From the bustling city of Ho Chi Minh to the peaceful shores of Ha Long Bay, this experience was one of a lifetime.
It feels generic to say, that it is one of the best experiences of my life.
Beginning the trip in Adelaide airport - meeting people that I have seen once before- was extremely confronting. Through our time in Vietnam, I now know that these were some of the best people, I will ever have the privilege to meet. Everyone was unique, but we all shared the same special interest in history.
This trip allowed me to see a completely different world, but also to feel safe and protected. Karaoke on the bus, playing cards, crawling through tunnels, and climbing lots and lots of stairs, all made me see the bigger picture. I began this trip with very little knowledge of Vietnam both as a war and country, but left with a whole new aspect of it. The War Remnants Museum, Nui Dat, and the Cu Chi tunnels all made me see the war in a completely different light.
Before I left for Vietnam, Bernard Lyle Smith, was just another story. He was another person who unfortunately lost his life, fighting for his country. This was until I looked down on the bunker at Nui Dat. Just looking at the land, I would have seen nothing special, but then I realized - this man who fought so hard for his country, died not far from this very spot. Everything was real then.
I have been extremely privileged to take part in this trip. Thank you to everyone who helped make it possible.
Sticky Rice, Martin Family!
That's Amazing!
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