A walk in the park ...

Wednesday, 17th of August, 2011

After a good night sleep and a nice breakfast we went to our beloved bank to transfer some money. We spent $ 120 on then new fans for the lunch area at the Hope school and $ 360 for two new water dispensers, which filter the water and then either heat it or chill it. All in all we spent $ 480 to improve the quality of live for students at school.
What we did not know was how to fill in the transfer forms. But we had help, and even he had to start over again. Matt just signed and Vu, at the CBA counter did the rest.
Then Anh introduced us to the branch manager, Tram. We had not met her, but had exchanged e-mails earlier. Had a good chat about what we are doing and how we can transfer funds in the future. Next year Tram promised us CBA would introduce Internet banking. LOOKING FOREWARD!!!

Afternoon … admin stuff … and working out how we can get to HOA’s place in Thu Duc district. Had to print a map for taxi driver. Will help Hoa tomorrow to prepare for the opening ceremony of the “HOUSE OF GRACE” orphanage on Saturday.

Afternoon walk in the park. Sitting on a bench in the shade resting. After a short while four teenage girls approached us. One of them took all her courage and talked to Matt. She asked all sort of questions like where you’re from, how long we are staying in VINA, how long in HCMC (Ho Chi Minh City), whether we would travel to other parts of Viet Nam. Good and spontaneous … no prepared questions. Then came the question why are you staying more than four week in HCMC, tourists usually only stay 3 – 4 days??? Matt explained that we are involved with various charities, that we support orphanages and give educational support to children / students. One of the girls looked at Matt and sort of whispered, “This is very kind of you”. Being teenagers they were very inquisitive … “How did you get started” they asked. “The RED CROSS” was Matt’s reply. They looked at each other … the what ??? … The girls had no idea what the Red Cross was.
Very interesting chat, to say the least. Good for them to practise their English.

Had all sorts of network trouble last night, could not publish the post ... but this morning ... ta ta ... everthing is working again.



Facts of the day:
According to a study by Columbia Uni NY, published in 2003, 80 grams of DIOXIN dissolved in a drinking water supply could wipe out a city of 8 million people!!!

Source: Combat Monsanto: www.combat-monsanto.co.uk

Have a read … it’s an eye opener!!!

More VINA related articles below.