2/23/2014
Let me just say, getting behind when it comes to journaling is not fun! I am about to leave Singapore, and I still need to finish up Vietnam!
Here it goes…
The second day in Vietnam, I had a Field Lab with my Music Cultures class. I spent the morning at the market with my roommate buying a few things. Our lab began at 1:30. We went to the Soul Academy where we received a tour of the school, spent time in a few classrooms, and watched a performance by students and the founder of the institution.
Experiencing this helped me realize just how important music is to culture and the unification of people. With language barriers and even cultural differences we were able to enjoy and share music amongst each other. It was beautiful. After visiting the school we spent an hour wondering around the market.
Oh! Before I continue, I almost forgot a few things. The Vietnamese seemed to be very fascinated with Black people. I had several people point at my skin, smile, grab my arms, touch my hair, and even ask to take pictures (some took pictures without asking). I had three extremely memorable moments.
The first, was during our Galentines Day dinner. There was a young girl, maybe 5 or 6 who proceeded to touch my hair. Her mother apologized vigorously, and explained that her daughter was curious about my hair. I was something new to her. Her first instinct, was to touch in order to better understand. She was not alone.
My second memorable encounter happened while walking to the market with my roommate. We stopped at a stand off the road, and all of a sudden I felt a finger reach up and touch my hair lightly. I looked over to see to whom the finger belonged, only to find the vendor of the table standing beside me with a big toothy grin.
The last experience I’d like to share, occurred while at the market. After purchasing this beautifully vibrant dress, a group of vendors proceeded to crowd around while the vendor from whom I bought the dress, proceeded to wrap his arm around me, smile, and give a thumbs up towards the cameras that were pointed in our direction.
Occasionally, I felt a bit violated, but mostly these encounters reminded me of how beautiful, exotic, and special Black people are.I think being an African American, it is easy to be jaded towards our own skin color sometimes. These encounters reminded me of how complicated, unique, and beautiful the Black experience is. I am Black! I am Beautiful!
Now, back to the story. After we went to the market, we went to this lovely restaurant where we would eat and enjoy a Water Puppet Show.
The show was first, it was truly a beautiful art form. The technique and mystery behind how the puppets move added to the splendor of it all.Although the entire performance was in Vietnamese, you were still able to keep up with what was going on based on the actions of the puppets.
After the show, we went straight out to eat dinner. It wasn’t until we felt a cool breeze flow through the restaurant that we realized just how beautiful everything was. The place was decorated as if we were indoors, but we were actually outside! It made our dining experience so enjoyable and peaceful. The food was delicious! Have I mentioned how much I enjoy family style/communal eating? Well, if I haven’t… I am now! It is truly a bonding experience. After dinner we went back to the ship. What a wonderful class field trip!
There is still so much more to share….
Until Next Time!
Dom
Bon Vivant 
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