Happy in Hoi An – Community Service Vietnam 2016

The following post features student writing.

Hannah piloting the boat on her birthday.

After Hannah’s birthday, we were able to catch up on some sleep, and went to explore the old city of Hoi An! The entire group explored the old markets, and whether it was buying custom suits or haggling prices (which is a rite of passage here in Vietnam), we all had a great time! We were able to finally get a Vietnamese classic — phở. Since it takes years and years of practice to make, Vi and Jesse wanted us to have the best first experience possible! Back at the hotel, we got a one-of-a-kind photography lesson from our leaders! As you have all seen from the photos on the blog, our leaders are amazing photographers! We were taught some important “rules” at the hotel, then we went to the market to test them out. We all explored, taking amazing pictures along the way to dinner. After dinner, the group was able to indulge in one of their most craved foods: WAFFLES! We headed back to the hotel for some much needed rest.

Brief but spectacular light show during our photography class.

The next day we were all up bright and early for 6 AM yoga on the beach! We met up with a professional yoga instructor, and laid out our towels on the beach. We all stretched our bodies to their full capacities, both alone and with partners! We then took a dip in the crystal clear ocean afterward in order to refresh and relax.

Yoga on the beach.

A nap was then rewarded and we went to our lunch: burgers! We packed up and hopped on the 3.5 hour bus ride back to the village! Once we got there, we planned out our independent projects and presented them to the group. From dance lessons to cow care, we have such a diverse range of passions and interests…I can’t wait to see how much everyone learns! We start our last week in the village, teaching in a school and continuing to work on our houses…let’s hope we finish it off with a bang!

– Ava L.

Chinese lanterns decorate Hoi An’s Old Town.