Once again the juices are beginning to flow… I leave Thursday and will be returning in late January. My placement will be teaching English with a local NGO (non-government organization) called Volunteers For Peace Vietnam (VPV).  

Until I arrive, I won't know where or what ages the kids will be.   From past experience, I enjoy working with kids 8-10 years old where I can display my dopey, playful side which seems to go over pretty well. This includes tricks, jokes, hand slap games, and such. And unlike back here in the U.S., my repertoire is new & fresh to them… so the groans of  "Oh, not that old one…" that I hear in the U.S. are rarely heard.  Aside from brushing up on 'The Wheels on the Bus’ and ‘No More Monkeys Jumping on the Bed’ , I’m bringing along a few kaleidoscopes and the old 1970’s memory sequence game called ‘Simon’.

The overall planning for this trip has been kept pretty loose compared to previous ones, particularly as to what I will be doing during my last days in Vietnam. I so enjoy this wind-down acclimation period prior to coming home and look often to do some freshwater fishing (none really here), horseback ride, or just take in the serene parts of the culture & country after experiencing the more ‘hustle and bustle’ lifestyle during the placements.

I’ve also completed my rigorous training program to get in shape for the trip… which included giving up drinking one week before going away and pumping my own gas at the station. I’ve met a few folks who will be volunteering with me and one who has volunteered with VPV twice already. There is something about hanging out with volunteers at these places…as a group, they just always seem to be such warm, kind & genuine people… and coming from all parts of the world, I think this part has been as enjoyable as anything. I have met and stayed in touch with a few from each trip via emails and Facebook.

As I’m typing this, I’m looking over at my long haired dachshund Dash, who I always miss when away. I will heed the wisdom of a previous Hanoi volunteer, Veronnica , who advised me to politely say ‘no thank you’ when offered the Thit Cho, or dog meat. Probably just stick with the monkey brains.

Well that’s it for now…looking forward to the trip and want to wish everyone who may be reading this a wonderful, peaceful & healthy New Year.

Tam biet.
Ken

PS- For those who get notified & read new entries on Facebook, I believe the only way to see the pictures is by going directly to Travelpod.com/members/splunk…you can also access all my previous trips if you wish.