Vietnam Diaries
Vietnam, a country that faced several wars, colonization, and finally managed to gain independence is now a booming tourist destination. The effect of wars can be seen in the education system. English has not been a language taught in schools and when interacting with foreign tourists, the shopkeepers use Google translator. Those who know the English language or any foreign language are in demand as local guides. Not all are fluent but they manage to get by.
Dollars are accepted and some street vendors also accept Indian currency. The tourist spots have been developed properly and in all places that I visited, except one, the washrooms were spic and span. The Indian Prime Minister’s recent visit boosted the positive vibes with the Vietnamese locals. The boatmen who took us for rides kept on saying “Vande Mataram” and “Bharat mata ki jai”.
A ride in a basket boat amidst dense vegetation and then into open waters was exciting. Here also there was value addition. In the middle of the waters, a young man was spinning his basket boat and this was a sight to behold. Again a little further ahead, another young man had a music system in his boat and he was belting out popular numbers. Talk about customer delight !
The cable car ride to Ba Na hills is the longest in the world. When you are doing this cable car ride, you begin to wonder at the development happening in a nation that was ravaged by war for three decades. The famous Golden Bridge, which appears to be held in place by a pair of hands, is located here. Vietnam is a communist country and has one party rule. It is open to foreign investment and welcomes business who would like to set office in their country.
I could see many bonsai trees, Peach blossoms and the Kumquat bush. The Kumquat fruit is like an orange and is the size of a table tennis ball. Vietnamese new year is on 17 February. They follow the lunar calendar. Homes are decorated with Peach blossom branches and the Kumquat bush to welcome the new year.
The Train Street is a thrilling experience. People sit on either side of the railway track and have coffee. The train passes by just a few centimetres from your face. One has to be very careful.
Cruises are available in Ha Long Bay. The ship takes you to the middle of the water body amidst limestone karsts and small beaches. One can do kayaking, boat rides or visit the caves or simply swim. The cruise offers 15 minute Tai Chi class in the early morning and a cooking class in the evening. A first time cruise experience is surreal. Small vendors sell imitation pearls and other souvenirs on board and Indian currency was accepted.
Ho Chi Minh is a revered figure in Vietnam. His mausoleum in Hanoi is a sacred space well guarded. Vietnamese fondly refer to him as Uncle Ho. He also has a city dedicated to his name.