What's Your Major?

Since arriving in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam we have finally put our college majors to use. We really feel like anthropologists and sociologists as we walk the crowded streets of this exciting new city. We thought it was difficult to cross the street in the Philippines, but now that we find ourselves amidst thousands of motorbikes we realize it wasn't so bad in Cebu. 

In this hectic city we find ourselves thinking of our students and all the life skills we want to teach them. As much as this began as a historical study, we want to use this experience to help our students become citizens of the world. Changing to the new currency forced us to exercise our mental math skills. When 1,000,000 dongs is only $50 it can become very stressful! Navigating a new place requires critical thinking skills and an independence that our students aren't often exposed to. 

Our first big excursion this morning was to the Ben Thanh Market where we exercised our bargaining skills. Nicki was very excited about this as Arelys dreads this haggling. However, Arelys quickly stepped up to the plate when she realized things were quadruple the price! We bought a few items but you'll have to wait and see when we come home! 

We have also sampled some delicious street food in the last 24 hours. Fresh fruit smoothies, spring rolls, spicy noodles with a fried egg, and banh mi. We were too scared to try the chicken feet. 

For as much as we have been eating, we have been sweating even more. Check out Nicki's droplets on her nose!

We've made new friends at our hostel and one is even from Chicago! They helped show us the lay of the land and now we feel like experts. We've also been warned many times to be careful with our belongings and we've been very good about that. 

Love,

Your Sweaty Girls