Day 7

Today is Sunday.Gosh, I've lost track of my days.They are all running together.I have been e-mailing Rosa (my daughter) and have called Paul twice.With the 11 hour time difference, I called him 5:00 a.m. one morning, not thinking that I was going to wake him up.But, it was okay, he said he was glad to hear from me.

Checked out of hotel today.We are traveling by bus to Nha Trang through a National Park over Lady Mountain.This has wonderful views of the valleys.Our bus driver is great, he is manipulating the roads, up and down the mountains.Beautiful waterfalls with farming on the hill sides.We encountered several mud slides across the highway as this is part of their rainy season.Very rough roads, some just dirt, others in disrepair.A lot of poverty in thisa rea.

Arrived at Nha Trang -Asia Paradise Hotel- This hotel is located just one block from the water.We walked to the beach, taking our life in our hands, crossing the main highway with all of the scooters motoring by.Very nice beach and lots of small shops to wander through.

Arrived at Nhatrang Orphanage/Elder Care Facility where we planted fruit trees, decorative plants, painted the swing set and visited the elderly.My favorite part was when we visited the elderly (about 160 stay here).We had a translator with us and she interpreted for us.The ladies said they used to work in the fields, now they sweep the floors and attend to their meager rooms.There are about four or five that live in a room with very little belongings. There is an overhead ceiling fan to help circulate the air.Clothes are donated by charitable organizations.The beds are covered with the traditional straw mat and they each have one bureau. They do receive their meals and enjoy each other's company.They seemed delighted to have us visit because they seldom receive visitors..One lady was 90, others in their 80's.Some were blind but seemed to be able to get around.

Some are mentally challenged, some paralyzed (they never go out of their rooms because there are no accommodations for them) and others can't get out of bed.Some of them cook their own meals in an outdoor kitchen.There is a dinner bell and all gather when it is rung.They are at the facility because the government has picked them up from their homes because they could no longer live alone and placed them there.Sometimes, that is the best thing because they do receive meals and care.

Some younger women (one woman was age 32) are there because of mental health problems.Some receive medication to improve their condition so they may eventually leave but others are under lock and key.The men are segregated, most have mental problems.There are not as many men as women.While we were there, it rained so we were able to sit and talk with them a little while longer.

We had a buffet dinner with the children in the orphanage (sponsored by Brittany's Hope Foundation) and they seemed like they hadn't eaten in some time.During the whole meal, they constantly ate and took their fruit back with them for a snack.The ones that sat at our table had mental problems.We were advised by the interpreter that they didn't know what was going on around them and couldn't speak.But, in my opinion, there was a lot of ability there that just needed training to bring it out.One boy had cerebral palsy and could not walk but ate with his hands.His friend carried him back to his room.The little girl that sat beside me was cute as a button, kept looking around and never stopped eating.This must have been a royal feast for them.None of them spoke but definitely had more ability than they were given credit for.They just seemed like they needed extensive training programs.

Day 8

Visited Cam Ranh orphanage today.This orphanage is a major focus of Brittany's Hope Foundation. We met with officials first.This orphanage is privately run by the nuns.It is located in an isolated location. We stayed all day, had lunch, and played games with the children, delivering presents and singing songs.The children put on a very elaborate performance which was attended by the local officials.One particular skit was about the street children and how the officials rescued them and took them to the orphanage.Very moving - everyone in tears.Five students decided to sponsor five of the new babies.Sponsorship involves paying $35.00 per month.Correspondence and pictures of the progress of the child will be sent to the sponsor by the nuns.

Children come to this orphanage sometimes in a most unusual way.One incident,the fetus had been discarded but found to be alive and rescued by the nuns.One other was found tied up to a tree by her parents in a rice field.Very tragic circumstances.

When we got on the bus to say goodbye, all the children were waving and blowing kisses.It was difficult to say goodbye after such a wonderful stay.This by far has made this trip very worthwhile.Just to see how much they appreciated our visit.

Dinner tonight at restaurant where you cook your own food on a small hibachi placed on the table in front of you.Beef, chicken, squid, vegetables, etc.Interesting concept - food was good.

Day 9

Day of relaxation.Took a boat ride to three different islands.We rode in basket boats (a round basket that holds about four people) paddled by one Vietnamese who took us to shoreThere we visited a small fishing village.Most of the fisherman sleep during the day (in hammocks) and fish at night.We visited a house where the family repairs the nets (the holes in the nets are big enough to let the small fish out but not the larger).

The bamboo baskets are covered with a paste that keeps the water out.These are the traditional style and originated in Vietnam and then spread to China, etc.There are smaller ones for people to use in the rice fields and then gather their vegetables in when they go to market.The people always want a tip - they tell you how their mother is sick or that they have numerous children to support, etc.

We also visited a small house of worship for the "whales".Fishermen believe the whales were gods of the sea that guided and protected them, though could become angry if they were not appeased with offerings and prayers.Fisherman who practice these beliefs decorate their boats with eyes, fins and tails to ward off unfriendly sea beasts.They may also liberally tattoo their bodies to scare away whales and sharks in case they fall into the water.

During the boat ride, we anchored and everyone swam, snorkeled or relaxed.There was also a lady on the boat who offered manicures, massages, and pedicures.

We then had "happy hour" where four or five boats joined together for lunch, music and drinks from a floating bar (one man inside an inner tube serving drinks). .Lunch was great and our tour guide "Funky Monkey" was delightful.He was also one of the entertainers and had a great voice.We all participated in the singing.We then went to another island where we could swim or just relax.Jet skiing and para-sailing were also available at a minimum fee ($15.00).Many of the boats' participants joined in.One man from Denmark said he was afraid of heights but he as going to try it.They hooked you up to a harness, you ran down the beach, took off and they circled with you and then returned you to shore by jet ski.Very interesting, not quite my cup of tea as I can't swim - putting this on my "bucket list" - got to learn to swim so I can para-sail.

Had a chance to talk to "Funky Monkey".He had studied language at the university and was fluent in Japanese, Chinese, Vietnamese, and English.He had worked several months in the United States (California and Florida) but had returned and was enjoying himself giving tours and having fun all day - what a great occupation.

Returned to the Asia Paradise Hotel - It has a pool and Jacuzzi located on roof. A couple of us went up and enjoyed the Jacuzzi.Very nice view of the city.