Not sure why I’m visiting Vietnam, South Korea & Japan. I’ve never had interest in Buddhist temples or Asian artifact and the food is a stretch for my traditional American palate. Still I’m spending 3 weeks touring countries I’ve only heard about growing up. As a young girl, I heard about the Korean War from Dad who entertained troups with Bob Hope. In the 60s, the Vietnam war was well televised and later highlighted with movies like Apocalypse Now, Coming Home. That was my 1st protest.

Arrived Hanoi, Vietnam. Initial impressions: Thriving city full of moped chaos, street vendors and friendly locals. Because of the oppressive heat, life takes place on the street (vs inside): peeling vegetables, mending shoes, making keys. Also because of the heat, night life is as vibrant as daytime. English is not spoken and cash is King!

Tour starts tomorrow but my first day walked 8 miles reflecting on history of the American war aka Vietnam war. Saw the bunker during the war that housed Joan Baez & Jane Fonda at the Metropole hotel where Presidents, monarchs, celebrities stay. Visited Hoa Lo Prison aka Hanoi Hilton built during the French occupation in 1896, the biggest and highest security in IndoChina. Focus on horrible treatment of Vietnamese as POW during French rule with little mention of the atrocities to American POWs. Rather museum rhetoric dilutes their treatment of American POWs and highlights American crimes against the people. For sure, it was a senseless conflict but the Vietnamese were not saints.

On a happier note, Sunday displayed the best of Vietnam fashion including women dressed to the nines and several brides surrounded by photographers. PS Haven’t seen one dog.