Welcome back travellers!
Jan 24 2023After two intense weeks, the solidarity trip to Vietnam in October 2022 has officially come to an end and our 12 travelers have returned to Italy.
This trip differs from other tours of Vietnam for the attention to sustainability and authenticity of the experiences, managing to combine the tourist side with the support of local populations thanks to the joint work with Viaggigiovani.it and VanasiaTravel.
In fact, in the first few days, travelers had the opportunity to visit the places where GTV operates and the past and current cooperation projects in the Xin Man region. The accompaniment of our coordinator in Vietnam, Que, available to tell the work and explain the context, was much appreciated by the travellers, as Patrizia's words well express, who describes her as a person "of unparalleled kindness and knowledge of projects in the north".
In a few but rich days, the group was able to see the results of the Water for All project, meet the students and some children supported by Distance Sponsorship in the schools and gardens built thanks to the FIABA project. For Ennio and Susanna, entering the schools and meeting the young students was one of the most engaging moments, as their words testify: "The works you have created have undoubtedly made us feel many emotions, in particular the extraordinary meeting with the children of the school".
In addition, this year, just as the travelers were in Xin Man, the activities of the new project "Support for women farmers" began. An appreciated extra program was the possibility to attend the first training of the project. The travelers approached the classrooms with enthusiasm and curiosity, and were able to interact directly with the women beneficiaries, creating a unique opportunity for mutual understanding.
Showing the projects we carry out is very important to us and we know that it makes this journey unique and exciting. The testimonies confirm this, as Patrizia tells us: “the people I met during the visits to the projects deeply touched my heart and soul. Their desire to improve, the sincerity in sharing and meeting us, the explosive joy and the disarming smile of the children, the offer of sincere affection, the palpable pleasure in getting to know each other...these are experiences that have touched me very very deeply”. Who also says: "proximity with the locals, visiting their homes, schools, is a priceless experience". And they write to us again: “It is an experience that helps to open her eyes and to grow, which can only be done with the support of GTV. [...] touching the work of an NGO helps to better understand the reality of this country and the various difficulties encountered”.
The second part of the trip was more touristic, but with particular attention to places, people and the approach, thanks to the expert guide of Fabio from VanasiaTravel, our trusted mediator. “Fabio accompanied us, followed us, pampered us... he was truly essential to keep the group together, to have a point of reference throughout the journey, and above all for his willingness to convey his deep sensitivity and infinite passion for the projects that we are. went to visit” Patrizia tells us. Several moments were also accompanied by local guides who made it possible to get to know the history and culture of the country in an authentic way.
Overall, Ennio and Susanna tell us "the choice of excellent hotels, really good and prepared guides and for the non-hectic times allowed us to fully enjoy the places visited".
We are happy that this experience has been full of emotions and it is a joy to receive so many feedbacks, appreciations and suggestions from all the travellers.
For those interested in our solidarity trips, we are already working to organize more in 2023, so check the website to stay updated!!
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