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finally got back from the technology deficient vietnam, i'll not complain so much. its ocip. down with serious blocked nose and sore throat, fever may be next on the list. hope it won't come yet. skip the details, if not there'll be too much to say. and im tired.

i think i did a good job as the chief photographer for this trip, learnt a lot of life lessons through the lens. life may be tough, but it we still have to move on. time was well spent in bac ha, that place is seriously cold. i heard last year was worse, many kids died there as it was only 3 degrees. it made me feel for them, i want to help them, but such things are not within my ability and control. built an unfinished (a bit of plastering and painting) brick building/kindergarten for the lil' kids in the foggy mountains, to keep them warm during winter times like now till mid-jan. the cultural exchange with the kids and teachers went rather well i think. and i found that my guitar is already a part of me, the 12 days without it was really a struggle that im amazed i pulled through.

thanks john, my bud, who stuck with me for the most of the trip. we are both afraid of flying insects, coriander and mimosa. sharing so many similarities, no wonder we are buds. also miss tay and mr stubborn captain derrick ong, who reassured me that i did a great job as a photographer and saw things that other people can't. and bringing up many good learning points during debriefs. not forgetting the food suppliers melodie and gen, for the biscuits and energy bars, the homestay hosts who did a great job in making us feel at home, fiona who wasn't so innocent after all, the pub head olivia, trip leader mel dong who said i'm vulgar and also the whole team for bringing so much laughter, fun, joy and love amidst the cold weather in vietnam. this is one experience i'll never forget, its a part of me now, its more that service learning and sightseeing.

if i have a chance, i'll return there to the same place, with the same people.
SAINTS OCIP,BAC HA!