Just outside Hanoi, Vietnam, a farmer grows rice on a small plot of land, the same way it’s been done for hundreds of years. Just beyond his parcel of land, a new, modern factory pumps out the latest Nokia mobile phones. This is where worlds collide. Continue reading “Where Worlds Collide”
Tag: Vietnam
Grandpa’s Bones
In the West, when a loved one passes, we grieve, we honor them with a funeral, then we get on with our lives. In Vietnam, honoring one’s ancestors is a larger part of life. And for some traditional families in the north, when, say, grandpa passes on, that includes doing the right things with grandpa’s bones. Continue reading “Grandpa’s Bones”
Ahhhh… Life in the Country!
It’s not Sunday, but we’re on a “Sunday Drive” from Ha Long Bay to Hanoi, Vietnam. Other than the modern highway we’re on and the occasional tractor, it appears that farming life in this part of Vietnam goes on today much as it has for hundreds of years. Continue reading “Ahhhh… Life in the Country!”
Invading Mongol Hordes! Yikes!
After a spectacular sunrise on Ha Long Bay, it’s time to head back towards Hanoi. We’ll drive parallel to Vietnam’s Bạch Đằng river, the scene of something that has rarely happened in history – the rout of an invading Mongol army. Continue reading “Invading Mongol Hordes! Yikes!”
How Did Vietnam Become Vietnam?
We woke up this morning in Taipei, Taiwan. This afternoon we landed in Hanoi, Vietnam. Now we’re in a black sedan cruising down a tree-lined boulevard on our way to our hotel. Looking around as we go, my overriding thought is, Vietnam is amazing. But how did Vietnam become Vietnam? Continue reading “How Did Vietnam Become Vietnam?”
Once Upon a Time in Vietnam…
Once upon a time in Vietnam, people learned how to cast bronze from copper and tin. Artisans made bronze tools, weapons, and ornate war drums. A unique civilization thrived in a wide, fertile valley. We’re flying over that valley now. Continue reading “Once Upon a Time in Vietnam…”
Why Vietnam?
We’re on our way to Vietnam. We’ll visit cities in the North, the South, and in Central Vietnam. Getting there isn’t cheap or easy. There are lots of interesting places we could have gone that are easier to reach. So why Vietnam? Continue reading “Why Vietnam?”
Journey to the Mysterious Far-East?
It started with an offer we couldn’t refuse. A cruise line we’re familiar with offered complimentary pre- and post-cruise land packages for a Mekong River cruise. Hmmm… Vietnam? Cambodia? The Mysterious Far-East? Let’s go! Continue reading “Journey to the Mysterious Far-East?”
