A Mom in Vietnam...

Nha Trang, Vietnam

June 20, 2007
N 12°14.127
E 109°11.195

Guest Writer: Teddy Tuttle (Marc’s mom)

Even though Nha Trang has wide sidewalks unlike any other city we have visited, we continue to walk like a covey of quail. It started in Hanoi as we followed each other single file through the narrow alleys and marketplaces in order not to be mowed down by the ever present throng of motor-scooters coming from all directions. Then onto Hue and Hoi An where the narrow sidewalks were completely taken over by parked motor-scooters, sand, gravel, bricks and construction workers. Thus, we continued to walk in the streets, onto the curbs, down into the gutters, back onto the sidewalk (briefly); what should have been a mile seemed to become two miles due to the dodging, weaving, ups and downs. All the while messages were being passed from front to rear, middle to back like a game of “telephone.” Being that I am usually the one in the back of the covey, I often wonder how the comment has changed by the time it reaches me.

From Hanoi to Hue to Hoi An to Nha Trang we are recognized as “the American family”. The Vietnamese have a real affection for family, smiling and nodding as they figure out we’re together – a family. Then they want to know if there are more of us back in America – “oh, yes”, we tell them and then go through the list: daughter, sons, son in law, daughter in law and grandchild.

There certainly is an interest in speaking English among all ages of the Vietnamese people. Riding on the train was one of Bob’s favorite events, making his way down the very narrow hallway and seeing the families gathered around in the very compact sleeper cars. Becoming engaged in conversations where the subject matter was limited but the openness to attempt some understanding was generous. Bob became good friends with our sixth bunkmate by going through the language section of “Lonely Planet” and attempted the local language with his new friend. When they didn’t understand each other, they simply exchanged warm smiles with the unintelligible sounds that were exchanged.