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

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

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

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

Day 8 HUE

The Royal Family after having enjoyed a wonderful dinner together the previous night gathered together aboard a boat for a ride down the Perfume River to pay their respects to Thien Mu Pagoda before entering the grounds of their royal kingdom of the Citadel. Just kidding, we reverted back to being awestruck tourists learning more about Viet Nam’s royal history and main faith tradition of Buddhism. There is a major construction effort to return the royal grounds to their former splendor. We then enjoyed cyclo rides around the citadel outer perimeter. Many of our drivers had to work very hard in the hot sun. A comment was made that we would not have had the nerve to weave though such traffic the first days of our trip, but it doesn’t seems to phase us now.

We then loaded the bus for the ride to Hoi An. We climbed some mountain ranges and continued to be amazed by the skill of our bus driver. Well sort of. None of us wishes to gain a driving license here. We stopped along the way at an Orphanage to eat lunch with the children and take a tour of the facilities. Here they showed us the two clothing cabinets we provided the funds to buy. The children were so beautiful. One young man now owns Howard’s hat and I am sure his heart as well. We were even entertained by some impromptu break dancing. After driving through another mountain pass by tunnel we arrived at Da Nang, a large sea side city. We could still see remnants of a devastating cyclone and the old American Air base. Then to the resort at Hoi An. We ate dinner at a local place in the old city and on the way back enjoy a Buddhist parade for Versek. Sleep is a marvelous thing. Catherine

Day 7 Quang Tri - Service Project

Each day seems to top the day before. Today was no different. We headed out to Quang Tri for a tour of the DMZ and our Community Service Project. It was a short two hour trip from the hotel. We traveled through the mountainous region viewing mountains named “the rockpile” and “the razorback” which were important points in the war between North Viet Nam and South Viet Name and the USA. The affects of agent orange could be seen in the lack of vegetation. It still causes defects in people three generations after it’s use. We arrived to our service project, a house sponsored by our donations being built for a woman who suffered a land mine injury two years ago. It continues to be a great problem here. Some shoveled dirt, sand, and stone mixture for the floor of this one room structure. Others tamped the mixture to form a compact floor. Still others mixed sand and cement to make stucco which was applied by others to the brick walls. They only allowed us to work a couple of hours before taking the work back from us. Presentations of gifts and gratitude were exchanged. Then we took a trip up the road to the 17th parallel where the country was divided until the end of the war. We were then off to a center for blind and disabled people where they are taught a trade to provide skills, income, and sense of pride. There we presented them with a television and radio. After which we were invited to the local high school to interact with the 11 grade English class. Gifts, speeches, songs, and games were shared by all. Then we broke into small groups to share cultural understanding by use of the English language. Each of us was given gifts of friendship and many emails were shared. Howard attempted to recruit new students for St. Andrews. It was a long but blissful ride to the hotel sharing all our stories together. When we didn’t think it could be topped, we gathered for dinner at a local restaurant which dressed as in traditional royal party clothing and entertained us with original Vietnamese Music and Food. The artistry of sound and taste was fabulous! Tomorrow we will tour Hue and then travel to Hoi An. Catherine

Day 4 and 5 Ha Long Bay

Sorry for the delay but we did not have internet. It was worth it. After a false start we headed out of Ha Noi City by bus to Ha Long Bay. If you thought navigation in city traffic was stressful, just ask a few of our fellow travelers located either in the front or the rear with full view. Street lanes are only a suggestion. And there are no speed signs here. They are not needed. We saw many a live lawn mower, i. e. cows and water buffalo along the way clearing paths around the rice patties. Many a field has ancestral tombs in their center. Much construction is happening and the main power source in this area is fueled by coal. We stopped for the “happy” room and some shopping at a craft center set up to train children affected by Agent Orange. Their work was exquisite. Everyone was excited to board our boat at the bay. The scenery was beyond description and the food just kept coming. At one point we stopped to tour the caves and swim on the beach. Some with energy to spare also climbed the mountain for a grander view. A few even swam from the beach to the Junk. People in san pans continued to beg us to buy their wares. Eventually the water lulled us to sleep.

The next morning after breakfast, we hopped a small boat to visit a lagoon not accessible by our luxurious Junk. It is amazing this world created for us. No one wanted to leave. It was so peaceful after visiting the bustling city of Ha Noi. But alas, we needed to head back to the airport to catch our flight to Hue (pronounced “way”). It may have been the same route out but the trip was very different. We stopped for different “happy” room and shopping. Then shortly after, our guide asked if we wanted to check out this large church on the hill. He was curious. It was the Temple of Miriam. A Catholic church decorated with dragons. Inside were Stations of the Cross and typical Catholic configuration but I could not locate the tabernacle. A short way down the street we stopped at a typical village to check it out. As our guide introduced us, village people ushered us in providing wonderful hospitality. The children at first shy, continued to congregate, popping out to see the foreigners with the “big nose.” One elderly man welcomed us into his home and wanted to share tea. It turns out that he was 101 years old. The house was basically one room. A tribute to Ho Chi Minh took center place. He was part of the army and had certificates of honor commemorating his service on the wall. We wandered the streets (alleys) along side children, dogs, cows, bicycles and motor bikes. Each village is surrounded by rice patties where families make at least part of their living. Many work in the fields in the morning, rest during the heat of the day, and go back to finish in the late afternoon. We waved at many young children in a day care. A couple bags of candy brightened all the faces that were no longer shy to speak or have their pictures taken. The villagers also welcomed us into their newly built Buddhist Temple. Boarding the bus was a mixed blessing, we did not want to leave but the air conditioning was too good to ignore. Once back at Ha Noi airport, we prepared to make the one hour flight to Hue. No one looked forward to another flight so soon. Tonight we are staying at The Huong Giang Hotel (5 star) along the river. Tomorrow we will complete our service project. Catherine

Day 4 - Hanoi

Today we enjoyed breakfast at our hotel. Some dined on typical western faire while others became more adventurous. The Army Hotel is still connected with the Vietnam Army. Part of it has been converted for private guests. Many different military people from other countries were dinning there as well. We then traveled off to see the sights. We experienced the Tan Quoc pagoda and the Quan Thanh Temple (Buddhist). Then the temple of Literature which is of Confusion learning. We hoped to see Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum but alas, today they closed early. We have enclosed a picture for you of us gathered outside. We were able to visit the grounds of the French Governor’s Quarters where Minh refused to stay, having built instead a modest three room house on the grounds. After lunch we visited The Ethnology Museum and grounds, experiencing the many different ethnic cultures. Then another temple. We finished a long day by enjoying the famous water puppet theater complete with traditional music. Their skills made these puppets on bamboo poles dance effortlessly on water. After dinner together discussing such things as language skills gone bad this day, some still had the energy and curiosity to walk on to find the “Goat” Restaurant whiles others went back to the hotel to pack for Ha Long Bay. I can’t wait to hear the new stories of adventures experiencing night life in Hanoi. Catherine

Day 3

We arrived safely, after checking into the Army Hotel and we had lunch at the Viet Kitchen family style. Then visited the old quarter for an hour long walk through narrow and winding streets. Many small shops with varieties of wares. It reminded me of historic Charleston. No big conglomerates here yet. We also learned how to cross the street. That is not easy or for the faint of heart. We were directed by our guide to "walk slow but just go." Motor scooters, bikes, cars and trucks are only inches (if that) from you. Some how you just make it. Truely it is amazing. Catherine

Long Day in the Big City

Hey people! A nice woman came up to us and offered to take our picture with my camera right before I tried to do it Lyndsey McCall style. Strangely enough my peace sign is right below the statue of liberty (this is as close as we got to it because the line for the ferry was crazy long) and a little to the right of mom is Ellis Island. We had a fun day wandering around NYC: saw a bit of the downtown including where the World Trade Center was and found a nice Irish pub to eat a late lunch before finding the famous bull statue which is not on wall street (it's on broadway). That's all for now kids, we've got a few more hours till our twelve hour flight from JFK to Hong Kong, and then a much shorter flight to Hanoi, Vietnam. Wish us luck, if the NYC subway was any kind of prediction we may need a little to help us through the next two weeks. Love you all and stay safe! - Midorichan

Day One

Our journey starts today in NYC.