A really cute elderly man came up to us and wanted to take us on a tour of the city. We climbed onto a couple of sit lows and were off! My guide was really endearing and talked the entire time. He was very animated and passionate.
Our first stop was to a museum about the Vietnam War. It was horrifying to see. It was interesting to see the war from their point of view.
This is a guillotine given to them by the French.
These are cages that prisoners were kept in. Not just one- many were crammed in. They are made of barbed wire. One of them, you could only really lay in to be remotely comfortable. I can't imagine being in one, especially with other people.
This is a 300 year old bonsai tree! We went to a beautiful bonsai garden right on the riverside. It was interesting to hear about how the trees are created, what they represent and that lucky numbers play a big role in their creation.
This tree is planted in a pot created entirely from broken tea pots. It is quite intricate and beautiful.
My guide started to blush when talking about this tree. He kind of moved the leaves of the tree out of the way and was a bit giggly while saying that this tree represented something "dirty". So, I suppose I looked at a pornographic tree... I'll repent for that one later.
My guide gave some interesting perspective and point of view. He was incredibly outspoken against the communist government. He talked about "Big officer, big corruption... small officer, small corruption". He pointed out different buildings that are now housing, but were once barracks for soldiers. He talked a lot about the plight of the people... how not too long ago, people there couldn't even afford to feed themselves- they are top exporters in rice, yet their people were starving. He said something about how now he has food for his mouth, but his mouth has no voice. Because we were American, he could tell us what he really thought about Vietnam, but to anyone else he needs to stay silent.
A really cute elderly man came up to us and wanted to take us on a tour of the city. We climbed onto a couple of sit lows and were off! My guide was really endearing and talked the entire time. He was very animated and passionate. 
Our first stop was to a museum about the Vietnam War. It was horrifying to see. It was interesting to see the war from their point of view. 
This is a guillotine given to them by the French. 
These are cages that prisoners were kept in. Not just one- many were crammed in. They are made of barbed wire. One of them, you could only really lay in to be remotely comfortable. I can't imagine being in one, especially with other people. 
This is a 300 year old bonsai tree! We went to a beautiful bonsai garden right on the riverside. It was interesting to hear about how the trees are created, what they represent and that lucky numbers play a big role in their creation. 
This tree is planted in a pot created entirely from broken tea pots. It is quite intricate and beautiful. 
My guide started to blush when talking about this tree. He kind of moved the leaves of the tree out of the way and was a bit giggly while saying that this tree represented something "dirty". So, I suppose I looked at a pornographic tree... I'll repent for that one later. 
My guide gave some interesting perspective and point of view. He was incredibly outspoken against the communist government. He talked about "Big officer, big corruption... small officer, small corruption". He pointed out different buildings that are now housing, but were once barracks for soldiers. He talked a lot about the plight of the people... how not too long ago, people there couldn't even afford to feed themselves- they are top exporters in rice, yet their people were starving. He said something about how now he has food for his mouth, but his mouth has no voice. Because we were American, he could tell us what he really thought about Vietnam, but to anyone else he needs to stay silent.
I LOVE reading your blog! It's absolutely fascinating! U are one amazing person and i am blessed to know you! You do such great work and touch many lives. Glad you are keeping a record and that i can read it! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks so much Amber. I'm glad you are enjoying, it's really fun to write. Hope all is well with you and your cute family!
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