25 February 2008
The first week of swim lessons have been a great success. Despite the cold and gloomy weather, the kids have been extremely enthusiastic. The children have a wide range of capabilities, ranging from some girls who were terrified to even enter the pool to some boys who could already swim a length of the pool but with wild and erratic strokes. Even after just a week, their progress is remarkable. Today we had some students, who on initial assessment could swim precisely zero metres, managed to reach the end of the pool unaided. Admittedly it is only a 10 metre pool however they were deservedly filled with pride in their achievements and are sure to pass on stories of their success back at home.
Liz Marriott, our swim instructor from Australia, and Thanh, our local instructor, are doing a fabulous job. The language barrier has not been a problem at all and we are also gaining valuable Vietnamese lessons from the kids, and vice versa. Although how much future need we will have for knowing the Vietnamese for “bubbles” is yet to be determined.
Today the sun came out for the first time which I believe is a great omen for the future success of the project. And it also helped Liz to thaw out slightly after spending 4 hours per day in the freezing water last week.
News of the swim project is spreading around town, especially after we starred in the local evening news bulletin. No one has asked for our autographs yet but we are finally starting to get discounts at the market.
Many thanks to all the folks who have donated equipment for the kids. The kids love wearing their new goggles and particularly love saying the word “goggles”, which never fails to make them giggle.
If you do have the opportunity to come to Vietnam make sure you come and visit us in Hoi An. I cannot overstate how rewarding it is watching the kids get over their initial fears and learn to swim.
If you want any further info please don’t hesitate to contact me at Joanne@tribob.com.
Tel : +84 935728960
Details of the venues which have supported the project:
Hoi An Beach Club - Right on the beach, boasting a lovely terrace, swimming pool, pool table, full service restaurant & rock n' roll! A great place to spend a lazy day at the beach, drink some cocktails or party the night away. Tel: +84 510 911911.
Website: www.hoianbeachclub.vn
Hoi An Trails Resort - Boutique luxury Resort and Spa located between Hoi An Old Town and the beach. A charming hotel situated in idyllic gardens which combines the natural beauty and cultural heritage of Hoi An. Tel: +84 510 923999.
Website: www.hoiantrailsresort.com.vn
Red Bridge Cooking School & Restaurant - Why not take a Vietnamese cookery class while visiting Hoi An. A great way to learn about Vietnamese food, experience the local markets and the Hoi An way of life.
Tel: +84 510 933 222.
Website: www.visithoian.com
The Hoi An Pacific Hotel is a four-star Deluxe hotel which provides exceptional facilities and services with efficiency, comfort, security and most importantly value for money. It is centrally located and within walking distance to Hoi An Ancient town.
Tel: +84 510 923777
Website: www.hoianpacific.com
Palm Garden Resort is situated on 5-hectare of unspoiled tropical garden, features more than 400 palm trees and complexes of bungalows and suites that intermingle among a grass-covered landscape. This wonderful ambience of the design and the resort's high standards of service add to a wonderful holiday experience. The Resort is located on Cua Dai Beach, Hoi An Town.
Tel : +84 510 927927
Website: www.palmgardenresort.com.vn
Glory Hotel is ideally located about 500 meters from the heart of Hoi An. The hotel reflects a perfect blend of Eastern culture and French architecture, while all rooms are immaculately designed in the combination of Vietnamese styles.
Tel: +84 510 914444
Website: www.glotyhotelhoian.com
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