Images courtesy of Mrs M who has collaged her photographs for me.
Hanoi. First encounter with scooters and horn blowing! Amazing reverence shown to Ho Chi Minh.
Halong Bay. Surreal, unique waterscape. Well worth the trip there.
Hue. Smaller version of Hanoi. Plenty to see and a great place to start appreciating the historical make up of Vietnam.
Hoi An. Our favourite so far. Smaller again, lovely river – lit up at night by lanterns, both on and off the water. Best hotel yet.
Food. Incredible. Just a different, delicious way of creating taste from simple ingredients. Big plus – Vegan friendly.
Markets. Colourful, stacked with Everything. Not as bustling as some markets elsewhere (Virus fears?) Not pushy.
History. Loads.
Just the derivation of the country’s name is a history lesson in itself…..
Two tribes – Dai Viet in the North, Champa (I wish it was Nam tribe) in the South.
Enter Emperor Gia Long – first of the Nguyens, who decided a united country would lead to peace and prosperity. He opportunistically gained control of the south, displacing the Chams, then marched north, as far as the Chinese border.
Feeling pretty pleased with himself, he sought recognition of the new country from China, the biggest player in the ‘hood.
He suggested a name based on incorporating “Quảng Nam Quốc” the name for his southern kingdom, and “Dai Viet”, a description of the northern tribes, proposing the snappy “Nam Viet” as the new moniker.
Chinese Emperor said no, because Nam Viet was already in existence as a Chinese region, hence, with some nimble footwork, Vietnam.
Apparently.
Arts and Crafts. Distinctive and almost iconic.
This is a vibrant country where hard work seems to be the norm. The people are unfailingly polite, helpful and are genuinely smiley.
It is difficult to escape from the violent past, but only in terms of the abundance of wartime relics. Main roads, bridges, tunnels, port facilities, airports are new, and fit well with the desire of the people to move forward rather than dwell on the past.
Our guides added some real colour to our perceptions in describing a little of their academic and family history together with their views on government and the past. Interestingly they see UK as a strong country therefore Brexit is good.
They admire our ability to choose who to vote for. Flipside though is that one party can get things done rather than changing direction every 5 years. Still lots of corruption in Vietnam, but no despondency, just upbeat, get on with it attitude.
Guides were University educated, and obviously learn a second or third language as appropriate. All live local to where they guide, and although sometimes too much information was forthcoming, that was probably our thought rather than any problem with them.
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