CJ and I woke up at six in the morning so we could get to the Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens before it got busy. I didn’t think twice about it, I love animals, and missing a bit of sleep was worth it. When we arrived, the place was empty. It felt like we had the whole zoo to ourselves. Two things really stood out to me. First, I noticed how many different species shared the same habitats. We saw about five kinds of deer living together, and the reptiles were similarly grouped. It was refreshing to see animals living together instead of being separated. The second thing, and the most memorable, was CJ. He could name every animal we saw and share interesting facts about each one. Walking through the zoo with him made the visit feel like a private tour. It turned a simple morning into one of the highlights of my trip.
After the zoo, we went to class for a lesson I had been looking forward to since I first saw the schedule: an introduction to Buddhism. I didn’t expect the lesson to go the way it did. Instead of just listening to a lecture, I ended up having a deep conversation with a UEF student named Danny. We talked about Buddhism from his point of view and shared our thoughts on faith and belief in general. I told him about my background as a practicing Catholic, and we spent a lot of time comparing what we each believe. We were both surprised by how much we had in common. Our values overlapped a lot, and there were fewer real differences than either of us expected.
One part of that conversation has stuck with me. Danny told me that almost every Vietnamese family he knows shares a certain value. It doesn’t matter if a child grows up Buddhist, Catholic, or something else. What matters is believing in fate and that life’s events aren’t random. That idea hit me in a way I didn’t expect. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve started to believe more and more that things happen for a reason, even if it’s not clear right away. Learning that a whole culture teaches this to its children made my own belief feel bigger and more real. I’ve had many talks about religion in my life, but this one stayed with me for hours and I think it will stick with me long after this trip.
After class, we visited the Ngoc Hoang Pagoda, which was a truly special stop. I’ve always enjoyed learning how others practice their faith, and seeing these places in person means a lot to me, no matter the tradition. What made this temple unique was finding out it was built just for praying for love. I had never seen a religious building dedicated to one purpose like that, and I found it beautiful in its focus. The inside was stunning, with detailed decorations and huge statues at the back that gave the space a quiet, respectful feeling. We weren’t allowed to take photos inside, but I don’t think I would have anyway. It’s the kind of place that leaves a lasting impression without needing a picture.
In the afternoon, we visited the War Remnants Museum, which I had been looking forward to since I saw it on our schedule. I’ve been interested in the Vietnam War for years, whether it be watching war films, listening to history podcasts, and reading accounts from veterans on both sides. I thought I knew a lot, but the room about Agent Orange really stopped me. Reading the facts about what that chemical did to the land, the people, and even future generations was one of the hardest parts of the trip. Sometimes things don’t feel completely real until you see the evidence for yourself, and this was one of those times. After seeing the Cu Chi Tunnels earlier and now this, I’m leaving Vietnam with a much deeper and more humble understanding of what the country went through.