The Ben Thanh Market is a giant building of vendors who each have tiny, back-to-back squares of space to put/hang up all the things they have to sell (generally themed things--coffee, t-shirts, jewelry). I walked in and before I could process the amount of things there were to look at, I was bombarded with vendors asking me if I wanted to buy what they were selling (some even grabbed me to get my attention). Fortunately for me (and probably for everyone), I did not need to use my Vietnamese to bargain because most vendors spoke English. I did learn today that I do not like to bargain, which is why I brought Arielle with me wherever I went. I eventually got some things for family and friends and even bargained a little myself once I got the confidence (I'm sure I still spent much more than what a more experienced Vietnamese person would have spent).
We then went to the Vina Capital Foundation for a visit. The Foundation (not really a foundation because they work/fund their own projects while foundations fund other projects) is an NGO in Vietnam and invests money to fund social change. Some projects include paying for child heart surgeries and sending girls from poor areas to school. The management team that spoke to us was a cool group of guys, very focused on social change and actually making a difference. Vina Capital was very cool to me because although social change is hard to see and progress is difficult to measure, it is amazing that this company (and so many others like it) don’t stop. The representatives mentioned doing any little thing they can to donate as much money as possible—like taking economy class plane rides instead of first class ones. This really shows their dedication and I think something more people should do.
We then came back to the hotel and made plans for the night. I think I poured my heart and soul into karaoke tonight.
Inside Ben Thanh
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Rachel displays her Vietnamese pride
