Today was Re-unification Day. In 1975 this is the day that the Saigon was captured. I have had some concern about how being an American would be received in light of our involvement. Most people around now were young and don’t have much memory of the war. They also don’t hold it against Americans individuals. Cuong has arranged today for a trip to Phat Diem. This is really an amazing place. A person called Father Six about 150 years ago was the driving force behind having this dramatic and beautiful complex of churches, chapels and a seminary. The buildings are so unique with stone masonry. There is the amazing Buddhist temple, Pagoda influence going on with Christian iconography. There was turned up edges of the roof and the decorations that represent the incense and the mythical animals the phoenix and unicorn. The inside of the church had red enameled wooden pillars and gold decorations.
After touring we had lunch and this happened to be a place were a family that Cuong had treated for Typhoid Fever last year, recognized him, and they graciously hosted us. I had goat today as part of my lunch which was unexpected. I wondered why the beef was so tough. I also learned from talking with some of the other travelers that "bo" which I though meant "beef" actually means buffalo. They have a different word for "cow" and the same word, apparently, "bo" is used for meat of either one.
I tried to make some sketches but it is so hard to do because it always attracts a crowd of kids and even adults. There were two little children on the trip and I let them make some drawings with my paper and pencils.
On the way home we suddenly stoped and turned off and went into the mountains. They are strange mountains in that the ground is flat and there are rice paddies and then up out of the earth stick these massive lumps of lime stone. It is like Ha Long bay with rice paddy instead of water. This was the ancient capital of Viet Nam over 1000 years ago before they moved it to Ha Noi. This was a great place for defense but not commerce. There are some temples to the two kings and some areas where you can see the old walls. This is an ancient land. The known history is going back so very far. Of course the Natives American has a history that is truly ancient but the USA is a baby as a culture and country compared to the Viet Nam.
3 comments:
That was fantastic trip and It is very nice to know you. I had an interesting chance to chat with you and I learn some new things from you. I hope you enjoy your rest days in Vietnam.
Pham Bich Diep- Hanoi Medical University - VIETNAM
It sounds like you had another great day. I am glad the people are so friendly. So the little children like your note book. The new pictures are wonderful. vietnam must be beautiful. Did you eat the goat.
I wonder why sketching draws such attention - I guess we will have to wait for you to get back to see those - I presume you don't have a scanner!
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