Reflecting: Vietnam

I've continued to feel the pinch to continue unpacking the adventure that was, to Vietnam.

Back to "reality" and mixed back up with the bustle of work, I shared emphatically about my trip, with the Wells Fargo teller, their card services manager, some of our staff, and the fire alarm security guy. All seemed interested, but when I told the manager at WF, a native to the Philippines herself, that it was simply wonderful. She said, "Yeah, just hearing you, I can tell that."

I think I convinced a few, and maybe even helped myself to figure out to to best reflect on "the purpose" for trips like this, to places, still mostly misunderstood in America.

We're now easing from the post-vacation euphoria where you google the time in Hoi An, whlle some of the memories already begin to meld with the forgotten realities that are only cued in triggered conversation. The final days, and hours prior to leaving HCM city were sadly a bit hard. Though it was only 15 days or so, it was enough time to acclimate, bear with the disconnect of language, and start taking the amazing amalgamation of the smell of street barbecues, the sound of beeping motorbike riders, and the feel of the thick morning humidity.

The final days were a roller coaster of emotions. Capping much of that extreme was our visit to the War Remnants Museum, where one can re-live the horrors of the French, and American wars. Gripped with seething disgust, to feeling appalled, to being left with the types of thoughts that extend an imagination to the farthest realms of misunderstanding, it left us somewhat speechless. I hope to write more on this later, but how could "my" country be responsible for the types of things that continue to affect the genetics of a people who now welcome me into their homes, and are genuinely pleased to meet me?

The great mystery of Vietnam is different for different people. For me, it's that question. It's that type of question that exudes a reality from a scarred but beautiful and resilient people, that will have me counting the days until I can return.

In the coming days, I hope to continue unpacking, both literally, and figuratively. I hope to extend some recommendations and/or suggestions to those of you who may consider traveling to Vietnam. And, I hope to present a set of ideas moving forward both related to my time in Vietnam, but also to the reality that without a presence of mind to push oneself to see and understand "the other" we deprive ourselves, and each other.

Thank you, to who you are, who are reading.

+Nathan