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OK I just need to make a statement about what you said.

I have been (very) impressed with Vietnam since I got here about a year ago.

I was intending to travel to a number of Asian countries. I had lived in China, and in Taiwan, for several years a long time ago. I liked it, and was thinking (maybe) I would go back, but was intending to head to a number of them, and make up my mind. Basically I was just exploring.

I was completely unprepared for Vietnam.

It was not as I expected. Now I understand some people might not like it here, for a number of reasons. First there are a lot of people who just remember the war. There are a lot of people who formed very strong impressions during the war. I think my own impressions were based in part on what I had heard. The thing is, here the war is not a matter which is really talked about. It really isn’t.

I do understand this place has a different system. I get that. This is not Thailand, with stunning palaces and flawless grace. This is not another place, but it is also very unique, almost unspoiled it seems.

There is not the bar scene one finds in other countries here. This is not Thailand. It is not Cambodia. If that is what you are looking for, you will be (BADLY) disappointed here, and should probably go to another place.

But I have not yet run into any person in southern Vietnam, who was racist.

Not one.

Now in northern Vietnam, there is a more traditional viewpoint, what I in fact expected here. Sure northern Vietnam is maybe what you would expect to see. But southern Vietnam is just not what I had expected, and I very much like it here so far.

I have not continued my travels, I have stayed here, and am very much enjoying it so far. The language is (quite) challenging, for me much tougher than Mandarin.

But it is hard to describe. Vietnam is very interesting.

There is not a huge economy here yet, but it is doing well enough. But there is something about the place, which I find very fascinating.

I think as Trump becomes more involved with trade across the Pacific, it may be he becomes more assertive of America’s position on the issue.

I am all for that. But I hope he understands Vietnam is not a hostile country. In fact, that is part of what is so fascinating here. The population is just over one hundred million, very young average age (I think 28). Most everyone drives a scooter, doesn’t drink a lot, and basically just goes about life.

It is good here, so far.

I studies and obtained my certification for teaching English about a month ago, and may start looking for a job. There is a different pace to life here, but it is not what I expected. I think it is very good here, at least so far.

Don’t get me wrong. I am a Republican. I supported Trump since before he even announced.

But Vietnam is not the country it was. It is relatively strong for the area, relatively independent of China (which is saying something unique in this part of the world) and almost uniquely completely not racist.

It is a nice place, so far.

I understand there are a lot of FReepers who may disagree with these impressions.

Some strongly.

I get that. I could also be forming only part of the story.

But my impressions so far, have been quite positive. This is a very interesting place.

I hope our new president, takes some time to build on the relationship between America and Vietnam.

I think the two countries belong partners, in some way. I really do.

Sorry I got sort of carried away, but it’s sort of interesting to me. Thanks.

All the best.