SenTians’ Diary “Returning to the Village” – Immersing in the Ethnic Culture

(Vu Thu Phuong, class 7A1)

Grades 6-7-8 SenTia School students had a 2-day-1-night field trip at Thai Hai Reserve Area of Ecological Houses-on-Stilts Village – Thai Nguyen. They mingled with nature, learned about the culture of the Tay and Nung ethnic people, and tried many interesting activities of the ethnic.

Students and teachers were welcomed by friendly people with a good luck ritual from the Long Tong Festival and tried a folk game named nem con. Students visited the village and learned about traditional crafts such as making green tea, baking, etc.

For lunch, the students themself selected ingredients, set up the kitchen, and prepared and cooked a traditional tray of rice of the Tay ethnic group including grilled chicken, fish soup, boiled water spinach, clay pot rice, and floating cake. The meal became more meaningful when the student groups had a special challenge of giving a smart and quick presentation about the meaning of the meal.

In the evening, the stage of Thai Hai Village is the most vibrant with cultural folk dancing performed by Thai Hai people and professional performances by SenTians.

The early morning atmosphere of Thai Hai village is refreshing. A new day begins with challenges such as tug of war, stylist, etc. Not only does it require energy and a healthy body, but students also use creative minds and logical thinking to complete challenges; thus, they can understand more about the national cultural values.

What a meaningful trip with so many interesting experiences and useful knowledge! SenTians looks forward to seeing Thai Hai Eco Village again soon!