Arriving in Vietnam
Hello everyone and greetings from Vietnam. I have so many updates to share with you. Right now I’m in Hue (pronounced “who way” for those of us who are Hooked on Phonics) and it’s absolutely gorgeous. I need to back it up a bit though to give you Vietnam from the start.
Unfortunately, our crossing into Vietnam from Cambodia was a bit frustrating. The border guards wanted us to pay additional money to enter the country despite the fact that we had already paid money to secure our visas. Our tour leader, who has done this border crossing for several years now without ever paying a fee, refused. So for the next hour we watched the border guards talk on the phone and with each other, text message, watch television, stare at the wall and basically do everything but examine our passports. Not exactly a fabulous first impression, but we didn’t let that dampen our enthusiasm. Once we were finally given access we hopped on our bus and zoomed to the charming town of Chau Doc. We immediately dropped our bags and headed to Sam Mountain for sunset.
Our transport up to Sam Mountain was by motobike and I was a bit nervous, as it seems like anything goes on the roads here, but I had a helmet and we were in the countryside so I decided to give it a go and I am so glad that I did. It was a blast and I felt totally safe. Here is a view from the top.
The next morning we headed off to Ho Chi Minh City, formerly Saigon and how the locals still refer to the city. What a change from the mellow pace of Chau Doc. The traffic in HCMC is absolutely insane! Motorbikes, bicycles, taxis, buses and cars are zooming in all directions and the only sound one can hear is incessant beeping horns. The first time crossing the street was a bit terrifying, but within a few minutes we got the hang of things. Essentially, one must just walk into oncoming traffic and through the throngs of oncoming vehicles. I know it sounds crazy, but it’s really the only way. Unfortunately I couldn’t really snap any great shots of the traffic because I was too focused on not getting run over, but here is just a small taste of the mania.
Yes, we would have to cross the street from this angle. Only a few intersections have traffic lights. Most, like this intersection, did not. Wow….
Despite the frenzied pace, I loved HCMC! It was fun to be in a bustling city again for a few days. The big tourist attraction in HCMC is the Cu Chi Tunnel (reconstructed). It is an elaborate underground tunnel system that served as the base for the Cu Chi District Party leadership in the Anti-American resistance. The tunnels were very deep with several floors offering shelter, cooking facilities, hospitals and meeting rooms. They are accessible only by secret doors as you will see below.
There are also many traps along the way…
As an American, it’s quite uncomfortable to be in this village and hear the countless stories of death and destruction. The opening video we watched was definitely cringe inducing. Here’s a little sample for you.
Cu Chi was a beautiful, serene and wonderful place filled with lush vegetation and gorgeous fruit trees offering mouth-watering treats for the lovely, peaceful, and kind-hearted people of the village until one day a batch of evil American devils descended upon Cu Chi with their ghastly bombs and disgusting ways….
Um……yeah. I think you get the picture. At one point during the tour I started hearing gun shots and thought that it must be some kind of a re-enactment, but as we moved closer we discovered that visitors could actually select the machine gun of their choice to shoot if they purchased ammunition. I am not a fan of guns so this held zero allure for me, but a few of the folks on my trip had a go with an AK-47. The shots are so loud that I had to cover my ears and I wasn’t even down in the shooting range.
We did get a chance to go down into the caves, which have been doubled in size to accommodate tourists. This is the expanded version.
This was a tough day, but an important one as well. It was eye-opening to hear a different perspective and awe-inspiring to learn about this elaborate and sophisticated underground village. Again, I am humbled.
More on Vietnam to come. Next stop was the beach, but unfortunately the typhoon that blew through town a day or two earlier devastated the beaches and prevented the trains from traveling. An emergency flight later we arrived in the absolutely stunning town of Hoi An, which is known for it’s gorgeous architecture, delicious food and insane shopping. I fell in love with Hoi An and cannot wait to share this town with you. Soon, I promise. Sweet dreams from Hue.
