This trip is flying by and today was jammed packed with many more incredible experiences. We started the day back at UEF to learn more about Vietnamese culture and specifically, Buddhism. The most commonly practiced religion in Vietnam is traditional ancestor worship, which over 70% of the country observes, and the second most common is Buddhism. I’ve learned a little about Buddhism in school in the past but I didn’t remember much at all, so it was nice to have a little more information before we went to visit the Ngoc Hoang Pagoda. Being at the pagoda was the most peaceful I’ve felt in Vietnam and it was beautiful to see some of the UEF students and other community members actively praying and lighting incense as we were exploring the grounds, but, personally, I don’t agree with a lot of the Buddhist teachings. As a Christian, some of the philosophies overlap, like respectful language and avoid stealing, but a lot of the more traditional life practices that women are expected to follow are almost dehumanizing and really offensive to a woman in an empowering community today. I, of course, respect everyone’s beliefs and I do admire those that can completely give up their entire lives and all material things in order to reach the Nirvana state and find their own joy, I just don’t see myself ever practicing anything similar. However, the grounds themselves and the architecture of the Pagoda were stunning- I’m so obsessed with the orchids and flowers that are grown here.

Beautiful plants and flowers were also in the Reunification palace, which we visited after lunch. By the way, I’m nearly a chopstick master now after using them for every meal during this trip. The reunification palace has such a rich history, which was a nice segway into what was by far the heaviest material of the trip- the War Remnants Museum. I’m going to be honest, I knew very little about what Americans know as the Vietnam war before this trip, so kind of the basis of my knowledge is from the Vietnamese point of view after the Cu Chi Tunnels and the museum. It was tragic and heartbreaking to see what humans were capable of doing to other, innocent humans. It was a very important experience and I’m glad I was able to be exposed to it but I’m not sure that I’d ever go back, especially because I’m not much of a history person anyways. But, my one take away would be that Vietnam as a country and as a people are so much stronger and more incredible than they receive credit for. America has very little, if anything, to be proud of after that war, yet the Vietnamese people have been so kind and welcoming to us Americans this entire trip. I’m amazed.

The entire experience of this trip has been wonderful but every interaction I’ve had is so much more powerful now that I know the history of our countries. I’m excited, of course, to keep learning more tomorrow!!