Day 7-- It's been a week already? It's been a week already:(

Time flies when you're in Vietnam. 

Today we rolled out of the hotel with a full squad (something Bry Guy was probably very grateful for). We went to UEF for more culture and language classes. Language class was not as enthusiastic as it normally is, probably because we were all very tired. We quickly relocated to the canteen for a fast lunch and then it was off to the U.S. Consulate where we met with a few diplomats who explained to us what they do and how they got involved with working at the Consulate. All four representative were very passionate about their jobs and seemed to really enjoy what they do. We were then given a short tour of the Consulate, which was once the Embassy before it was moved to Hanoi. This was the Embassy that was attacked during the Tet Offensive. Both Americans and Vietnamese people died on the grounds we were standing on, fighting for their respective countries. The little history lesson gave me chills and I felt grateful yet again for my opportunity to come to Vietnam. After the U.S. Consulate we walked over to the American Center where we spent time with nearly 60 Vietnamese students and young adults. The event was a Q&A, where the Vietnamese students asked us (the American students) questions about higher education and just American life in general. It was probably one of the more fun activities we have done on this trip so far. Everyone seemed very interested in what I had to say about my life as an American and it made me feel that I might take for granted a lot of things in my life (like my family, my freedoms, and my education. In fact I definitely take for granted a lot of those things). 

We then came back to the hotel and a couple of us went to the pool to cool off (it was extraordinarily hot today, what's new?). Next on the agenda was GIRLS NIGHT OUT. The seven and us and Kate (i.e goddess of beauty and helping us cross the street) went shopping and brought dinner back to the hotel with us. 
(***all of this was after we tried on our ao dai!!) 

Tomorrow we go to the Cu Chi Tunnels, stay tuned...

Aster with an Ao Dai pants, business casual-cool dress combo

I wasn't supposed to take a picture of this, but--the Vietnamese plaque commemorating the Vietnamese soldiers that died during the Tet Offensive at the U.S Embassy.

Casual photo shoot in the lobby (EVERYONE was taking pictures)

cute puppy