We spent 24 hours blissfully floating around Halong Bay, on what should be considered a cruise boat, but is insanely cheap. I hiked up a tall mountain, swam in the salty sea water, and ate more fishy creatures than I have in a very long time. It was a nice opportunity to get to know some of the new members of our group. They are from all walks of life, and all ages. Nice enough, but I miss the people we've left behind. I was kind of wondering why we spent the time doing this amazingly nice trip, when I realized that we left Hanoi and Halong Bay to begin our journey to Southern Vietnam.
Last night we took a night train from Hanoi to Hue. We awoke this morning to Adam, our tour leader, opening the door and asking if we've been watching outside. No, was our reply, but we sat up, slipped out of our silk sleeping sacks, and stared out the window. I didn't see anything that looked too abnormal. Rice fields, water buffalo... Adam said, "Do you see those odd shaped ponds, the ones that are scattered everywhere?" Yes, they were easy to see. Well he informed us that those are B-52 Bomb craters, that have since filled with water. Oh sure. It's not even 8 am and we are in the midst of the main areas of tension during the American War (or the Vietnam War as we call it in the states). Hue, where we are staying tonight, was one of the main areas that was hit. Adam's idea for the day was to ride on motor scooters all around Hue. We boarded the bikes (helmets on I promise) at about noon. I did not return to our hotel until 6:30 or so. We rode for hours and hours, all around. It was an incredible experience. My driver was at least 60 but he was very sweet, and tried to teach me some more Vietnamese. We rode through rice fields, through alleys, and then ended up riding along the Perfume River. We saw Bunker Hill today, and across the river was Hamburger Hill. It's a pretty intense experience to walk through these hills, and hear a bit of history from a different perspective. There was one moment, near the beginning, where we were in the rice fields, and there was beauty everywhere I looked, and I cried. Clutching to the sweaty back of my 90lb driver, tears rolled down my cheeks because I understood that life goes on. This country is booming, and trying desperately to repair itself to compete in the world economy. What a day!
Tomorrow we are off to the Imperial Palace here in Hue, and then a 3 hour van ride will take us to Hoi An, which apparently is a beautiful, charming old city. Time is flying, each day faster than the last! I think I've decided my next trip will be to Africa! 41 days!!! :)
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4 comments:
As I was re-reading your last blog and your itinerary, up popped your new blog. I didn't realize that Hue was once the Imperial capital.
I imagine this second half of your journey will evoke considerable emotion; that the feelings on the back of the motor scooter -seeing both the beauty and devastation - will continue. I also know you are mature enough to truly understand. I love you so much.
ok, truth is, i love your blog, but secretly, i look forward to reading your mom's comments most. they are so sincere and maternal and concerned and thoughtful and excited...i'm just wild for diane murphy. oh, and you of course. i must give you credit, lady, i COULD NOT do what youre doing, and you're ROCKING it! whoohoo!! you're an everyday inspiration to me, friend. i would even venture to use the word "saintlike" to describe you. yes, you can laugh, i but i have a feeling that humility is at the heart of saintliness, and you're the most extravagantly humble (hehe) and consistently awed person i know. i love you very very much. be safe!!
Your stories of your journey is getting better and better. I like your discriptions of what you see, feel, and experience.
Uncle Pat says to let you know he too is reading your blogs. Keep up the journel.
waiting for your next blog, sister. get going. no excuse!! i love you!
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