Not unlike previous trips to this side of the world, I’m stunned by contrasts to life back home in the United States, where everyday life feels routine, overprivileged, and just out of touch with much of the rest of world.
Watching people here go about their lives and witnessing the ways they live, work, exercise, eat, love, and help each other– all of it has been so very uplifting. In contrast to mindsets at home focused on material possessions or the next episode of Shark Tank or The Bachelor, or whatever, folks in southeast Asia appear vibrant and alive in the moment- so much so that even routine interactions feel heartfelt. A broad generalization, perhaps, but I’m telling you: when you land here, the differences between cultures are nothing short of mind blowing. Read on, and let me share a few stories, as I’ve learned, savored, and loved so much.
Speaking of calendars, in contrast to our Gregorian calendar, Chinese, Vietnamese, Hindu, Hebrew and Thai calendars are lunisolar– in the sense they divide the year according to the phases of the moon, adjusted to fit the length of the solar cycle. A synodic month is one complete cycle of phases from new Moon to new Moon, 29 or 30 days in length, making a lunar year of 12 months about 11 to 12 days shorter than a solar year.
Food markets here are invariably a visual and sensory treat. I love all of the fresh foods– well, except for the meat section, LOL. The theory, as I understand it, is: it was alive and walking a few hours ago, I slapped it on the butt, put it on a plate, and now it REALLY is fresh.
Sometimes a treat, always an eye opener. Soaking all this in.
LOVE LOVE LOVE the mobile knife sharpening service on wheels. What a great idea. Get ready to saddle up, Tessie!
In case you wonder whether the UNESCO world heritage ancient town of Hội An is still the same as in past trips, I’d say both yes and no. Style and charm still there, tourism remains way down, coming back to just 20 to 30% post-COVID. While streets are less crowded, many businesses have gone. It seems most of the tourists are locals, Korean, Australian, and also a few Scandinavian. Plenty of backpackers but they don’t spend money like us older travelers. At least I haven’t yet bumped into any backpackers sporting custom-tailored blue and orange blazers. 🤣
For my last dinner in Hội An I enjoyed Indian fusion food at MAAZI Restaurant located in a small alley in Old Town. The soft yellow colors of old buildings are so soothing. Vietnam is an ancient country with so much preserved history- and it is this wonderful reverence for the old that mesmerizes. Yet, despite thousands of years of Vietnamese history all around, it strikes me that the country in other ways is also VERY YOUNG.
In September 1950, US President Harry S Truman sent the Military Assistance Advisory Group (MAAG) to Vietnam to assist in the First Indochina War between the French and the Viet Minh (led by Ho Chi Minh), concluding with signing of the Geneva Accords in 1954. Vietnam was divided with the North controlled by the communists and the South by the anti-communist government backed by the French. As U.S. involvement escalated over the years, the direct American military engagement became what people here refer to as “the American War.” Vietnam has only been permitted to self govern since 1975, and April 30 is celebrated as Reunification Day or Victory Day. Thus, the way I see it, Vietnam is only 48 years old.
OK, here ends the history lesson and, for now, further babble from Gary’s Wanderings.
I guess this is also to say I miss you. Life sometimes gets lonely on the road.
Be well,
Wandering Gar 😎🌴☔️
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