ALPHA DELTA KAPPA DECEMBER 2010 - Gedung Kuning

not aged at all. I read that
Hanoi is considered a city of
life—one that is open, personal
and spontaneous—and
it proved to be exactly that.
Hanoi has not been overwhelmed
by international franchises/mass-marketed
brands
and retail outlets that you see
so many other places. Hanoi is
still authentic. I watched residents
doing their morning exercises
around Hoan Kiem lake
and smelled the wonderful
aroma of fresh baked French
bread. Being in Hanoi you get
the feeling that you “belong”
to the place because most
shops are owner-operated and
there is still a lively street life.
Did I mention the thousands
and thousands of motor bikes?
Crossing their streets was a
challenge at times but the history
and areas of beauty were
certainly worth it.
Next stop, Hue. The song
“I Left My Heart in San Francisco”
comes to mind when I
think of this wonderful city. I
truly loved my time here. Hue
means the imperial palace,
tombs and shrines. But, the
true world heritage of Hue
is the entire region—about a
hundred square kilometers of
well-preserved ancient sites
surrounds the city. Hue is a
mystical place and the only
place in Vietnam that bears the
stamp of the ancient citadel
with its unique material and
non-material culture. The
Imperial City, Royal Tombs,
pagodas and temples are in
harmony with the tranquility
of hills and greenery, creating
the beauty of Hue. Experiencing
the Citadel with Bud
Bruton was truly emotional.
This was a landing area for
him during his tour of duty in
Vietnam. Hearing about his
experiences only helped to
reinforce the belief that our
Project S.A.V.E was not just
about “a school building” but
International Executive Board Chairman Linda Rissel’s cheerleading days came back to
her as she shared some instruction with dedication ceremony performers.
about improving lives. Hue is
a city of great history, wonderful
people and cuisine that was
handed down from the King
and Queen. Experiencing the
flavors of their beef noodle
soup, rice dumplings, salty
rice and all the special foods
for the summer season was an
experience not to be forgotten!
The history, cuisine and
of course shopping (having
clothes made personally for
me in just one day) made my
Hue stay divine.
A short day trip to Da
Nang and Hoi An was a joy.
Located in Central Vietnam,
these areas are said to be
some of the most beautiful
coastal landscapes in the
Excellence in Action for World Understanding
world. While the tranquility
and beauty were breathtaking,
meeting and sharing delicious
Vietnamese food in the home
of a Vietnamese family, friends
of Bud, was memorable. This
family epitomized the culture
and true meaning of family life
in this country! I felt a genuine
warmth and strong pride
of country that is not always
present in the United States.
The family was not rich with
material possessions but rich
in family strength, tradition
and love.
Now, to the place of
honor, the hamlet of Ta Rinh.
The drive there was an experience!
Picture unpaved, steep,
curvy red clay stretches Ø
I truly thought I was prepared for this moment but there
are NO words I can write or even speak that can put into
perspective the first site of our school.
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