We visited the Baby Orphanage yesterday and I didn't get a chance to take many pictures but I did take one of a child (the child who was looking for sweets) and Leigh who is also a volunteer and arrived at the same time as myself.
I took some photos of the farmers in their rice fields on our way to Hoi An. Then I saw the most beautiful lotus flowers.

Hi everyone
Arrived in Tam Ky last night. This was later than expected because The Global Volunteer Network was celebrating six years of work in Vietnam. There was meant to be a beach party but the minute we arrived it started to rain really heavily. We all ended up indoor for the celebrations instead.
This morning we all got our weekly schedule of work - so here is mine.
Every morning from 8.30am - 10.30am I will be at the Baby Orphanage. There may be a couple of mornings that I get to go to the Disabled Hospital too.
Every Monday and Wednesday afternoon I will be teaching at Home of Affection. I will be with a group of teenagers aged from 15 to 18 years old. Hopefully I will be able to teach them, we will see how that goes.
On Tuesday and Thursday nights I will be teaching a group of 10 - 12 year olds english also.
I have put myself forward for organising dressing up/roleplay day at Home of Affection on a Thursday. Will see what they have got and then we will see if I can either buy some dressing up clothes or maybe get them made locally. There is a lot of tailor making that goes on.
This morning we also visited some of our placements. First of all we visited Home of Affection, then we went on to the Disabled Hospital and finally we visited the Baby Orphanage. When we got here all the kids were very excited to see us. At one point I had a toddler on each hip. I lost my sunglasses for a short period of time as they got passed round and I had my bag inspected by a child. I think he was looking for sweets. He seemed pleased enough with the hand wash that I squirted on his hand.
This afternoon we travelled to Hoi An which is about an hours journey from Tam Ky.
I have been measured up for a jacket (green) and a dress at one of the many dressmakers here. This was at four o'clock and these will be ready by 10am tomorrow.
We are staying here for the weekend and then will travel back on Sunday night.
Monday will be my first day, will let you know how I get on. Pictures soon

Me in hotel room - Ho Chi Minh City

Well here I am in my hotel room in Ho Chi Minh City. Getting myself organised and then catching flight to Da Nang. Think I will come back to this hotel for my last two nights in August.

In Ho Chi Minh City

Hi everyone
I am finally in Vietnam. Got picked up at Ho Chi Minh Airport by someone from my hotel. I would hate to be a driver/pedestrian/cyclist here. You would have to have your wits about you. There seems to be no rules for the road.
To all the children who have been learning vietnamese with me, we have been saying "hello" and "thankyou" perfectly. Got to try it out earlier when I arrived at my hotel.
Flying to Da Nang tomorrow where I will (hopefully) be met by someone from the GVN.

Blonde moment

Well my trip did not get off to a great start as I thought I had lost my mobile just as I reached the security point. Had to turn back, gave lost property my details - was in a proper flap. As I was ready to board flight to Heathrow, I spotted my mobile phone in my bag that is around my neck!!! First blonde moment - I'm sure there will be others.
Other than that I am quite calm, amazingly for me.

Ready to go

I have my suitcase packed and believe it or not I am not over the weight limit which is a first for me.

Wait for it.....

I have now counted all the donated/fundraised money and I'm excited to say that the total amount raised is £3132.87!!
I can't believe it. Thankyou to everyone. All of this money will be spent on various projects, equipment, toys, education, food, medicine and wherever I see a need. If anyone has any requests or ideas of where some of the money should go, then please let me know.
Just now i am putting off packing my suitcase as I know it is going to be too heavy!

Fundraising events in Falkirk Herald

Article in this week's Falkirk Herald regarding fundraising at St Margarets nursery annexe (Greenpark) and St Margarets nursery (school based).
Photograph shown was taken at Greenpark. Hopefully the school nursery photo will be in the Falkirk Herald in the next couple of weeks.

I would like to thank all children, parents, staff and friends of both nurseries for their generosity, support and kindness over the last few months.
I have really enjoyed learning about Vietnam with the nursery children. It has definitely been a shared experience. We have been learning some basic Vietnamese words and tried using chopsticks. I think the children have got a better hang of these things than I have!!

For the children who are going to school after the holidays I will come and visit their class and share my Vietnamese experience with them.

Fundraised money

I would just like to thank everyone who has donated money to the children in Tam Ky. I will use this blog to let you know how the money will be spent.

The countdown is on!

One week tomorrow and then I will be on my way!
Going to get my suitcase out tonight I think.