Today is the end of my 7-day summer camp. we spent 5 days in singapore and 2 days in indonesia. Throughout this educational trip, I’ve learned so many new things, things that I never knew existed.
One thing I am really passionate about is learning the culture of other people’s. I got to see the difference between Singapore/Indonesia and Vietnam. Even though both are Southeast Asia. Things are very different here, I think it’s mostly because SG is a first world country.
I really liked how modern things are here. I love the MRT system, I love experiencing the thrill when the train starts to move and everyone just kinda lends over. It took me some time to get used to it and not almost falls over when the train moves (the trick is to keep your feet apart!).
A few days ago when we went to the Bedok Public Library, I think I was the only few to ACTUALLY read (and not sleep/eat). I read a book called “blue²” by Luna Orchid, it was truly a good read even though I only experienced it halfway before we leave. I really did relate to that book and now I feel really empty ’cause VN don’t have it :(.
Also a few days ago, we went to the iconic Merlion Park with the lion statue. It was truly one of the best days of the trip, we ate ice creams, drink some (overpriced) tea and after that we literally walked to the other side of the lion statue. You can imagine how long/tiring that is and I’m pretty sure my step count was 20.000 that day.
Ưe walked by a mall (?) of sorts and ate some super delicious rice and fried chicken, fish, etc.. after watching the water show (?). The show was actually very very good, I couldn’t keep my jaws of the floor.
One of the things I was really impressed about was how quiet people are in public, especially on the MRT and also how people stand to left on the escalator for people who are in a rush to walk up. For some reason, everytime I speak to the people here, I get nervous, maybe it’s because I’m not used to talking to native English speakers.
During the time here, I got to meet lots of new friends, even ones from Indonesia. In my camp, I got along best with Kim Linh, who is two years younger than me, still I had a lot of fun talking/playing with her. And also Tue Nhi and Khanh Ngoc, I pretty sure I laugh everytime we speaked. Some parts in my mind hopes that we can continue to friends, just like this :D.
Here’s everything I’ve learned throughout my days at the camp:
– day 1: stick by the group that you’re in, as teenagers, sometimes we’ll like to rebel a bit, we think that we can go on our own and nothing will happen because oh “I can speak English, it’ll be the same as when I speak in school” but that’s absolutely wrong, in a country where the only person you know is the ones you’d like to rebel with, it is best to just stick to group, follow the adults – the experienced. and if you’ve ever been to SG, you’ll know that people’s accent here are far different from what they say in schools. IMO, it’s very hard to make out what some are saying here. that doesn’t mean you can’t speak English here, however, I really do recommend you pay attention to people’s gestures and facial expressions.
– day 2: on this day, we want to the Van Gogh’s exhibition at SG’s Universal Studios. there wasn’t much too learn on this day actually. except to pay attention to your belongings, don’t leave ’em alone or at least give them to someone who will look out for it. you should also check your stuff whenever you have the time.
– day 3: we had a presentation on this day, the only thing I can say is to use hand gestures when your speaking, even though I’m still not used to it, if you don’t know what to do, just put your hands along your hips, and also speak slowly, clearly, make sure others can hear you, make sure that you’ve got at least one paying attention.
And here are some tips overall:
– pay attention to your MRT card.
– offer your seat (especially if you’re sitting on a red seat) to seniors, pregnant woman, woman with small children, disabled/injured person, etc.. people who really look like they need some help.
– again, stay with your group!
– be responsible for your belongings.
– be quiet in public (please).
– try to move quick, especially in rush hour.
– enjoy the moment.
– don’t be shy/embarrassed to experience new things. the longest a stranger will think about you is probably an hour.
– keep your feet apart on MRT if there’s no space to grab onto. try to focus on standing still/keeping your body straight.
– bring water, lots of water, actually, it will help you a lot.
– speak clearly and slowly, make sure others understand you.
– don’t be afraid to ask for help/ask a question.
– if you have a SIM card, make actual use of it. you don’t know when you will need that extra data to use the map.
– be respectful of other people’s cultures (nhập gia tuỳ tục). yes you don’t do that in your country but for some, they grew up doing that.
– say “thank you”.
– don’t hog up other people’s spaces.
– for using the MRT, use the map, really really use it.
– pay attention to the signs in buildings, most will have it.
Next, here’s some essentials to bring:
– toothbrush, toothpaste
– extra clothes, for example if it’s a 7-day trip bring 10 different outfits, same for undergarments.
– don’t bring too much food, there’s a 80% chance you won’t finish it.
– hats
– sun protection shirts/jackets
– sunscreens (i forgot mine, big mistake)
– shower gel, shampoo and conditioner, enough for the trip.
– your own water bottle.
– plastic bags to keep your dirty clothes.
– socks 🧦
– travel adaptor
– a watch to keep track of time.
– a fanny pack to keep your money, cards, phone, important stuff.
– pens and notes
– a fast charger
On day 5, I was the leader to our group (blue). I’m glad I got the position on day 5 instead of the first few days. personally, to be a leader, I think you should be consistent, be stern and be able to read the MRT map.