Day II, March 20, 2001
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
After flying over the majestic view of endless rice fields the group landed in Vietnam. Once off the plane we were introduced to the first breath of fresh air we have experienced in over a day. The first impression from the Vietnamese came on the bus from the plane to the airport where some young women flirted with Trey, Andy, and Mr. Dang. Next was our pass through customs where the group experienced some hostility from the customs agents, but, safely through, they were greeted by an entourage of Vietnamese outside the airport. Boarding a bus the group saw its first glimpses of this beautiful country.
Not only did the heat get to the group they were stunned at the amount of traffic caused by mopeds or motor bikes. Literally there was around 50 mopeds to each car, pure ridiculocity. Weaving their way through the city the group came to one of the tallest buildings in the area and found that it was their hotel. Excited they jumped out to warm up to there nice five star rooms to only find, to their dismay, that the rooms were not ready. So instead the group was able to go for a nice afternoon on the town.
So the only thing the group could think of to do is go for a facial massage. On the way the group saw the great community and wonderful people that lived within this gorgeous city. They passed through parks where some people were playing hacy-sack and soccer, in front of some beautiful architecture, and some genually nice shop owners. Arriving at the boutique the group was givin a shampooing and facial massage by some funny and beautiful women. Although they spoke little English they provided the group with a wonderful time. I believe Edmund was proud to hear that they thought he was cute. When all flirtation was finished we returned to our hotel rooms.
The group then went out on another voyage. We drove to Mr. Dang's early stomping gronds. By this I mean his college. The group was surprised to find all the students very interested in them. The group entertained them for a while and found that because they so rarely ever met Americans they became fond of us.
We then drove around the city and were startled to see the traffic accumulate even more. I have and never will see more moter scooters in my life. But the most amazing thing is that only once did we see an accident by the Vietnamese. And with the amount of scooters that is simply amazing.
Again the group was delighted when they met some children on the street. We recieved them warmly and were in turn treated to some humor. We found that the people of the city are interested in Americans and willingly accept them. When we walked through a market place we were amazed at the different kinds of fruit and were happy when we bit into a Vietnamese banana.
Mr. Dang took us to diner at a very interesting restaurant which treated us to music while we ate. One thing I previously forgot to mention was the delicious soup that the Vietnamese offer. I myself had this soup for breakfest, lunch and diner. After a relaxing diner, Mr. Dang suggested that Trey get up on stage and introduce Dave Matthews to the culture. Hesitant at first, Trey finally treated the restaurant to a delightful show accompanied by Mr. Daum. Although Trey gave a romping performance the crowd was less receptive to the likes of Dave Matthews. Now Trey is an international sensation.
Returning back to the hotel exahausted the group was hassled by women looking for some ?????. Mr. Daum of course received the worst of the attention being assaulted by four women. After a struggling walk to the hotel which included walking through wet cement, the group crashed in their hotel room only to reawake for another exciting and promising day in the land of scooters.
Andrew Sims
Today's pictures: a Buddhist temple; Tre Dye acts out his aggressions at the war museum; in the bunker beneath the old Presidential Palace; a strangely familiar icon on a street corner; the President's war room; inside the War Museum; "At 8:30am April 8th 1975 First Lieutenant pilot Nguyen Thanh Trung flew FSE and threw down two bombs at the right target here"
