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Literature - History - Geography: on fire in Tuyen Quang

Post by: trangtrang | 28/10/2014 | 3796 reads

As the saying goes: "Traveling widens one's horizons". During the days 18th and 19th of October, the three classes 10 Literature - History - Geography were having a very meaningful and exciting excursion to Tuyen Quang. Through an inspirational journey: traveling to historical sites, visiting a social protection center, and exploring the tea factory, the students gathered invaluable experiences and learnt precious life lessons.

October 18th, 2014

6 a.m, three principal colors could be seen on the campus: History's dazzling orange, Literature's brilliant pink, and Geography's rebellious purple. Despite having to gather early, the eager anticipation of a two-day trip had replaced all traces of exhaustion on the students' faces.

 

6:30 a.m.

The coaches carrying more than 100 students embarked on their journey. Lively conversations, laughter, and the tour guides' humor created an excited atmosphere during  the whole 3-hour trip from Hanoi to Tuyen Quang

9:30 a.m.

The first place we visited was the historical site Tan Trao, which marked the heroic first days of the founding of North Vietnam. We Amsers were introduced to the "Nà Lừa Hut", where Uncle Ho used to live and work.


After that, we visited the Tan Trao Banyan, Tan Trao Temple and Hong Thai Temple. All three sites contained great historical meanings as they witnessed a turning point in the country's history. We were absorbed in the tour guide's presentation, where we both discovered new and cultivated our present knowledge of history.

The luxuriant Tan Trao Banyan


Told in a dulcet manner, the tour guide's stories evoked the heroic days of the nation

Tan Trao Temple

Lunch was next on the agenda. Despite its frugality, we felt a casual pleasure and something intrinsic of the province of Tuyen Quang in the meal.


Eating and talking animatedly 

2:30 p.m.

We went to meet and present charitable donations to Tuyen Quang Province Social Protection Center, where the solitary elders and orphans are nurtured. The program contained a meaningful message: "Happiness from Sharing".


Little material gifts, great spiritual values

The program began with the speeches from the Center's representative and Ms. Đinh Lê Thiên Nga, representative of teachers and students of Hanoi - Amsterdam High School.


Next on, each class gave an original performance as a gift to the children and elders here.

The song "Live like flowers", a performance of Literature class


A violin performance from History class

Applause for the perfomances

Here, we were touched by stories of unhappy people for whom difficulty is pervasive in their lives. The renowned Dutch artist Vincent van Gogh once said: "As we advance in life it becomes more and more difficult, but in fighting the difficulties the innermost strength of the heart is developed". The people of the center, they cannot choose their parents nor their living condition, but they can decide their own fates. That is what we, not only students but also teachers and parents, most admired and respected and about them.

A boy with his lollypop and a bright smile

This elder still looks healthy despite being more than 80

Some had lost their children, some their parents, some were deprived or abandoned by the society, but all were received and accepted in the Center. Although each person had his or her own story and mishap, they all became one big family under the roof of love and protection.

Profound sympathy and indescribable sadness on students' faces

The students were moved to tears

Students gathered to ask about an elder's health


At the end of the charity program, everybody got on the coach to check in at the hotel. We had had a great time together with many novel experiences. But the journey did not end there yet...

8:30 p.m.

After dinner came the camp fire. A exuberant spirit filled the air. Perhaps this was the time when the three classes had the greatest moments together. The firewood were carefully arranged to form a circle. Seldom did we have the chance to gather beside a camp fire, so everyone was filled with excitement.


As the music started, the firewood began to burn. Without any prompt, we hold hands to form a circle around the fire and sung to gather. Our heart were simultaneously on fire with the heat. There seemed  to be no distance among the classes ever since the beginning of the journey: we danced shoulder to shoulder, chatted loudly, and laughed heartily. Our teachers also joined us in the celebration, which elevated the spirit even more. Everybody was "flamed" and "on fire" in the thrill of music and dancing fire.


The three classes organized the competition "The Voice Ams" between themselves. The candidates were very talented: they showcased their mellifluous voices through uplifting performances. Also, the judges' hilarious comments had the audience burst out laughing. Competition was fierce as the candidates matched each other perfectly in talent, and all aspired to be the winner. Ultimately, the title of "The Voice Ams Champion" was awarded to Việt Hoàng, a handsome boy from History class. As new Amsers, the students from three classes were close-knit and united. We were still "burning" our best even when the program lasted past midnight.

October 19th, 2014

8 a.m.

We were taken to the tea factory of Tuyen Quang. Here, we learnt about the procedure of planting, growing, and harvesting tea...


Besides exploring the tea hill and enjoying the fresh air, we were taught how to harvest and select tea leaves. These useful skills are certainly experiences we would never forget.


 

The verdant tea field

Every journey comes to an end. At 2:00 p.m., we got on the coaches and traveled back to Hanoi. Nobody wanted to end the trip so early. In only two short days, the Literature-History-Geography union had had a whale of time and invaluable life skills. The trip provided us with a chance to learn about Tuyen Quang - the province central to the nation's war, as well as to witness and empathize with unfortunate lives. Last but not least, the bond among the three classes, Literature, History, and Geography were strengthened, which formed the basis for solid friendships and exquisite memories of our shared home: "Hanoi - Amsterdam".

Reporter: Nhật Linh - Literature 1417 and Quang Minh - History 1417

Translator: Nguyen Tien Thanh - A1 1316