Vietnam Day 11 (Back Back to Hanoi Hanoi)
We said goodbye to Saigon with an early flight back to Hanoi. Upon arrival we went back to the community to drop off our bags and grab some lunch. After lunch I was asked to say hello to another English class. They seem to appreciate the visit from a foreigner that can speak English to them. We had a short but nice visit and from there we made our way into city area to see some more sights. We passed Ho Chi Minh's tomb, which was nice to see, but beyond that I had not interest in paying reverence of any sort to him considering many Catholics have suffered great persecution under many different Vietnamese regimes over the centuries, especially under communism which has stolen many lands from there out right with zero compensation. In addition many harsh penalties for disagreements with the government while promoting the image being a city of peace, it's only peaceful if you go with their program. I want to embrace what I see, but the people's experiences reflect something otherwise that a foreigner cannot experience in only 2 weeks.
The people of Vietnam I respect greatly though as I see them make the best with what they have, in a true entrepreneurial, which is why it's no surprise many of them become very successful when they come to the U.S.A. which has a system and society that they can thrive in. There is some laziness I experience though as well. I decided to visit an ice cream stand prior to the corn lady. They had all types of attractive colored soft serve ice cream which led me to want to try an exotic flavor, similar to that of my green tea kit kat bar. As I approached the stand, all the equipment seemed to be out of order, as we asked for the flavors of ice cream they sold, we were told vanilla and chocolate. This was a typical tourist trap and poor ran business of Vietnam, some excel others just get by, similar to the American culture in some respects. The corn however was an interesting flavor profile, not as crunchy as standard corn, and that fire flavor from the roasting.
From there we visited the most unique, special and I believe oldest temple in Hanoi, otherwise known as pogodas. This was a beautiful and simple one with a very serene feel to it right around the corner from Ho Chi Minh's tomb.
After our time in the city, we went back for siesta and to prepare for dinner with one of the priest in the communities family. All of my experiences visiting different peoples homes has been phenomenal and intimate as I always enjoy. Father Joseph has expressed guilt that I didn't get to do certain touristy things, but I explained that is not my primary reason for being here, it is to experience everyday Vietnamese life and culture. Of course these beautiful gatherings aren't everyday, but this is traditional food. This meal however raised the bar in unique experiences. First off we were visiting the family of one of the priest, who welcomed us with great joy considering they haven't had a foreigner visit in a very long time, i'm a novelty here lol, but it's something I experience in the states as well with first impressions, shortly after that the fascination ends lol, it's fun in the meantime as I am asked for pictures, to speak English, or gazed upon for my height.
The meal was excellent on all levels, and probably our most gluttonous on all levels. I probably at 6-8 spring rolls, we had boiled and bbq duck meat, some great vegetables, sour melon stuffed with pork, fresh peanuts, some beef in morning glory greens, and the famous Vietnamese Pizza which consisted of duck organs mixed with the blood which created a gelatin of sorts. Too exotic for me, and when Father Joseph said he never tried it before, I took that as my cue to join him in not trying it, i'm sure it was just as great as everything else as the others ate it up, it was just too much mental gymnastics despite telling myself, it's a duck hot dog.
So this man above right here was the highlight on many levels. First off with the funny stuff. Warning! Do not drink Vietnamese wine aka rice wine with Vietnamese, nothing less than drunk is acceptable. I learned this last week after taking a try just for experience purposes, but when I wouldn't take the full shot glass it bothered a couple of the locals. I'm not much of a drinker anymore, and prefer to keep it at a glass or 2 of beer or wine, but that's my limit, inebriation has no appeal to me, as there are usually repercussions for it in many forms.
As I sipped on my beer throughout the night (they managed to get 4 beers in me grrr), my friend with the stereotypical Asian accent would say the most fun things to me in English, with great mannerisms. He would say "Catholic Converter!" and raise his glass after Father Joseph told him I evangelize in the USA. Then he would get jovial as he is in the picture above and get the whole group lively. The rest would join in as well and share their joy of my presence, it was just a beautiful meal with a family on the outskirts of town. The bigger honor however was being in the presence of this man, while very joyful, and seeming like an everyday happy Vietnamese man, he is troubled by his government, that reality I mentioned, that you cannot see in a 2 week visit. About 10 years ago the government was seizing property from the Church (especially the Redemptorist) for their own uses, sometimes they were deemed noble causes like opening a hospital, but nonetheless it is theft, the reality of communism and socialism which can leave a sour taste with anyone.
This man spoke out against these many injustices, and for that the government has punished him by not allowing him leave the country, as well as some other inconveniences. He shared with me on many occasions his hope to visit the USA, which is a common hope everyone around the world shares, it's a humble reminder of how great the USA really is, just ask anyone who has lived in and fled from a communist country like Poland, Cuba, Venezuela, Vietnam, China, the U.S.S.R. and many more, they share a common understanding and appreciation for our country and constitution, and are often the most vocal against the modern interpretations and changes, usually presented by the liberal sides of the U.S.A. they saw these same ideas, wrapped in nice words made by politically correct linguistics, but see the trouble behind them that "progresses" with propaganda over time as any "progressive" movement does.
As I close in on the rest of my trip, I share this, since I now see it first hand, but I also share the joy these people have despite that. Everyone of them shows such kindness that reminds me of why so many Americans fell in in love with Vietnam during the war, and fought passionately (sometimes in extremes) for these people, it reminds me of why America does over step their boundaries very often. I struggle to agree with us being the world police, as it seems to cause more trouble than good at times with blow back of sorts, but I can understand why we do it. In addition I am incredibly grateful for the kindness of the people I have met in the northern areas of Vietnam, an area which was known for the dislike of American and French invaders. There is no terrorism to worry about, like we experience in the middle east by radicals, left over anger from what they deem "American Aggression" and this should be acknowledged. In America there are still southerners bitter over the civil war, or in some thoughts "northern aggression". The same can be said of many others who dwell in the past, thinking that is the reality of the majority in the present. I'm sure there's some around here, but I have yet to experience it.
Please understand as well I am trying to share a full perspective in this blog on a sensitive topic. I respect all the opinions I have heard and seen, considering I am a southern Yankee. I love my northern roots and culture, but I can understand why the southern man doesn't want anything to do with the northern man, this is the essence of melting pots though, the goal is to put together the right combination for the best outcome that respects "all lives." This is what our Constitution and current laws offer all people, if they truly practice and understand them as they were originally written, and not pretending 1 person is less of a life than another like slavery and segregation did and abortion does. After this moment of serious reflection, I'd like to offer you my hilarious Vietnamese priest friend, you will see the laughter in my facial expressions. Continued blessings.
