  Organised tours usually take tourists to sites where you can see traditional foods and crafts made such as coconut candy, rice paper and rice wine.

With vast low-lying rice paddies and an extensive river network surrounded by dense mangroves and palms, the Mekong Delta is possibly the most stereotypical image that comes to mind when one thinks of Vietnam.  

Whilst Hanoi is the centre of government, Ho Chi Minh City is the bustling heart of the country's economy.

Modern skyscrapers contrast the numerous Chinese-style pagodas that are dotted around the city.  Along with food stalls lining the streets and heaving markets such as Ben Thanh, Ho Chi Minh City has an exciting urban atmosphere.

For those interested in Vietnam's compelling history, there are many museums such as the Ho Chi Minh Museum and the War Remnants Museum.  Although the latter contains some quite evocative images, the American War (as it is referred to by the Vietnamese) is an important part of the country's history and offers some insight into the tenacious and resilient nature of the Vietnamese people. 

Think of Phuket before the mass development and hoards of tourists arrived and you've got Phu Quoc.

This peaceful tropical paradise, floats in the warm turquoise waters in the Gulf of Thailand, 50 kilometres from the Vietnamese mainland and a 50 minute flight from Ho Chi Minh City.  You can explore the local markets which probably sell some of the freshest seafood in Vietnam, relax on a  remote and stunning beach or explore life below the surface with scuba diving and snorkelling.

The untouched natural environment, friendly locals and relaxed and easy-going atmosphere has created a quite spectacular tropical island.

We hope that you will be able to plan your holiday to include these festivals in Vietnam on your trip or to utilise these dates & book in advance to avoid disappointment.

1.January 
New Year 

21. Jan. ~ 18. Feb.       
TET Vietnamese New Year Festival 
Date changes yearly after the moon calendar.

 8. March.                 
International womens Day
(No official bank holiday: Women, female co-workers get flowers)

 30. April                            
Liberation Day 
(from the American war in Vietnam) 

 1. May   
Labour Day 
(Free 3rd of may, as 1. Is a Saturday)

10. May       
Buddha‘s Birthday

 19. May          
Ho Chi Minh‘s Birthday
(No official bank holiday) 

Late August - Early September
Cow Racing Festival (Khmer people's festival to pay respect to their ancestors; normally found in Nui Bay, An Giang)
 
2. September         
National Bank Holiday

3. September 
Ho Chi Minh‘s Death/Passing Away 

9. September
National Theatre Day

12. September   
Mid Autumn/ Moon-Festival

25. December   
Christmas Day

If you do not hold a Vietnamese passport you will certainly be required to obtain a visa. The only exception is for some neighbouring countries. 

We will be updating this blog on other countries who need to obtain a visa as well as 'Visa on Arrival' & Visa exemptions for Overseas Vietnamese in due course. Until then, we hope this information from the Vietnamese embassy will be of help.

• Vietnamese Embassy website

http://www.vietnamembassy.org.uk/consular.html

• Address
12-14 Victoria Road, London W8 5RD
Tel: 0207 937 1912
Fax: 0207 937 6108 or 0207 565 3853
Email: consular@vietnamembassy.org.uk 


• Direction to the Embassy: 
The Embassy is located on Victoria Road, off Kensington High Street and Kensington Gardens. Nearest Underground stations are High Street Kensington or Gloucester Road. 

• Opening Time: 09.30 to 12.30 only, Monday to Friday, except Vietnamese and England and Wales public holidays. 2009
• Application for an entry VISA to Vietnam can be made in person or by post to the Embassy of Vietnam. Application in person can be made by the applicant or any representative. Application by post must be sent by Royal Mail Special Delivery. 

• Vietnamese Embassy website

http://www.vietnamembassy.org.uk/consular.html

• Address
12-14 Victoria Road, London W8 5RD
Tel: 0207 937 1912
Fax: 0207 937 6108 or 0207 565 3853
Email: consular@vietnamembassy.org.uk 


• Direction to the Embassy: 
The Embassy is located on Victoria Road, off Kensington High Street and Kensington Gardens. Nearest Underground stations are High Street Kensington or Gloucester Road. 

• Opening Time: 09.30 to 12.30 only, Monday to Friday, except Vietnamese and England and Wales public holidays. 2009
• Application for an entry VISA to Vietnam can be made in person or by post to the Embassy of Vietnam. Application in person can be made by the applicant or any representative. Application by post must be sent by Royal Mail Special Delivery. 
I. General requirements: 
Documents to be submitted are: 
1. Original PASSPORT whose validity must exceed that of the visa by at least one month. 
2. One completed APPLICATION FORM F (download form here).Forms can be retrieved online or distributed at the Embassy.
3. One passport PHOTOGRAPH taken not more than one year ago, affixed to the application form. Both Vietnamese and British passport sizes are accepted
4. VISA FEE payment payable to the ‘EMBASSY OF VIETNAM’, all in British pounds sterling only.
- For Application in person: payment can be in cash, guaranteed cheque, postal order or bankers draft.
- For Application by post: payment should be in guaranteed cheque, postal order or bankers draft only. Your full name, passport number, contact address and telephone number must be provided at the back of the payment. Please DO NOT SEND CASH by post, the Embassy does not accept responsibility for any loss as a result of you sending cash.
- Visa fees vary according to the type of visas and length of stay and are regularly adjusted. Please contact the Embassy by email at consular@vietnamembassy.org.uk for relevant fee information.
5. In case of application by post, passport and visa will be returned by post by Special Delivery. A self-addressed envelope (not stamped) and postal delivery service charge are required. 
6.The Embassy may request further supporting documents and will contact the applicant when necessary. Please do not send any unless contacted and explicitly requested to do so by the Embassy. 

II. Processing Schedule:
• Normal Processing: Five working days (one week) are required for a normal processing of application made in person 
• Express Processing: Two working days for an express processing (additional fee required). 
- Application by Fax: Application by Fax is available in the Express Processing only. You can send the application form and the main page of your passport by fax TWO DAYS in advance; and then collect the visa upon presenting your passport and paying for the visa fee at the Embassy. If you stay in Vietnam for more than one month and/or one entry, please consult the Embassy.
- Same-Day Processing: The visa can be processed in the Express Processing and granted on the same day of application if your stay in Vietnam does not exceed 15 days. This service is not available if you stay for more than 15 days.
• In case of application by post, it takes five working days plus additional posting time (by Royal Mail Delivery Next Day), i.e the visa processing time will start from the date the application is received, not from the date it is dispatched by post. 
- Delivery service charge to return your passport by post should be: 
o one passport: GBP 8 per person
o two or three passports: GBP 6 per person
o four to seven passports: GBP 5 per person
o from eight passports: GBP 4 per person


Vietnam entry requirements 
You should arrange a visa before entering Vietnam, and ensure there is at least six months remaining on your passport.

The Vietnamese weather is quite diverse & hopefully this section will you enable to pack clothes accordingly.

Located in both a tropical & temperate zone, Vietnam is split into wet, dry, hot & cool seasons.  There are strong monsoon influences, yet Vietnam’s weather also has glorious sunshine & can also be quite humid.

The climate in Vietnam differs between the north and south, however both regions experience monsoons. From November to April, the north is cool and dry, while May to October is hot and rainy. North of Nha Trang, the central coast has a similar climate with cool, wet weather between December and February in the winter monsoon season. The seasons tend to begin a bit later in the south, which is hot and humid all year round, particularly from February to May, while the rainy season lasts from May to November. The Central Highlands have a similar climate to the south, but is somewhat cooler and temperatures can reach freezing in winter. The temperature in Hanoi can range from 63°F (17°C) in January, to 84°F (20°C) in June. 


Tip: As the Vietnamese tend to like skin whitening lotions, you will find loads of sun block to purchase, however it would be advisable for you to remember to pack sun tanning lotion if you want to top up your tan as sun tanning lotion can be hard to find or very expensive. 

                                Best Season      Wet               Dry               Hot              Cold       
North (Hanoi):         Nov - Mar            May - Oct      Nov - Apr      Apr - Sep     Nov - Mar

Middle (Hue):          May - Jun           Sep - Jan      May - Apr     May - Aug     Dec - Jan

South(Saigon):       Nov - Apr             May - Sep     Mar - Apr     All Year        None

Here is our wonderful Kiwi VVN volunteer Sharon Thompson's account of volunteering at Go Vap Orphanage, where she is bringing much love, fun, care & culture to the kids. Thank you Sharon for your sharing your heart warming stories with us! 
Love & light, Kim & the VVN team xox
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20.03.2012 ~ 
I walked to the bus station to meet Andrew, he had emailed me and said to meet at 0700 and we would catch bus 18, that was fine, but I couldn’t remember what he looked like from FB and I was worried I would be late...so to cut a long story short, poor Andrew waited for me in the stinking hot and I got lost on a Xe Om (motorbike taxi) the poor fella took me to the wrong orphanage, but mind you, I didn’t have the address and thought he knew where it was, you can imagine how awkward I felt having to walk out of the SOS Children’s Village when I saw there was no mention or knowledge of the wonderful Kim Nguyen Browne. I felt stink that I wasn’t able to help them....anyway, after a very gracious driver, I finally got there, Go Vap, where I have been planning to visit for almost 9 months.

What were my first impressions? it was clean, it smelt like cleaners and the staff didn't smile or seem at all happy to have some help, but when I saw Annette and Andrew I felt SO welcome and at home. Annette is Belgian and speaks French, she has spent the last 15 years volunteering, awe inspiring really! so humble, a Buddhist and really funny. Andrew is an Aussie born Viet, he is an osteopath and is spending about 4 months here, he is handsome and has the most amazing commitment to these kids. A lovely man. 

I think I may have come at a bit of a bad time (as I was late), so they were just about getting ready to feed, so i just busied myself in the rooms until Annette needed me to feed. I walked into the oldest room and say a sea of contorted little bodies, a young child with a seriously swollen head ....I had seem videos that Kim had put up to seek people to help, but nothing can capture what I felt when I stood next to her bed. I felt so helpless. How could I bring her some comfort? How could i let her know that people care? How could I ease her pain? All I could do was let he know that I cared, that I was there for those few minutes with her and I tried to somehow communicate with her on a spiritual level. then I sung her 'You are my sunshine' but realised that I don’t know the last chorus (need to google that). She lay there, her head so large that even if she wanted to move, she couldn’t, her head so heavy that I even imagine picking her up for a cuddle could be risky. I kissed her head and moved on to the other children in the room. Some responded, some didn't, some just stared right through me...I stayed and gave them my five minutes and then sung whatever song I could think of, sometimes Bruno Mars, but more often, poorly sung nursery rhymes.

Breakfast time...or just one of the two meals the kids eat each day. Congee, with a tiny speckle of some vegetables. It then occurred to me why Kim asked for vitamins as I realise that they don't get much. I fed her while she was lying on the ground with me on a wedge and was told to stay to one side so the staff could get past me if the needed to. I was feeding away and the little 8 year old with polio came in to 'help' me feed. She is cheeky, she is an 'attention seeker', but hey, she is smart, she knows we all need love and attention and she is not shy to demand it. I love her, she is funny, when i bent over to pick something up she slapped me on the ass LOL I turned around and she has the biggest grin on her face. She had some spark and she was bright and used this to get what she needed, attention. I don't blame her for being like that...in fact, I admire her. I returned to feeding the teenager with epilepsy and my little polio girl sat on my knee with a big PLONK....right into the bowl of congee. I squealed with laughter (my automatic reaction) but Annette reminded me that this could also get her in trouble with the staff (for being naughty)...her and I shared a funny moment....my dress was covered in rice and my thighs were even wetter and sweatier than they were. Priceless moment :)

After breakfast was 'play time'. The children were taken to an outside part of the rooms and laid down on mats with a crappy radio playing :) In the next 5 minutes I learnt that a raspberry (blowing a fart on a cheek) in universal, I got the biggest smiles that would melt the hardest of hearts. When Andrew came in with one of the cerebral palsy boys and raced his wheelchair there was the most amazing, guttural, face distorting giggle that came out of this tiny twisted body....if only I could bottle that sound, I would, to see this little boy lost in his own laugh was beautiful!!! Shortly after a bunch of very pretty made up Aussie girls came in. they told me that they are here to help 15 orphanages and they donate money and come every year. now, I am not to judge, but i will say what i think. They stuck to the 'cutest' babies and just kept talking about the money they give. Don’t get me wrong, this is honourable and I am pleased to see people helping, but if I have learnt one thing in the first hour at Go Vap is that money means shit to these kids....what they need is a smile, a touch, a song, a kiss and just time. Westerners are so focussed on money to make things better, they couldn’t be more wrong. I like that these girls are helping (and they look pretty with their push up bras, false eyelashes and nice nails) but i would love to see them go into the terminal ward and tell me that money can help them......crikey, that was a bit of a rant! but I feel so invested in these kids already, all we need to go is 'give a little often'.

After playtime i was invited to have lunch with the other volunteers and managers. Wow! Heaven, they couldn’t understand what I was saying (Although Andrew translated), but they could see I was in heaven. I love food, and I love trying new food. I love that this would have been a humble home cooked meal, but by god it was incredible!
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21.03.2012 ~This morning Andrew took me to all the other rooms that I hadn’t seen, one of them was the 'cerebral palsy' room which had kids that were blind, autistic, CP and some unknown (to me) physical issues. These wee kids were a little unused to 'strangers' as I don’t think they have many visitors come in, that was hard to see. Sometimes when I touched a child’s hand (whilst singing) they would pull their hand to their chest and 'hide. The staff in this room seemed nice enough though and was engaging in some physical activity, good old Andrew did his osteopath thing :)
We then went to the little kids 'school'. This is where your wee boy was Kim. These kids were about 3-7 (?) and they were all quiet alert and happy to see us. There were a few extremely adorable little girls, one of whom I now know is being adopted shortly (that’s brilliant!).

After this we visited the downs syndrome kids while they were playing and I had a lovely time with a young girl who I thought was really bright, we did thumbs up together and played 'row row row your boat' which she loved. She had a real spark to her. She went to do some drawing and when she had finished she was determined to tidy up the pencils so lined them up in the box to slide the cover over. She had too many pencils in there so we took some out. She tried again....and again growled at the box in frustration. After a few interventions she got them in and let out a huge sigh of relief...it made me laugh. I gave her the thumbs up and she smiled...mission accomplished.

The special needs kids room (older, so about 15 upwards) were just gorgeous!! One wee gentleman greeted me with a bow and gestured with his arm to welcome me to his 'home', he seemed very proud of his place in the world, this was really touching. I walked in and he looked at me and smiled. All these kids are alert, intrigued, active and spunky. I was supposed to go back tomorrow morning and teach them the haka, hongi and maybe pois and stick games, but will postpone so I can rest. I can't wait, these children are so alive.

Late morning we went to the infirmary where I am based. It was a hard morning. One of the boys has a really awful chest issue and his breathing is heavy and rattly. Every now and then I would hear him cough and gasp and this was quite upsetting to watch. Andrew kindly came to show me how to position him on his side to relieve some stress on his lungs. I managed to do this for him later in the afternoon as the staff must have moved him back. I knew he was happier as he gave me a smile and I spent a few minutes blowing on his back while lifting up his shirt, I think he liked the breeze.
I spent some time with Hien, who is in the late stages of hydrocephalus....her head is almost as big as a basketball and she lies next to a girl who has half a brain and a tiny head. Annette, the Belgian helper jokes about them lying next to each other as opposites ( you need humour in this place). I grabbed my wet wipes and rubbed her forehead; she shut her eyes in appreciation and gave a small smile. I kissed her forehead and wondered how it must be for her...another very difficult moment for me, but one I will repeat again tomorrow afternoon. She needed the comfort and attention and even if it was only for a minute or so, I know that Annette will do the same for her tomorrow :)

I feel so protective of these kids. they have become 'my children' and even when I am not working I think of how they are, hope they have a nice carer (if the other VVN's aren’t there) and wonder what they dream of at night time.....

I met a Canadian fella who is over here with his wife and he said he helps once a week teaching English. There was a bit of 'down time' so I used that opportunity to evangelise about the need of the kids in the infirmary. He was just here for the toddlers and young children and seemed somewhat awkward around the kids with the big heads that were out to 'play' (lying under a fan on the mat). I showed him how blowing a raspberry on the tummies makes the kids react and I think he felt a little more relaxed. I welcomed him to come into the 'waiting' room where I help out, but I don't think he could do it. Sad, but I am thankful he is here and hope that one Wednesday he will get the courage to peek into the room so they delightful two in the front will see him and smile. then I am sure he will look past the physical....

We went for lunch and met Co Loan, the head of Go Vap and she is like a mum, so lovely and warm, embracing and I can see that she loves Kim’s volunteers. I handed her some dairy milk chocolate, a camera, vitamins, sudocrem and toothbrushes etc. we then all sat down for lunch in her AC'd office. Today’s lunch was pho with banana flower, phwoa! Yummy. This was followed by fresh mango and little bananas, I was unfortunately sitting next to the lovely lady who was quite enthusiastic about the use of the shrimp paste in her soup and it was SO strong! :) Every now and again I would get a whiff and my tummy would almost turn. It was so putrid smelling but they were ok with my reaction and smiled with me.

After lunch I went back to the kids. It was about 1 pm and they were waking from their nap so I sat in the corridor, read a bit of my HCM tour guide and called mum and dad. At this time it was roaring with thunder and quite spectacular. After ten minutes I went into the room and checked on me wee boy with the bad chest, moved him into a better position and then looked around to see the two in the front twisting their bodies towards me. When I turned around, I got the biggest smile and giggle. So, we played 1...2....3...raspberry. It was such a fun game to play with them as I could see they loved it. I grabbed one bed and moved it towards the corridor and the roars of laughter, the squealing and wriggling were incredible. He knew that I was taking him near the outside and just got so overwhelmed, it was freaking awesome. So....I went and got his friend, moved the other to one side and stuck them in the same bed together. This was my favourite moment of the day...I skipped them up and down the corridor pushing their cot. I think the breeze on their face excited them. I got strange looks from some of the helpers and little polio girl wanted to come with me....I would have loved my wee ray of sunshine to join me but they staff said she needed to eat (fair enough). So each time we came past her room I would give her a wave and she would give me one back. She is so delicious. I took the boys back to the room, gave them a kiss as they were ready to be fed. The staff came, grabbed an arm, hauled them up and onto the ground...I gave them another kiss as to say "I will look after you" and left. 
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------22.03.2012 ~ It was just me there today at GVO. Annette and Andrew usually go in the mornings, but I made sure I did the rounds and checked the kid’s nappies and took a few outside. We did corridor skipping again today and got a video of it....I also took Hien out. She is the girl in the late stages of hydrocephalus. I don’t think she gets a chance to go out and she is pretty much just left there, unless us VVN's are there. Hien and Hien (the wee girl with Polio) and I sat outside and sponged our heads with wet wipes. Hien wiped the legs of the other Hien and I rubbed her head very gently. I think that the cool breeze and the wipe was nice for her. 

I did my rounds and said hello and sung to the older kids in the infirmary and then spent a bit of time with the younger sick kids. They seemed a bit upset today so I just did what I could, when I could. I get a bit frustrated at myself that I don’t stay for a full day, but the heat there just drains me, so it’s usually 0730 till around lunch time. But guess every bit helps. I met a local girl who was really interested to know about Go Vap today, so I showed her some pictures and she was incredibly empathetic and would be amazing to have on board there, so I gave her Kim’s details :)

After the orphanage (415) I met with Co Loan (the Director) and gave her some more vitamins, toothbrushes etc for the kids. She then kindly offered to arrange a Xi om for me as she wanted a 'careful' driver....she is so lovely. 

It’s been another amazing day. I am gutted the internet is so slow as I can’t seem to load any pictures, or more importantly my videos. I want you all to see the beautiful kids that I get to be with each day, it doesn’t take long to look past their physical issues...these children are so precious!
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23.03.2012 ~0715 and it was time to get my Xi Om to Go Vap. I love walking in and sneaking up on Hien as she always just comes running with her little gippetto legs and gives me a hug. This morning when I walked in she was in the corridor on her own just playing with a chair and her flannel. She has this ability to create fun out of anything little and I think that it’s a really valuable creative strength that she has. One thing that dawned on me today was why she doesn’t go to the school that they have at the orphanage...sure, she has Polio and can’t speak, but she is incredibly intelligent and I think that she amazing potential, my wish for her is that she does get to go and maybe it’s just something that I don’t know about? I can understand that the other kid’s n the infirmary can’t go as some are so ill and cannot even sit up, but she is perfectly aware and bright. It also occurred to me that she was the only 'able bodied' girl that has her head shaved. The other 2 'cute' ones have nice hair but poor old Hien has hers shaved...maybe it because she would get too much dribble in it? But I just feel for her and actually had a wee moment where I just felt like I wanted to make things better for her. I sat and cried around the corner for a moment and she came and found me. She instructed me to go and get my wet wipes and when I got them she reached up and wiped my tears. It actually made me cry even more and we both just cracked up laughing. This wee girl has stolen my heart. of course I have a place for all the children and make sure that I go round and kiss them hello, be a silly bugger with them, then kiss them goodbye, but Hien is who I think of when I am not there. 

I took the boys on their daily corridor skipping outing and also grabbed a few of the other kiddies, closed the sun shades and had some time outside with them. This involves talking, singing, making strange noises and just doing whatever it takes to get a smile.

Hien and I went to see Hien (with the big head.....that's just the way it is, we don’t say that to be disrespectful, it’s just fact and we need humour). We wiped her head for her again so she smelt all nice and felt cooler. 

Hien and I then snuck off around the corner. I told her to making the 'shushing' gesture and to 'tippy toe' (she does anyway) and to follow me. We went to the play area and I put my pink polka dot scarf on her head and placed the flower by her ear. I took photos of her and she just came alive, it was so cute to see. I have never seen her in a dress; they seem to dress her in pants, so I wanted her to feel girlie for that moment, even if she was dribbling like a tap and had a boy’s hair cut LOL. (See photos on my Flickr page), there is a link on one of the older posts.

I then gave her a lollipop, this was the secret. I am not too sure she knew what to do with it, or what it was but I showed her. She was in heaven, but when it came time to take it off her; I really had to wrestle it out of her hands. Of course I made it into a game and she was laughing too, but boy did I feel bad, she wanted that lollipop so badly, but I had to go to the babies’ room and take her back to the room for her morning nap. I took her back the room, the carer pulled her in the room, shut the doors and the lights were off. I sat down and put my shoes on, wiped myself down and looked up to see these two little eyes peering out of the glass.....my wee Hien, I just want to take you with me to see the world....

I went to the baby’s room with Annette and she did her normal crazy antics. She makes the funniest noises, I told her that she almost sounded like Pingu and we had a laugh together. She is an amazing woman and I would love to do what she does. Travel to volunteer full time. We had lots of cuddles, but there are So many babies and so little time!! it’s always nice to go there and have some cuddles, but these wee ones are spoilt for attention...it’s sad, as once they get older, it all changes....but that is life, and not just here :) That’s why I wanted to be with the older kids who needed the time and love. 

Today Go Loan invited us to share lunch with all the staff. The table was laid out with fancy flowers and pho, fruit and fresh juice. Everyone was in suits and all dressed up and Annette and I joked that we were all sweaty and smelly from playing with the kids. Lunch was great and one lady always watches me eat as I just enjoy the food so much, I swear she thinks I am a bit of a piglet :) 
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24.03.2012 ~ I promptly got myself organised and to Go Vap. As I was running a bit late I didn’t have time to go to my normal spot for my bread roll so stopped at the little street seller outside the orphanage, I met the owners and their little girl who was doing her homework while school kids were smoking around her and bikes and cars whizzing by. I spoke to her a little and gave her a NZ pen and a toothbrush. My breakfast was great but there were far too many chillies in the roll so the lovely grandmother came out and pulled them out for me...bless. The people here are so kind and considerate; again they offered me a chair and a glass of water.

I had to sneak past Hien's room on the way to the big kids as I didn’t want to disappoint her by walking straight past without coming in. I was going to special needs room to teach them a little about NZ, they must have a strange idea about us Kiwis after what I taught them :) I showed them a video of Maori stick games and poi’s and the kids had a practise with the sticks, thanks to Tracey for lending them to me. I then took out my scrapbook of pictures showing a flag, map, landscape, sheep, Kiwi etc. Then, as requested by Kim Nguyen Browne, I attempted to teach them the Ka Mate Hakka, so in order to get ready for the Hakka I drew mokos on the kids, again, really badly, but they got the idea. they watched the video of the All Blacks doing the Hakka and all the boys got up and started stamping their feet, it was hilarious, they loved being able to get a bit rowdy on it. So, I taught them the basics and they just had a ball, although Jeff will need to show them the real version when he arrives :) I also taught them the Hongi. This was really cute. About 3/4 of the kids loved it, but it’s quite common for the kids here not to like their heads being touched...I am not sure of why this is. Anyway, I showed them all how to do it with the lovely blind boy and showed them how to put our noses together. Then they all started lining up. Two of the older boys thought this was really cool and even popped me a big kiss; this made all the kids laugh at my reaction. He even did it again when I went to leave. It was a fun morning with them, I was absolutely buggered by the time I left and everyone had sweated their fake mokos off and my hair was dripping. I sat down with the girls for a while and showed them photos of my friends & family. I also showed them videos of me on the motorbike which they just soaked up....the most popular photos were the food. This made me a bit sad. As I was all done there I headed to the infirmary.

I wanted to check on the big kids first so did the rounds and the two boys at the front gave me the biggest grins....I just love that! I saw Hien and wiped her head and checked on everyone else. There are a few newbie’s in here now and one boy who is blind and mute, he is really large and they are going to have to find a bigger cot for him at some stage as he will outgrow this one soon:) I think he may have been moved here as he could be putting the other kids at risk where he was. Andrew and I were in the other room with him the other day and they had to touch his head to give him his medicine and he raged out banging his head on the ground and yelling. It was quite disturbing, but the staff were good and moved him to the mat so he could have his moment in a safer manner.

Once I had checked on all the big kids I walked into the middle kid’s room. One boy was getting hooked up to oxygen and there were 4 staff around him. I went and said hello to all the kids and noticed one wee fella had vomit all over his face, hands and bed. The congee mustn’t have been so flash this morning :) I cleaned it up and not sooner had I done that he started coughing and more came up, poor button. I cleaned him up again and put him in the recover position, propped up by some cloth nappies. He seems ok after that. I changed a few wet nappies to help the staff and popped in the youngest room. Everyone was lying down except Hien and as soon as she saw me she threw out her arms and started waving them....I wish I had my camera as it’s a moment I just loved! I changed her nappies as she was soaked and took her and the wee Agent Orange boy with no fingers out for a wee walk down the corridor. It didn’t take long for Hien to gesture for a lollipop LOL, she is one smart cookie....but I hadn’t brought any today. I put the kids down the slide and then we went and got the boys for our morning corridor skip, the boys were completely beside themselves this time, even before I had picked the other one up to put him in bed, I think he was almost going to hyper ventilate.
We played for a good while and I was invited for lunch with the ladies, always a highlight. Then I caught the bus back home & organised a trip to the Mekong Delta for tomorrow. I am quite excited. Then the following day Jeff will be here - woo hoo! 

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------26.03.2012 ~ Started my day early again in the usual fashion and walked in to see poor wee Hien on the 'naughty step'. Usually she will come running but she gestured to me that she couldn’t move or she would get in trouble, it seems there is one lady that she is quite intimidated by. Within five minutes she was back though and already indicating she wanted a lollipop. She is one smart wee cookie.

I helped with the feeding for a while and the poor wee fella was really not to keen on his congee this morning as each time I spooned it in his mouth he almost gagged....which kind of made me feel ill. Hien thought this was hilarious and when she laughed, so did he (I love these little moments). Annette took over the feeding for me as I wasn't efficient enough getting it into his mouth and they needed to clean the floors. I did a nappy check and then took the kids on the morning skip down the corridor.

Maysie, the new VVN started today, it was tough for her as she just felt overwhelmed by the whole place, Andrew and I just reassured her that it was ok and that if she needed to she could always ring one of us to debrief, I think it’s really important to. My blog helps me, and also talking to Jeff each night :)

I met Rickard from Sweden who is on his third visit, he is very dedicated to the kids and him and Annette went to visit the wee boy who was on oxygen yesterday.
Once the feeding, bed changing and nappies were done I took Hein downstairs to see her wee friend. She clung to me for a while as the atmosphere was busy and loud. once she settled she just kept looking around the room at all the books, toys, colours and images...a stark contrast to where she spends all her time...this made me quite sad and really reinforced that I need to talk to Co Loan about her future. I SO want to see her where she belongs. When I come back I want to know that she has been part of the class when learning a new song, watching TV (what a treat) and playing with other able bodied kids her age.

We all went for lunch and then I took the bus back home, I got talking with a local girl and helped her with her English and it was so cute....when she left she said "you make me feel fun and happy"..Bless!! I love the people here, they are so open and friendly and don't have stiff upper lips like us conservative westerners.
Happy days that Jeff is here now and I have him to share the place with. I have learnt that I can travel fine on my own but nothing beats sharing it with someone, especially someone you love. The next few weeks are going to be brilliant; I am really excited about getting to a quieter part of the country and seeing some new sites. 

Time to get some shut eye as we will be up early again to head to Go Vap.

Still in love with VN

Sharon 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------If you would like to join our Vietnam Volunteer Network family & volunteer with us to help support these special children, please drop us an email at info@vietnamvolunteernetwork.com
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Together we CAN make a difference!

Love & light,
Kim & the VVN Team xox

Kim Nguyen Browne
CEO & Founder
Vietnam Volunteer Network
E: knb@vietnamvolunteernetwork.com
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