Thursday, March 01th, 2012

Lessons in War and Peace

Francis Parker School - North to South - Day 8It was our first day waking up in Ho Chi Minh City, or Saigon, as most locals still call it. After being toured around the city by our new tour guide, Mr. Trang, we headed to the Vietnam War Remnants Museum, and had more than an hour and a half to explore… [Read Full Article]

Wednesday, February 29th, 2012

South to Saigon

Francis Parker School - North to South - Day SevenOur group awoke Sunday morning on our beloved night train around 5:35, and quickly exited. Everyone seemed very tired after so much traveling in a short time. Us students were excited to hear that we would be returning to our Hanoi hotel where we would meet up with the South to… [Read Full Article]

Monday, February 20th, 2012

Ho Chi Minh and Other Reflections from Francis Parker Students

Francis Parker School - South to North - Day SevenHello Everybody!Our first full day in Hanoi was very active. We awoke to overcast skies, a slight mist, and a welcoming buffet. After eating we walked to the Hoan Kiem Lake at the center of Hanoi to visit Turtle Tower. Once there we learned about a 169 kg turtle living at… [Read Full Article]

Monday, February 20th, 2012

A Homestay and Life on the Mekong River

Francis Parker School - South to North, Day Four and FiveLast night was our first night at the homestay. We were not able to publish our blog in the river delta during the home stay, so here is our follow-up. The beds were firm, yet soft and were protected by very useful mosquito nets. The family who owns the house… [Read Full Article]

Monday, February 20th, 2012

Hiking, Water Buffalo, Rice Paddies & Karaoke

Francis Parker School - North to South - Day Six Friday morning was slow. Everyone got up at different times to explore the town and to get breakfast. It was nice to observe the cloudy covering in Sapa before the tourist activities started. We met up again before lunch and checked out of the hotel to embark on our hike… [Read Full Article]