Awardee reflection Matilda Taylor

Vietnam was quite the experience. I wasn’t quite sure what to expect the day I walked into Adelaide Airport. Yes, I had been overseas twice before, but I had never experienced a country so different in the ways that Vietnam was. Not to mention I was leaving almost everything I knew behind, to cross the world with a group of almost total strangers. Yet, for some strange reason, I stepped through security, with only one glance back for moral support, and then I was off, armed with nothing but the contents of my bag, and the classic ‘she’ll be right’ mindset.

The first thing I noticed was the sheer size of Hoh Chi Minh City. For a group of nineteen teenagers, most of which hadn’t seen anything bigger than Melbourne, the city seemed to be a large mass of light. It was quite a dazzling, restless display, and a complete culture shock.

For the next two weeks we were bombarded with everything Vietnam had to offer us. If it weren’t for the steadfast guidance of our brilliant tour guide, Martin, we would have probably been crushed under the enormity of it all. Martin, along with all the amazing teachers on our trip, were a complete blessing. Whether it be making sure we were all fine, having fun or cramming every last scrap of information into our somewhat overwhelmed minds, I am extremely grateful for the wonderful group of adults.

Looking back at our trip, I had to stop and wonder, how on Earth did we eat all that food? There was so much variety too! Good grief, who could forget the amount of fruit. I’ve never tasted a passionfruit quite like the ones in Vietnam or eaten a pineapple that hadn’t tried eating my tongue whilst I tried to eat it. I can definitely say I’ve tried experimenting with different foods after eating jellyfish. Weirdest texture, I can’t quite explain it. Imagine biting into what you believe to be slime, only for it to crunch. Excuse me?

Not only was the food different, but so were the people. I don’t think I’ve ever seen so many people at once, and I was in London on Coronation Day! The vibrant colours of exotic fruits and street vendors’ wares was quite the sensory overload. And it wasn’t just the sights, but also the sounds and smells too.

Whilst the culture was eye opening, it wasn’t the entire meaning for the trip. Visiting the places where the Anzacs once walked, following in their footsteps, was truly an experience I shall never forget. As an avid history nerd, I’ve become accustomed to the great stories that riddle our history, but there is something different about actually being there. I still stop and think about the places I’ve been to, the stories of individual people, most of which, no less ordinary than I.

Yet it is their stories that hold so much value, for without them we would be unable to learn. Visiting Vietnam reminded me of the importance of learning from our past, and I hope more people get to experience what we did. To learn, and to remember those who gave up their lives to serve their countries.

Although we had many thought-provoking experiences, I wouldn’t have been such an enjoyable trip without a little fun here and there. From mad karaoke sessions to questionable plane pudding, we truly found ways to have fun and get to learn more about each other. Everyone always had something funny to share and made bus trips unforgettable. To all the other awardees, I thank you from the bottom of my heart. Your presence made the whole thing worth it. I am so glad to have been a part of this amazing group. I’m sure we still have adventures to experience together, and I can’t wait to be there for them.

A tip of the Akubra to all of you!