Saturday, May 24, 2008

Misc Pic's 5


Misc Pic's 4










Misc Pic's 3







Misc Pic's 2













Misc. Pic's








Final Day




During the past two weeks I have reflected many times that this might have been my second trip to Viet Nam. I wondered what it would have been like through the eyes of an eighteen year just out of high school, not yet having the opportunity to go to college due to the draft, but the war instead. The difficultly of understanding the reasons thirty nine years ago and still asking the same question of why?

We have learned so much about the people of Viet Nam and the culture of their country. I have had to opportunity to share this experience with your daughters and sons. They are the future for our country as we move forward to a peaceful world.

Together we have gotten to know our travel guide Quynh and all hope to return again to his wonderful country. We will never be able to thank him enough for this memorable experience. Ben

Day 15 Mekong Delta






After sleeping on mosquito netted cots listening to the river boats all night we rose and prepared for the journey back to Saigon. After breakfast we boarded our boat to visit two more places before eventually returning to our bus. First we stopped at one of the biggest island nurseries to see the different types of plants available. We were able to see many different fruits growing. The owner’s family provided tea and fruit samples to try. We also had some of the owner’s own home brewed rice wine. When he heard us toasting, we are a noisy bunch, he decided to join us and brought more wine samples out. The man is 88 years old and looks like Uncle Ho himself (Ho Chi Minh). He allowed us to take his picture. We then made one last boat stop before the bus. We traveled to a local clay factory where anything from bricks to pots are made by hand with only the minimal amount of machinery and molds assist them. The kilns look like giant bee hives. Almost everything that required heat was fueled by rice husks or coconut shells. The Mekong River is very large. Our air conditioned bus was a welcome sight. Along the ride back to Ho Chi Minh City we enjoyed another wonderful roadside lunch. An early arrival to town allowed us to run out and do some last minute shopping. Tonight is our last dinner together. Tomorrow we head for Hong Kong and go our separate ways. Catherine

Day 14 Mekong Delta






We boarded the bus and left Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) today for one day on the Mekong Delta. It was a three hour trip to Cai Be to catch our river touring boat and local guide. First we visited the floating market where all types of fruits and vegetables were sold. Next we enjoyed a sweet treat at the candy factory on one of the islands. They showed us how they pop rice in black sand, how they form the popcorn blocks and how coconut chewy candy is formed. We also watched how edible rice paper is made for use in spring rolls and the like. After sampling many treats were bought. Then we stopped at the Bonsai Gardens for lunch. Here they served whole fish standing up in the center of the table. Rice paper like we had just watched made was provided to roll up vegetables and fish to form our own spring rolls. After lunch we then rode down the river in san pans. Our woman drivers made it look so effortless. Next for those willing and full of energy, an hour long bike ride in the village took place. Many minor injuries due to narrow bridges and unfamiliar territory took place. But they wouldn’t trade their scrapes for the memories of the day. Fresh coconut milk in the shell was provided as refreshment as we then traveled to the home of our host on the river. We relaxed on the river in the muggy delta air enjoying music, dinner, and stories of our host couples war experience. They were pleased to have Americans here. These are new times of harmony. Catherine

Thursday, May 22, 2008

Day 13 HCMC






Today we rose early to get on our way out of the city. On our way to our first destination we were awe struck by perfectly planted trees that popped out of nowhere. We had found our first rubber plantation first established by the French with the sweat and blood of the Vietnamese during its early colonization of the country. We stopped and ventured out into the erry darkness of the grove, perfectly aligned in all directions. We then traveled on to our first stop, the Cu Chi Tunnels first started to be dug in the 1940’s and then fully developed in the 1960’s to the chagrin of many an American troops. The 180 miles of tunnels, 40 miles from Saigon housed the Cu Chi community in three levels underground with all they needed for surviving and fighting the Southern regime. Next we traveled to the Cao Dai Temple for noon time prayer. Here is a very beautifully ornate temple was the mix of three religions praying together in one place. Men and women on separate sides of the temple, eldest most front. The leaders in specific colors, Buddhists in golden yellow, Confucians in Red, and Christians in a medium blue. What an awesome sight, all praying together in harmony. Surely God is in this place. After a wonderful lunch near the temple we traveled to Black Lady Mountain. There we took the cable car up to the mountain top where we visited temples above ground and in a cave and were entertained not only by the view but by wild monkeys as well. At some point during the day we were only 14 miles from the border with Cambodia. We arrived late into the city for dinner after dark but all agreed it was a wonderful day trip. Catherine

Wednesday, May 21, 2008

Day 12 HCMC






Today some of us took our breakfast out on the Famous Rooftop Garden of our hotel. Many a GI and Journalist shared information and drink above Saigon Streets here at what was the R & R stop for those lucky enough to come to the city. The paradox is not lost that we have spent our R & R at sites of both sides of the conflict. The tour today included the war museum and the Southern Palace of Diem. After lunch we traveled to another history museum of the early dynasties. Then a tour to a lacquer factory where beautiful wood pieces are produced by hand. We finished our day of touring in China Town, the oldest part of Saigon. Catherine

Tuesday, May 20, 2008

Day 10 Hoi An






Today we traveled two hours to the site of the My Lai massacre. The museum guide cried when translating the words of one of the survivors, now in her 80’s. There was not a dry eye among us. It is something hard to comprehend. After lunch at a typical roadside restaurant we traveled on to My Son to see the Holy Ruins of the Cham people. As we were walking down we experienced a typical rain storm in this hilly tropical country side. Catherine

Day 9 Hoi An






A few of us were up a 5am to experience the market, the seafood being sold from the boats, along with fruits, flowers and everything else. After breakfast we walked the ancient streets of Hoi An and toured one of the oldest houses and temples of the city. They have very striking Chinese influence. In the home we were invited for tea and were able to watch the family create “White Rose” a delicacy of the are made with shrimp paste and rice flour. Then we traveled to Da Nang for lunch, a walk on the beach, known as China Beach to American Soldiers and a tour of Cham Museum statues and artifacts looted from ancient holy sites. Catherine