Day 1: Vietnam

Welcome back to my next trip. For the next week and a half I will be writing about my journey throughout Vietnam. I would like to point out that this trip is not a charity or humanitarian effort. However, this trip is unique in the sense that I'm with a group of former Vietnam veterans who fought in the war in the 1960's and 1970's. 

My blogging will be a combination of their personal reactions to being back to Vietnam and also a commentary on the sites we visit along the way. Below you can see a picture of the group I'm honored to travel with. 

From Korea we flew into Vietnam. On our way to the immigration check point I overheard a veteran say "the last time I was here, I was wearing something a little different (referring to his civilian clothes as opposed to his military uniform) and I sure as heck didn't need a visa to get in here." I imagined what every man in the group was feeling and thinking after setting foot into a country once considered hostile. I choked back emotions as I thought about how brave these men were to return to Vietnam; a place where they endured unimaginable events caused by war.

This morning, after breakfast in Da nang, we visited a place called Marble Mountain. It is a cluster of five marble and limestone hills. The five mountains are named after the five elements; Moc (wood), Thuy (water), Kim (metal), Hoa (fire) and Tho (earth). The mountains are riddled with cave entrances and tunnels. Buddhist sanctuaries can also be found within the mountains. Below are pictures of the mountains and some of the sculptures made from marble limestone, and jade extracted from the caves. 

On our way to Hue city we stopped by My Khe beach for quick fotos. This beach was better known as China Beach by US troop during the Vietnam war and was used as R&R (relex and recreation). It was a beautiful beach and the natives were very friendly. Below are pictures of veterans who enjoyed R&R in this beach almost 50 years ago and a few locals we met along the wa

We made our way across the Nam O Bridge and headed up the Hai Van with a stop at The Pass to explore old French bunkers. The scenery was absolutely beautiful. Vietnam is a very lush and fertile country with lots of vegetation and breath taking views. After exploring we treated ourselves to fresh coconut milk. A delicacy not taken for granted in this hot and humid weather. Below are pictures of The Pass, French bunkers and us enjoying cocunt milk. 

Please stay tuned for tomorrow as we explore deeper into the heart of Vietnam, for now I'm so tired my eyes are shutting as I write this. Good night world!