Went back to the Ben Thanh market. Swear some of the old shopkeepers were still there.
Asked what happened when NVA invaded Saigon, they said “Business slow for 3 weeks... then pick up!”
Got an incredible “Blightling” watch, official Hero Pilot size. $40.
We went to Saigon, then flew Vietnam Airlines (A-320, British Captain) to Danang which was near my old base camp (Hill 29, 1/1 Cavalry, Americal Division). Spent 7 days in and around. Bittersweet. Some scary, some wonderful moments. The people love Americans.
Flew in a VA F-27 turboprop to Hanoi. Modern but darker. But for the hawkers, people couldn’t care less for Americans. Saw an old guy though with ribbons on his suit. Former NVA. Wonderful, if momentary meeting of minds. Bought some souvenirs. Flew VA A-320 to Hong Kong, then Cathay Pacific back home. Great airline.
BTW, “Welcome Home.”