KSV News: Short Round 049

Modern Vietnam-

The Trip Back To CONUS

No matter how you cut it, the trip back from Vietnam to the US mainland is tough. You are flying into the sun, which upsets your internal clock much more than going the other way. And no matter what class of service you buy, you still spend a lot of time in uncomfortable seats in a metal tube.

I have a couple post trip observations and recommendations:

Vietnam Airports:  Danielle had been recommended an incredible service for the three airports in Vietnam called “Fast Pass” (https://travelmates.asia/airport_fast_track/).  No crap, this really works. We sailed legally and without guilt, past lines that would’ve taken us an hour or much more to get through. It just so happened that I was in a wheelchair with my most recent adventure- a severed Achilles tendon. That made it even better (except for the medical issue).  This is literally the best travel investment that you can make traveling to Vietnam.

(Airline wheelchair observations:  On a recent flight from Washington DC to Miami, I counted 15 wheelchairs and associated huge family groups boarding early. When we got off the same nonstop plane, there were only three wheelchairs. Go figure?)

Travel Agent:  We ended up with a simply excellent Vietnam based travel agent.  We gave him a list of places we wanted to be, and he arranged everything for our review and approval. It worked great. He provided a vehicle, driver and guide, all of which were excellent.  They were incredibly attentive to our well-being during our month of travel. As an example: we were in a very large hotel and stayed for dinner when there were no other dinner guests. Danielle happened to be texting him about our next day’s activities and noted that none of the lights were on in the hotel dining room. He is 300+ miles away and in five minutes, all the lights go on. That kind of service.  Our highest recommendations for: Tony at Travelmates Asia (travelmates.asia).

The American War:  We did not encounter a single issue of resentment about our Vietnam war, their American war.  They have moved past that chapter. The next generation has it in their history books, but not on their agenda or in their attitude.  They are too busy moving forward economically to let the past slow them down. Or play any role at all in their day-to-day lives.  In my personal case, I have left all of my baggage on the runway and am embracing a beautiful country with open and friendly people. Recommend you consider the same.

Social Systems:  Vietnam has a socialist government. We have a democracy. I have concluded that our democracy has worked very well until recently. Democracy requires an educated and enlightened electorate. I think we are losing that to partisan  divides and way too much Internet input (with flawed data) for making decisions.  Aspects of socialism can be brutal.  If you were a colonel in the ARVN, you went away to reeducation camps for 20 years– period.  Along with your family- brutal.  But their economic recovery has been just spectacular.   In my humble opinion, it simply would not have happened if they had adopted a flawed democracy.

Why Visit?:  Consider this: if you are still so pissed off about the American war you will not return for a visit, the problem is yours. As my brother was told in AA, being long-term angry at someone is essentially setting yourself on fire: You burn and they really don’t care.  In addition to being a wonderful vacation trip in an absolutely gorgeous country, the locals are genuinely welcoming of, and curious about, round eyes (unlike visiting France). Many speak some English because they are practicing hard, and most recent high school graduates that you encounter will look for an opportunity to speak with you in English.  A big smile opens this door.  Best I can tell, their American war is over. Ours should be too.

SF

Bob Koury:  Website & Digital Manager

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FarmStay Dinner For Two

Hue Hotel Server- Absolutely would not let me ear Pho Soup without tucking in my napkin at my collar to save my shirt.