I had meant to write a bit about how the trip brought me closer to a country I never knew much of. Just days before the trip in July, Hanoi was plagued by heavy rains and storms, which totally missed us when we were there (or at least, when I was there), which sent the city flooding, causing people to lose them homes, and some, even their lives.
Even the day before we landed, we were told by colleagues how bad the storms were and how it hadn’t stopped raining for days.
Strangely, the sun was scorching hot when we were there.
Like how on the last day, after we returned from Halong Bay, our colleagues were supposed to head to Halong Bay and it had to be cancelled cos of a pending storm.
We left that cloudy noon, and apparently, the heavy storm struck and my colleagues were stuck in Hanoi in incredibly bad weather.
Few weeks ago, I read on the news of how a junk had came to a fateful end in Halong Bay in the evening, because how nature had its plan, and a storm it, killing 3 tourists on board.
We have experienced bad storms locally, but our infrastructure is more advanced to cope.
But these were not the only sad news, with the neighbouring countries suffering from quakes, floods, and typhoon, we were all sheltered from all these, that we took for granted.
The thing is, most of us forget. The fresh pain from the tsunami had became a distant memory many chose to forget.
I first heard about Project Hope when I was searching for information on ways I could help, and I think it was just a couple of nights ago, there was news of a variety program of the same name that was raising fund for those who need help.
Project Hope (the TV show) is to raise funds for victims of Typhoon Ketsana, and the earthquake in Padang.
I am not sure if it was the same thing, but for a good cause, I would hope people are aware of the efforts going on, and contribute generously to be part of it.
If you are looking at something more hands on, Project HOPE is looking for volunteers to help the victims in the West Sumatra earthquake.
Humanitarian efforts need more than just moolah, and someday, I wish I can, we can, and she can do more.
