Day nine, thank you for refreshing me. Yesterday was definitely a long day with two site visits, but today set me back on track, feeling awake, joyful, and absolutely ready to keep taking on all that Vietnam has to throw at me. First, we began with a Buddhist class. Let me say, learning about religions is my absolute favorite thing in the world. From hearing prior teachings about Buddhism, I already knew the basics. However, this was such an incredible chance to hear it from someone whose culture actually actively practices. The subtle differences in how he explained compared to how I’ve heard it in the past was so fascinating, an excellent reminder that so much of history is shaped by who tells it. We also got a chance to visit a Buddhist temple, which was incredible, especially right after learning about it.
After we ate lunch at a food court that resembled more the Buddhist temple than an American food court (the picture on the right), we headed to our second to last site visit at VinaCapital. Originally, we were supposed to meet Tuesday, but that fell through. I am SO grateful that we could reschedule because it was my absolute favorite one so far. VinaCapital is an investing firm that funds VinaCapital Foundation, which is a nonprofit, and I am ALL for nonprofits, hoping to work in one myself someday. VinaCapital defied all stereotypes of the dirty, gold-digging investing firm focused solely on making money. They cared about making Vietnam better, and starting with the bottom to do so. The funding they put towards open heart surgery and women’s education was incredible to listen to. The difference just that makes in helping Vietnam develop a middle class is huge to the economy. The importance of helping people dig themselves out of the hole they’re in really does a lot for a country and people. Vietnam’s growth rate has skyrocketed because of efforts from companies like VinaCapital. They are also aided and supported by the government, showing the side to a Communist government that a lot of people overlook. Although a one-party system, the have the ability to get things done if they’re focused on the right things. And with VinaCapital’s help, they are headed in the right direction, pulling their people out of poverty. Overall, the site visit was incredible, and we got to meet one of the sharks from Shark Tank Vietnam, no big deal.
Then, after the site visit came the most stressful but the MOST fun part of the trip: bartering at Ben Tanh Market. Let me say, I didn’t think I could do it, and definitely a week ago, I couldn’t. But, DANG, in one day I feel like I have grown a million times as a person in independence, boldness, and confidence. All three are extremely important to lifelong endeavors and buying a couple souvenirs helped teach me them. It was fun. Stressful with the ladies chasing us down when we give them ridiculously low prices. I even experienced a friend being attacked by a lady with a calculator. If you don’t believe me, I’m sure he’ll have a battle mark to prove it. I loved the bartering process so much that we even went back again that night and conquered some more souvenir shopping.
Day nine, another successful day in Vietnam. The longer and longer I’m here, the more and more I know I need to come back.