Life...The Vivere

INDOCHINA: 
VIETNAM & CAMBODIA

FFebruary 8, 2013

Honoring all those who suffered

         intolerable horrors of war and brutality 
in Vietnam and Cambodia

Hi Dear Family and Friends,

It's been a while since I've blogged...hard to do when your days are spent touring new places and evenings are spent sleeping off the day's exhaustion!! Just enough time to return to the hotel after a day of touring, check photos, have dinner and get a decent night's sleep to prepare for the NEXT full day of walking, climbing and sightseeing. This tourist thing is not for sissies!!!  :) 

Vietnam is a nation that's developing FAST. It's people are energetic, friendly and resilient.  

Their lives are deliciously simple and peaceful, ever enveloped in the scent of burning wood.

The American War (what we call the Vietnam War) is over, but its impact endures...in those affected by Agent Orange, among other things. We visited the underground tunnel system used by the Vietnamese during the war...it goes for miles and has several entrances...all undetectable. Michael was able to get in and out of one entrance...

A visit to Hanoi wouldn't be complete without a visit to the famous "Hanoi Hilton." The Hoa Lo Prison was used by the French colonists in Vietnam for political prisoners and later, by the North Vietnamese Army to house, torture and interrogate prisoners of war.

I found it interesting that there was little that was "oriental" in Vietnam's architecture. Their French Colonial legacy won out. Charming, really. 

There were poor areas, but never squalid.

Our introduction to Vietnam came in the form of big city, Hanoi, with its graceful, sweeping boulevards and MANIC traffic... mostly motorbikes. It was definitely a challenge crossing the streets...life-threatening even! In addition, cars, motorbikes and carts all have horns that honk constantly as if to say "watch out for me!!" 

Throughout North Vietnam, many were getting ready for the Chinese New Year...preparing lanterns and selling New Years paper goods...very colorful!!

Other observations: the Vietnamese people are shorter than most Americans, they're somewhat superstitious, they worship their ancestors (you can see Spirit Houses outside each homestead, honoring family ancestors)

and they pay serious attention to yin yang and feng shui.

South Vietnam, influenced by Indian and Hindu cultures, has spicy regional cuisine...chili and coconut are predominant flavors.

In North Vietnam, the Chinese influence is more apparent...Uncle Ho (Ho Chi Minh) is a heroic figure...not so in South Vietnam. 

Central Vietnam is the quintessential Vietnam...the old historic port of Hoi An,

the royal tombs and pagodas of Hue...

floating fishing villages that teem with activity...

farms scattered throughout the countryside...the rhythm of Vietnamese life.

Throughout Vietnam, the enduring French legacy is evident not only in the architecture, but in language as well as in the crispy baguette and coffee culture you'll find everywhere. 

Add to the cultural smorgasbord the influence of the American interlude, the more than 50 hill tribes in their colorful, traditional dress...

and the ever-present, powerful, ruling Communist Party... 

and you've got one heady, intoxicating and unique country...VIETNAM!

In a few days, I'll post about Cambodia...many, many photos to sort through. Both Vietnam and Cambodia are stunningly beautiful...each in their own way. Please check back in a couple of days for a Cambodian trip report...

Happy to "see" you here.
Hugs and welcome back,
abbyj