Hi Chi Minh City (Saigon), Viet Nam

 Our approach to Saigon included hundreds of small fishing vessels.  Preparation is well underway for Reunification Day 50 year celebration from April 30, 1975 when Viet Nam was reunified at the end of what the Vietnamese call the American War. 


Chinook helicopter was our first stop at the War Remnants Museum.  The atrocities of war were on prominent display and it was absolutely horrific.  First of all, it was sobering to think how I might have been required to board this helicopter had I been drafted into military service during this war.  My high number in the draft lottery saved me from PTSD or death from Viet Cong or friendly fire, because of my strong moral belief.  Furthermore, the photos of the Vietnamese birth defects as a result of Agent Orange nearly made me cry.  Tears could have flown freely if I hadn't held them back as we viewed photos of war crimes against the Vietnamese, which I will not describe.  Devastation from bombs shown in photos added to the despair I felt from the Vietnamese point of view.  I know a few men who served their country in this war and I feel empathy for what they felt they had to do.  Looking at this war from the Vietnamese frame of reference can certainly change one's perspective.


After visiting the Reunification Palace, we are shown offering a Vietnamese toast to our guide, Tai, who recommended this restaurant for authentic Vietnamese food. 

The population of Ho Chi Minh City is ten million with more than six million motorcycles.  One hundred million people live in Viet Nam.

Chinatown with its bustling market was included in our tour,  We have never seen so much stuff.  The isles were narrow and the market was huge with soft goods and food.  The U.S. dollar is strong here and much money is saved with no packaging costs.
                                                          I bought bananas from this woman.


Our tour of Saigon was enlightening.  

“One must travel to learn.” – Mark Twain 

Comments

  1. Kris T.April 30, 2025 at 9:39 AM

    How do the locals feel about Americans at this point? Several different perspectives??

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Randy and Ruth AnnApril 30, 2025 at 3:45 PM

      We wondered the same thing. The locals look to the future, not the past. They also are prospering from tourism and knew the great majority of American soldiers were trying to help them. They give credit to U.S student demonstrations for ending the war.

      Delete
  2. plattsflyingdogsMay 5, 2025 at 12:25 PM


    Banana man strikes again! 🍌

    ReplyDelete

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