I never fail to be amazed at how friendly the younger people are in this country. When a teenager recognizes a Westerner (We tend to stand out), they will often walk up to practice their English. I was approached by four young ladies at Nha Trang a couple of days ago and we chatted for some time. Their assignment was to find an English speaking person and practice. I found this activity delightful, especially since a portion of my future may be teaching English in China. Nearly all of the English teachers in Vietnam are Vietnamese and the syntax and quality of their speaking is quite poor.
Probably most of the people here have no memory of the "American War" because of their youth. They are focused on the future, not the past. The older people still remember but it is becoming less-and-less a factor in their lives.
Yesterday, we left Nha Trang on the way to Dalat. We passed by Cahm Rahn Bay, a former U.S. military base and the location of my departure in March, 1970 to return to the "World". We then headed west up the hill to Dalat. Over a 15 kilometer ride, we gained 1400 meters (I think that is about 3,000 feet). Of course, I had to show off and be the first to the top. I beat a 22 year old English girl on our team by about 50 yards. It gave me great satisfaction (!)
We are staying in an old refurbished French villa in Dalat and will be leaving for Saigon tomorrow (Friday).
I am having the time of my life.
Probably most of the people here have no memory of the "American War" because of their youth. They are focused on the future, not the past. The older people still remember but it is becoming less-and-less a factor in their lives.
Yesterday, we left Nha Trang on the way to Dalat. We passed by Cahm Rahn Bay, a former U.S. military base and the location of my departure in March, 1970 to return to the "World". We then headed west up the hill to Dalat. Over a 15 kilometer ride, we gained 1400 meters (I think that is about 3,000 feet). Of course, I had to show off and be the first to the top. I beat a 22 year old English girl on our team by about 50 yards. It gave me great satisfaction (!)
We are staying in an old refurbished French villa in Dalat and will be leaving for Saigon tomorrow (Friday).
I am having the time of my life.
1 comment:
Hi Joel. What a story. Souonds like any negative memories have been absorbed and erased by the ones you are making now. Congrats on being the first to the top of the 1400 meter hill! You were always the first to the top when we climbed. Hope to see you in Spokane in June (I have a job in Colville). Les
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