Corrina Takes on TGL: Laos and Vietnam
May 31, 2018
The Green Lion
“The experience from Corrina Hollis”
After a challenge? Need an adventure? Got a thirst to work, rest and play with like minded adventurers? I was one of those people….
Laos:
My first Green Lion (TGL) experience was in the beautiful, sleepy country of Laos. Sandwiched between Thailand and Vietnam; Laos is a versatile, diverse landscape with incredibly gracious, and welcoming people. The lush green craggy rock formations of Vang Vieng, is a water sports and adrenaline junkie’s Mecca; and Luang Prabang, a UNESCO site offering magnificent temples, breathtaking waterfalls and lagoons, are merely hours north from the project base and Laos’ capital Vientiane.
A growing city situated along the banks of the formidable Mekong River, with a cosmopolitan atmosphere, Vientiane, still in its infancy, offers an array of accommodation and eating establishments to match any pocket. Here your days can be filled with walking the tree lined streets, absorbing the rich culture in the many temples and shrines, or gazing upward at the architecture influenced by past conquerors’, as night draws in and the sun sets across the shore, behind the Thai skyline. The promenade becomes the place to be, families taking in the cool evening air, as the night market is woken from its slumber. Patrons gather eager to barter for bargains from exquisitely woven silks, handmade wooden trinkets, to brightly coloured loosely fitting clothes, just right for the tropical climate.
The project accommodation is situated within a rolling plateau where farm animals roam freely and the day is welcomed by the faint smell of burnt grass, from farmers encouraging new growth in the vast rice fields. Evenings will erupt with a symphony of insects chirping, whilst the sun will set in a spectrum of oranges and reds. A wondrous delight to behold with a cold beer Laos after a hard day’s work in sweltering heat.
My work, constructing a wall around a local school, although back breaking, it was very much rewarding; the sense of accomplishment and pride I felt was immeasurable. I was also privileged to have the opportunity to assist in the painting of local Buddhist temple, a sumptuous structure embellished with red and gold, which will be home for many years to come to many local worshippers and tourists alike. A pure delight.
Vietnam:
My second TGL project was food outreach in the hectic city of Saigon. A huge contrast from the serene landscape and physically demanding work of Laos, but a chance to work directly with some of the most unfortunate and lowest paid people. Working with other Green Lion participants, we would prepare and serve lunch for 300+ locals. An equally rewarding project to be a part of, and although there was a language barrier between myself and the service users, the gratitude and joy so obvious on their faces, combined with the tremendous team atmosphere in the kitchens, was enough to make me want to return day after day despite my aching feet. And for me, there was an overwhelming feeling of sadness, once my time there had come to an end.
Saigon’s project accommodation is a dorm style room a little way out from the centre, but still in the heart of a typical Vietnamese community. This location is surrounded by the most delicious local delights. For one, a Bánh mì is a must for those needing a light snack to get themselves through until the evening meal and its own promise of local delicacies.
Saigon is a city that never stops, not even for red lights, as mopeds, motorbikes, bicycles, cars and trucks speed along congested highways, whilst pedestrians dodge between them in the hope of crossing the road without injury. That is indeed, an art form in itself.
The centre of Saigon is home to backpacker’s district where there are hostels and bars a plenty, all catering to the enthusiastic backpacker’s lifestyle. Either while lazing away the daytime hours people watching, sampling the rich menu, or joining in the chaotic fun of the moonlit hours with cheap beer and neon lights, dancing the night away, have your fun, but be aware of the time. The accommodation has a strict curfew of midnight and it is adhered to……..you have been warned.
For a weekend getaway, I chose the North of Saigon. Hoi An, a beautiful, tranquil, Chinese inspired town with a hint of French Colonial, where multicoloured paper lanterns glow and sway effortlessly in the evening breeze.
The streets are lined with the most incredible leather goods, hand painted parasols and the chance to purchase a ‘made to measure’ Vietnamese suit or áo dài. Make sure you check out the tiniest of alleys, there are treasures to be found for those willing to venture.
Although the work on an adventure like this can be very demanding, the sense of achievement you get from these projects is incredible. The two I have had the pleasure to be part of were very well organised with coordinators who were very welcoming and happy to help. The orientation days are a plus because they allow you to find your feet before work commences. I have already recommended the Green Lion to many friends and family. It’s a chance to absorb a country’s culture, give a little back to those less fortunate and experience the sights, smells and sounds of these exotic far flung countries, that sitting on your sofa at home just would not allow.
Go on, treat yourself whilst helping others………you never know where it might lead.
The Green Lion
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