Awardee reflection - Angus Leesue

 How has the study tour had an impact on you?

The study had a huge impact on me as it allowed me to experience another culture, and it allowed me to get a better understanding of where the Anzacs fought and what the conditions they fought in where like. Being able to experience the Vietnamese culture was unreal. The food, the clothing, the people and the places where all amazing and I would go back in a heartbeat to see it all over again!

Going to Long Tan is something that I will never forget, seeing where the Anzacs fought and the conditions they were fighting in will be something that stays with me forever.

What did you learn about our Anzacs in Vietnam?

I learned about how the Anzacs fought in the Vietnam war, how they moved around and the types of conditions they had to fight in. We were told by Dennis that they had to walk a certain way in the forest during the dry season because all the leaves were dry, so if you stepped on them, they would make a sound and lead the enemy to them. At Long Tan, looking into the forest, there was almost nowhere to hide from the enemy. The trees were small and couldn’t hide behind them, all the Anzacs could do is hide in bomb creators or just lie on the ground.

What did you notice about Vietnam as a country and its people?

Vietnam is very beautiful country with great history, culture and people. The people are so friendly and welcoming, and the culture so different to ours. I would love to go back and experience more of it. As beautiful as Vietnam is, it is also very dirty and polluted. The river, streets and environment are very polluted, and it effects the country’s beauty.

Did any locations stand out to you?

The Chu Chi Tunnels and Ben Thai Markets defiantly stood out to me the most. The Chu Chi Tunnels were just so cool to go in and explore, and to see how small the Vietnamese people were was just unreal. In the original entrance it was so small that my foot didn’t even fit it in. The Ben Thai Markets was one of the places I was most excited about because for the first time we were able to barter. Bartering was so fun because we got a chance to get cheap items even cheaper, for me it was really fun but also really easy because all it took was confidence and know when to walk away.

Would I go again?

In a heartbeat! I loved the experience and the group of wonderful people I went with. If I had the chance to go back to Vietnam with the same group, I would pack my bags faster then you can say Vietnam. It was a once in a lifetime experience and I am forever grateful for the martin family and the experience I had.