Day 6 Reflections (May 27) - Tam Wai Hang

Three things I have learnt today:

1) There is a very obvious difference between how the traditional markets and modern markets operate. Traditional markets are like wet markets found in Singapore, but not limited to selling food. The arrangements of the stalls are very tight, so the path in between each stall is very narrow. The shopkeepers also have more freedom and are more carefree when interacting with other people. Furthermore, tourists in traditional markets are able to bargain a cheaper price of an item they wish to buy, and this is very different from any modern markets. On the other hand, Modern markets have a neater arrangement and the technical aspect is also better. Most of the stalls are air conditioned and also equipped with high end technology such as computers as well as electronic directories located around the mall.

2) I have also learnt that Vietnamese people would rather purchase healthcare products from other countries such as USA even though the price is cheaper locally. This is because they think that the products being made locally does not make use of fresh ingredients and may contain other chemicals, so they choose to buy it from other countries.

3) Thirdly, I have realised that Vietnam specialises in producing traditional exports such as dried or crispy mango strips, gum, coffee as well as lotus seeds. Even though these products are sold cheaply in Vietnam due to being produced locally, many of the retailers may sell fake version of these products. However, even if the modern market sells genuine products, the variety available is very limited and can not be compared to those sold in traditional markets.

1) A stall found in a shopping mall, Vincom Centre that sells teddy bears as well as shirts bearing the Vietnam name and star.

A old shopkeeper in a traditional market named An Dong who sells traditional products found in Vietnam such as lotus seeds, dried mangos as well as other herbs and food.

A modern market located in Vietnam called Vincom Centre which sells high quality products such as converse, gucci, as well as apple retailers.

Day 4 Reflections (May 25) - Tam Wai Hang

Three things I have learnt:

1) I have learnt how to plant the mangrove roots into the Can Gio biosphere, and that which a large amount of effort, the greenery can be preserved in Vietnam.

2) I have discovered that the income gap between the rich and the poor is really wide. Some of the richer generations can live in big houses and enjoy luxurious living, but the poor live in very small houses and some even resort to building houses illegally. This has also let me realise how fortunate I am in Singapore after looking at the living conditions of some Vietnamese people.

3)  I have learnt the importance of preserving the forests located around the globe. It is everyone's role to contribute to preserving the green nature found around the earth, as this can help delay the green house effects that may occur on earth. One way the Vietnamese improvise is by building the Can Gio biosphere, which is a protected area for growing mangroves there, to preserve the greenery in the country. Residents are also signed on a contract to protect the forested areas around the Can Gio bioshphere.

Pictures:

 1)
A photo of me planting the mangrove roots.

 2)
A photo of a house owned by a richer generation











3) A picture of the owner of an area of mangroves and part of the forested area he owns

Day 3 Reflections - Tam Wai Hang

Three things I have learnt today:

1) Vietnam is a multi-religious country, and this can be shown as the Cao Dai Temple being built to accommodate the praying needs of different religions found all over Vietnam.

2) The means of architecture does not necessary have to be towards the exterior beauty of the structure, but towards the efficiency of the structure. This can be displayed by the building of the Chu Chi tunnel, where a complex web structure is built for the Vietnamese soldiers, and is self sustaining. There is not much emphasis on the exterior design of the tunnel, as it is meant to be hidden from the enemy units.

3) Vietnam still possesses the traditional way of agricultural means, by farming as well as rearing of animals such as cows and chickens. This shows that there is still a gap between the developed state and its current state, showing that there is still areas for Vietnam to develop on.

Pictures:
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