#discovervietnam

[thuanphotos]

Streetlife in black

[williamkergroach55]

Shadows and Lights on the Mekong

I watched the lights of the Ninh Kieu district from the heights of my room at the Sheraton Hotel in Can Tho. At night, the Mekong was a dark and restful patch on which the lights of men vainly reflected. This battle between shadow and light was fascinating.

The city, during the day, had no charm. The river was muddy, the sky was gray, and the wide avenues were crushed by the sun. I had cast a distracted glance at the singularly narrow buildings, typical in Vietnam, whose walls were black, covered with saltpeter and sticky gray dust. I read the signs without being able to make sense of them: "Hoang Anh... Hao Lien... Phong Ky..."

The inhabitants rode Japanese mopeds, loaded with plastic bags. During my car rides, I watched these people, dressed in meaningless t-shirts, with their feet free in dusty flip-flops. I did not like the Asian crowd. I did not like the way they stared at me and then looked away. This continent did not allow me to move anonymously. Undeniably, these people were brilliant, carried by ancient civilizations, but when I observed them, I saw foolish ants, biology without character. Again, I had to meet individuals, as everywhere in the world, to find interest. And that happened at night.

During the day, I stayed in the hotel. I enjoyed the spa, the outdoor pool, and the fitness room. Of course, I had brought a stock of books, notably by Vietnamese authors, to better understand the atmosphere of the country. I had read, in particular, "The Land of Sorrows" by Duong Thu Huong. The novelist told the story of a woman who had remarried after the death of her first husband, supposedly killed in action during the "ten-thousand-day war." This is how the Vietnamese referred to the Vietnam War, which pitted the Communists of the North against the military of the South, supported by the United States Army. Happy with this second marriage, which had brought her love and a child, the heroine saw, as in a nightmare, her first husband return from the war and claim her. Under societal pressure, she was forced to leave her child and second husband to join this man imposed on her. The personal struggle of the author, Duong Thu Huong, fascinated me. This woman had fought on the front lines during the war. A brilliant personality, she had refused the honors of the Hanoi regime, noting the corruption and injustice generated by the profiteers of the war of independence. Duong Thu Huong allowed me to see the reality of a controlled society, something my stay in Vietnam, especially behind the walls of a Sheraton, would never have allowed me to grasp.

I had also read "The Sorrow of War" by Bao Ninh. Again, it was about a man trying to heal from the traumas of war.

Finally, I particularly appreciated "The Mountains Sing" by Nguyễn Phan Quế Mai. The novel traced the history of the Tran family in Vietnam from 1930 to 2017. The story began in 1972, in the midst of the Vietnam War. Young Huong and her grandmother endured American bombings on Hanoi. The pages of the novel described children playing among the ruins and veterans returning from the front. The grandmother was already recounting her survival during the agrarian reforms of 1954, after the victory of the Việt Minh over the French at Diện Biên Phủ.

The people I saw running, laughing, arguing in the markets were a traumatized people. Burned by napalm, crushed under bombs, tortured through several wars, deprived of freedom by an authoritarian regime, the Vietnamese people were probably trying to exorcise their suffering. I understood that, and I respected it, but it was not the story I wanted to engrave in my life. I decided to be extra cautious not to be caught up in the suffering of this people.

[ngocngadotnet]

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[xhownu]

The complete travel guide to Vietnam /

Unlock the hidden gems of Vietnam with our complete travel guide, an indispensable resource for anyone planning to explore this captivating country.

[loreleisyren]

Pongua Falls, Vietnam Immerse yourself in the serene magnificence of Pongua Falls, nestled in the heart of Vietnam's picturesque landscape.

[matt-damian]

Vietnam / via Drizzle and Dip Unlock the flavors of Vietnam with these delicious recipes, brought to you via Drizzle and Dip. Get ready for a culinary adventure.

[cat-chit-ananda]

The Ultimate Guide to Hanoi, Vietnam - Bon Traveler Calling all explorers. Dive into the vibrant city of Hanoi, Vietnam, armed with the ultimate guide from Bon Traveler. Get ready to immerse yourself in the local culture, cuisine, and captivating sights.

[merlinrpf]

The Ultimate Guide to Hanoi, Vietnam - Bon Traveler Calling all explorers. Dive into the vibrant city of Hanoi, Vietnam, armed with the ultimate guide from Bon Traveler. Get ready to immerse yourself in the local culture, cuisine, and captivating sights.

[kallo-sims]

Vietnam travel tips

Explore Vietnam's hidden gems with these essential travel tips for an unforgettable journey.

[healthy-mind-body-me]

29 Photos That Will Make you Want to Visit Hanoi, Vietnam // Why We Seek

Dreaming of exploring the vibrant streets of Hanoi? Let these captivating photos ignite your wanderlust and inspire your next adventure.

[thuanphotos]

City night lights

[loriofrp]

Discover all the top things to do in Da Nang, Vietnam within 2 days.

Planning a quick getaway to Da Nang, Vietnam? Don't worry, we've curated the must-see sights and must-do activities for a perfect 48-hour adventure. Get ready to fall in love with this vibrant city.

[ngocngadotnet]

🌊 Seeking the ultimate escape? Dive into the wonders of Vung Tau! 🇻🇳 Explore the tranquility of Hon Ba, a serene islet nestled close to the mainland, boasting the sacred Hon Ba temple and a picturesque coastal pathway. 🏝️ Then, immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of Vung Tau at the captivating Ba Ria Vung Tau 3-storey museum. 🏛️ Embark on a journey blending natural beauty with cultural exploration! 🌅

Read more about my trips on my website ngocnga.net. https://ngocnga.net/category/destinations/vietnam/?utm_source=tumblr&utm_medium=post&utm_campaign=travel

[fyeahblackfrost]

The complete travel guide to Vietnam / Unlock the hidden gems of Vietnam with our complete travel guide, an indispensable resource for anyone planning to explore this captivating country.

[ask-kuroko]

Pongua Falls, Vietnam Immerse yourself in the serene magnificence of Pongua Falls, nestled in the heart of Vietnam's picturesque landscape.

[tripbazaar]

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