How does it feel? Walking around on the ground where my brothers bled. Remember Duc Duc? Remember the Phu Nans? Remember the Cu Bans? The An Hoa basin where the NVA slaughtered every living human.
I take it you read tag lines. I can’t make out what his means, but I gather it’s personal.
Dad was in the Riverine, albeit on the large ship end of it.
I really don’t think about the war. Nor do many locals. That was now two generations ago.
I understand all of those places are very meaningful to you, and to many here on this site. I completely understand.
But I was not there. I nearly went, but we pulled out, and went home when I was about 17.
For a long time, I did many things with my life, which had absolutely nothing whatsoever to do with Vietnam.
About 5 years ago, I had a change in my life. I decided to do some travelling. I had been to many places before now, but I decided I would go to Vietnam.
Just for a couple of months... I would decide whether I liked it here.
So I came here. Just to see.
I have to say, I immediately realized it was someplace I like.
I will say, there are real challenges to living here. It is NOT like any other place. Anywhere.
It is HOT. It is wet. Traffic is bizarre. I had my wallet stolen.
But I really like it here.
If I was born about one year earlier than I was, my experience, might have been completely different. Heck I might not even be here.
But I was not 18. So I did not experience, what you did.
I do not know if you would like it here now. Though there are a number of Americans, who have returned here, and enjoy it.
I do.
Anyway, I wish you well, and say to all of you, who came here back then:
Cam on.