The day started with a few reflections on yesterday. The Dong Ha interpreter, Truong, showed me an old, laminated Marine map of Quang Tri province that brought back memories of “snoop and poop.” He also showed me a book that was given to him, he says, by John Baca, an American vet who has come to Vietnam many times and is involved with the “East Meets West” Project. Americans vets work with the Vietnamese in reparation and reconstruction projects to build peace. The last time that I saw John was in my apartment in Santa Monica either in 1978 or early ‘79. He said that he’d be there when I got off work. But when I returned, he was gone. He was in big pain back then. My own pain would not find such force for a few more years. I’m happy that this gallant soldier and man has found such a constructive peace.
The next reflection is a thought for my own country’s government. Sort of a followup to the efforts of American veterans such as John Baca. I can see that the diplomatic doors of trade and exchange have been happening. You see the old wealth of colonial power rearing up again under the new power, but how about something for the common folks. What’s being continued is that old “trickle-down” rationale, kind of like our tax breaks in America. The problem is it “don’t trickle down” to the poor folks just like in the USA. What would be great in Hue, DaNang and the like, is an institution that would provide capital for these industrious people to feed and raise their families. No interest loans for a man to buy a cyclo or a cottage industry in a shop. All third world countries, and even America, needs a middle class growth. Bottom up has always worked better for people in need.
Today, I tried to sent some pics at a cyber cafe. I had chosen 8, but it took forever and crashed four times. So, I sent two. Then Huong took me to the Forbidden City inside of the Citadel. The last of the dynasty, having evolved into only a pretense, gave way in 1946. I remember scenes of Marines inside here in 1968 from the luxury of the rec room at Camp Horno at Pendleton. Then Huong took me to meet the monks at the Thien Mu Pagoda. My time in the temple should remain private. Leave it to say, “God is good!” Then, I came back to the hotel for a swim and a nap.
Tonight, I will wear one of the two new shirts that I had made for me and Huong will take me to another wonderful restaurant. I’ve always admired Ho’s motiff, so now I have two tunics like he always wore. My material would have made ten for him. I catch the bus to Da Nang tomorrow morning at 0800. Sleep well. I am.
S’lan,
Tom