1st Week - The beginning in Ha Noi

Xin Chao (Hello)!

From GIEU 2010 - First week in Hanoi

This week we spent in Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam. We've done a bunch of crazy and exciting things such as visiting the Presidential Palace and the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and even shopping in the Old Quarter.

From GIEU 2010 - First week in Hanoi

From GIEU 2010 - First week in Hanoi

We traveled outside of the city to Ha Long Bay experiencing the beautiful scenery that Vietnam has to offer.

From GIEU 2010 - First week in Hanoi

From GIEU 2010 - First week in Hanoi

We've gone to several lectures ranging from culture to the economy.

From GIEU 2010 - First week in Hanoi

From GIEU 2010 - First week in Hanoi

From GIEU 2010 - First week in Hanoi

From GIEU 2010 - First week in Hanoi

One day we spent in a village donating books to a new library in Bac Giang.

From GIEU 2010 - First week in Hanoi

From GIEU 2010 - First week in Hanoi

We also visited the "Hanoi Hilton" prison where prisoners of war were held during French reign and during the Vietnam war. This evening we're departing to Dong Ha in central Vietnam on an overnight train. Keep looking at the blog for updates of our travels.

Tam Biet (Goodbye)!

GIEU Vietnam - a quick hello from Hanoi

This is a virtual postcard from TA in Hanoi:

So GIEU Vietnam is the first GIEU site to start this summer.
Everyone has got to Hanoi, Vietnam, safe in one piece (though one piece of luggage was missing, and then was collected on Monday)
The first part in Hanoi is more of exploration and getting to know Vietnam but it seems everyday is fully packed.
Hanoi is hot and humid, in comparison with temperate weather in the States. Vietnam has Monday off as the extended day of the long weekend holiday.
After a long and busy day, I could find some peaceful moments as the day ends to think of the charming Hoan Kiem Lake. There is a always tranquil place in the middle of the bustle and crowded city that one can find peace.
We will update with more real activities and thoughts from the students.
- Thúy Anh-

First of May in Hanoi

Some cool articles about Hanoi, the starting point of May in our journey
- Introduction
http://travel.nytimes.com/frommers/travel/guides/asia/vietnam/hanoi/frm_hanoi_0197010001.html
- 36 hours in Hanoi : http://travel.nytimes.com/2009/04/05/travel/05hours.html
- The awakening of Hanoi: http://travel.nytimes.com/2007/02/18/travel/18hanoi.html?fta=y
- Bites in Hanoi: http://travel.nytimes.com/2009/11/08/travel/08bites.html
- Hanoi's Cafe society : http://www.nytimes.com/2001/09/09/travel/hanoi-s-cafe-society.html?scp=1&sq=Hanoi%27s%20Cafe%20Society&st=tcse
- Phở, an old love on the streets of Hanoi: http://www.nytimes.com/2003/08/13/dining/13HANO.html?pagewanted=1
-

Hello!

My name is Rocky Block and I am a GIEU Teaching Fellow alongside Thuy'Anh. Currently, I am a graduate student in the School of Public Health and did my undergrad work in History and Ancient Civilizations. This will be my third trip to Viet Nam with GIEU and fourth overall. In my spare time I like to read, because I am a nerd. Favorite books include Pedagogy of the Oppressed by Paulo Freire, The Tao of Pooh and the autobiography of Nelson Mandela "Long Walk to Freedom". What does one need when reading a book? A good cup of coffee. I drink lots of coffee. I also like to listen to lots of music, ride bikes, hiking and take naps outside. Oh, and traveling.

I have had amazing experiences in Viet Nam and know that this trip will be wonderful for all of the students! Just keep an open mind, be flexible and ready to sweat. I look forward to learning from all of you.

Our destinations in Vietnam

Here are the links of some organizations that we are going to meet and work with in Vietnam:

North:
Faculty of International Studies, Hanoi University: http://fis.edu.vn/
Hanoi University : http://www.hanu.vn/
Library project of Vietnam: http://www.libraryofvietnam.com/
Vietnam Green Generation Network : http://www.thehexanh.org/

Central:
Kids First Village Vietnam: http://www.kidsfirstvietnam.org/default.aspx
Project Renew: http://www.vvmf.org/RENEW
Hoa Mai Center, Hòa Hải, Ngũ Hành Sơn District, Đà Nẵng

South:
Ann Tours: (the Travel Agents that helps arranging our travel and activities in the program) http://www.anntours.com/

6 days to kick GIEU off

Hello Vietnam - Pham Quynh Anh

Good luck on your finals and GIEU will officially kick off in 6 days ( Vietnam time)

Julie Sherbill

I am a going to be a sophomore in college next year, and I am from Potomac, Maryland (which is just outside of Washington, DC). I am SO excited for Vietnam, and to meet everyone! I love to travel... last year I spent two months in Israel, and I have also been to Spain and France. I am especially excited for Vietnam, though, and am really eager to experience the culture there. I also love to eat, so I am excited to eat lots of Vietnamese food! Here are some facts about myself:

Birthday: April 6, 1991

Favorite movie: Pretty much any romantic comedy, Ferris Bueler's Day Off

Favorite book: Harry Potter

Hobbies/activities: Reading, arts and crafts, running, cooking, hiking, politics, eating

Academic major: I am applying to the School of Public Policy, but if that doesn't work out, then I will major in International Relations.