Reflection by Malia-

Today was the notorious Ostrich riding day at the Vuon Xoai Mango Garden Resort, and although I did not ride, I witnessed my fair share of triumph and defeat. Some conquered the gangly bird with ease, while others were angrily ejected. One thing to know is that there is no graceful way to end your ride, as it normally ends by being chucked onto the sand, or into the nearby fence in Mandy's case. She recieved a cut on her leg, but is fine now and proud that she was able to conquer and take advantage of the oppurtunity. After being spun then thrown off a few times, the angry bird began to chase Tate who quickly sprinted away. Sarah was very sucsessful and seemed to the ride the Ostrich with ease around the perimeter of the enclosure. Everyone else also did well in remaining on the bird for a good amount of time to experience what it felt like. Maybe our overall sucsess was due to the fact that we had eaten Ostrich, as well as several other mammals, the night before. As a side note, while touring the gardens, we were confused by the abundance of ostriches if only a few were needed for riding. We later noticed that there were an overwhelming number of Ostrich dishes on the garden's menu. Coincedince? You decide.
The Mango Garden was much larger than expected and also offered a variety of activites such as paintball, bike rides, a mini rollercoaster, and pool slide. I chose to take a bike ride while some played Paintball, and found the ride very pleasant. It was a very picturesque moment as we glided down the long road lined with towering Bamboo. The breeze lifted our hair back as we gathered enough speed to take our feet off the pedals and float down the road. Without the distraction of any technology, we were able to soak in our surroundings, which are often take advantage of in daily life. Removed from our normal life and placed thousands of miles away, we are taken away from any problems or distractions. In that moment, our only worries were of keeping up with the group, or making sure we didn't run down another person strolling along the path.
We watched Captain Phillips and Lone Survivor on the bus, but we closed the curtains to darken the inside and make for a more realistic movie experience inside the bus. I think some may have missed the sights of the transition from Ho Chi Minh to Mui Ne. The Cliff Resort here in Mui Ne is absolutely stunning, but completely different from the sights driving up here. It was interesting enough that I was able to break my trance from a suspenseful shootout on the TV screen to look at the people passing by. As we made it past the reaches of Ho Chi Minh, the
cramped shops with neon signs faded away. Everything spread out and the sights changed to dusty awnings covering corrugated metal sheets to create a store. Merchandise was faded and covered with the the ample red dirt. People in worn clothes gathered to talk story on small broken plastic stools. Elderly men and women squatted while creating whatever merchandise they were selling. There seemed to be one sophisitcated and new building for every thirty that were in rubble or constructed out of dead coconut palms.
I really enjoyed seeing these sights because they were a small peek into the true life in Viet Nam. I suppose the life in Ho Chi Minh is no less "authentic" Vietnamese than that of rural areas, but the less traveled roads offer a different story. It is not catered for tourists like us, and there is no false image that is trying to be provided. It also shows a contrast between the lifestyles just miles apart.
My favorite part about the bus rides to these unfamiliar places is waving to the people who are stunned by the ruby red bus filled with alien faces rolling through. Some times we are ignored, and other times we are met with a shy smile that slowly blossoms. I can't help but replicate the warm smiles of the people. If there's one thing that was solidified for me on this trip, it's that through out the world, the language and culture may change, but a smile is universal.