GIEU VIỆT NAM 2010

Saturday, May 15, 2010

Great Times in Central Vietnam

At the Khai Dinh Mausoleum in Hue

We have been in the old capitol of Vietnam, Hue (pronounce ha-way), since yesterday. This city is situated on the perfume river (which Sam came up with a great story about why it is called that). It has been very hot and humid, but we all are enjoying our time in this historical town. We had a chance to visit the citadel yesterday and enjoy some of Vietnam's great history. Today, we went to many different spots including Thien Mu Pagoda,, Minh Mang and Khai Dinh Mausoleums. We got to ride on a boat down the perfume river and visit the sites.

At Thien Mu pagoda

Earlier this week, we were able to help plant trees at kindergartens in A Luoi, Thua Thien Hue in the Central of Vietnam. We planted about 90 trees total at 3 different kindergartens.We worked together in the heat to finish the job. After we finished planting, we were able to interact with the kindergartners. We played games with them, heard Vietnamese children's songs, and even sang the U of M Fight Song.

Planting trees in A Luoi

Having fun with the kids

Brandon and Julie came up with a fight song for Hanoi University. Since Hanoi University does not have a fight song, colors, or a mascot, they decided that the Green and Brown Geckos would be best suited. (there have been some small lizards here and there!). Here are their lyrics to the tune of Hail to the Victors:

"Hail to Hanoi University,
Hail to the Green and Brown
Hail, Hail to Hanoi the place for us all!

Hail to Hanoi University,
Hail to the Green and Brown
Hail, Hail to Hanoi, hear the Geckos call

Go Gecks!"

Singing along

More great times to come soon!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thursday, May 13, 2010

Hamburger Hill

This is the picture of Hamburger Hill, Vietnam during the battle of Dong Ap Bia, May 1969

And....., Gieu 2010's members at the same spot and angle of view 41 years later.

Truc

Monday, May 10, 2010

Hi my name is Paul Rink.

Hey everybody! I think I finally figured out how to work this blog thing. Here's a little about me:

My name means "That which is better than Danielle"

I went to Ha Long Bay three days ago and it was one of the top five experiences of my life.

I like to write limericks.

I can do the charleston, salsa, and swing dancing.

I like thunderstorms, sunsets, mountains, mountains, and bridges. I especially like when clouds eat mountains.

I don't sleep. I just blink.

Turtles and otters are my favorite animals.

I have one sister who goes to school in the upper peninsula. She is a special lady.

I will have a complicated love life, torn between three lovers. I will have three kids, a lackluster career and a long life. I will get married at 26 to a woman whom I love greatly, but who has little talent, moderate levels of attractiveness, and lots of money.

I am from northern Michigan where they grow them conservative.

GIEU Vietnam 2010 is the best experience of my life.

Have a good night everybody.

-Paul RInk

Saturday, May 8, 2010

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

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

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

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

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)!

Monday, May 3, 2010

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-