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Port of Call |
LAST UPDATE July 12, 2005
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| site design imagesparkle.com |
| February 12, 2005 |
Da Nang |
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| Japanese and Vietnamese youth were paired together for an exciting cultural exchange |
Peace Boat's 48th voyage arrived in its second port of call, Da Nang, Viet Nam, on February 11, 2004, just nine days after embarking. Greeted by a dance performed by young Vietnamese from the Viet Nam Youth Union, participants went ashore to spend a day in Da Nang, Viet Nam's fourth largest city. Peace Boat has enjoyed a long history of exchange with the people of Da Nang and this visit was eagerly anticipated by all onboard. |
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| Despite the language barrier, friendships were quickly formed |
Prior to arrival in Da Nang, Peace Boat guest educator Thang Nhung provided Vietnamese language classes, as well as a special presentation about Viet Nam's history, people, and culture. This preparation helped participants to learn more about the beautiful and fascinating country they would be visiting.
A group of more than 200 joined members of the Da Nang branch of the Viet Nam Youth Union for a special exchange program entitled "The Great Cultural Exchange with Young Vietnamese." The program's goal was to help participants from both countries experience face-to-face communication and make new friends, regardless of nationality or language. |
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| Here, Japanese participants perform a dance for members of the Viet Nam Youth Union |
While some participants might have initially been worried about the language barrier, their fears were soon allayed. Each Japanese participant was paired with a Vietnamese counterpart and taught the Vietnamese national anthem during the short bus ride into the city. "Music is something that all cultures have in common", one participant explained, "it has the power to make people feel relaxed and at ease with their surroundings." Indeed, by the time the buses arrived at the Da Nang Youth Center, all participants, both Japanese and Vietnamese, were smiling as they sang together.
At the Youth Center, participants were treated to an interactive program which included more singing, energetic hip-hop dancing, as well as a song and dance presentation from both sides. Vietnamese students presented a traditional dance, while Peace Boat showcased a special version of "YMCA". By the time the program concluded, participants from both sides felt completely at ease with each other - a remarkable feat for a period of less than three hours! |
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| Lunch outside the Youth Union |
After enjoying a delicious Vietnamese lunch together, the Japanese/Vietnamese pairs had the opportunity to spend two hours free time in Da Nang. Many hopped on the back of one of Viet Nam's infamous motorcycle taxis and headed off to various locations around town. Some were taken to Youth Union members' favorite cafes to sample Viet Nam's famous coffee; a few even had the opportunity to visit members' families in their homes. This rare chance to experience the everyday lives of young Vietnamese helped Japanese participants to deepen their understanding of the country and its citizens. |
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| A tearful goodbye to new friends |
At the end of the day, participants from both countries bade each other farewell, with promises to keep in touch. Even though Peace Boat's time in Da Nang was short, participants were able to make new friends and gain valuable insights into Vietnamese culture. |
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