Life on the Delta

A day trip to the Mekong Delta revealed an entirely different facet of Vietnam. It was beautiful as it was interesting to see how the community feeds life from and into the river. From the various wooden boats cruising by to fishermen bringing home the day's catch for their families. Mother nature was ever present around us bearing flora and fauna that create an entire ecosystem, supporting both wildlife and the people who call the Delta their home. 

 

The Trenches

I arrived in Saigon, or what is now referred to as Ho Chi Minh City. A name I can never bring myself to say especially after my visit to the Vietnam War tunnels of the Northern Viet Kong regime. Led by a Vietnamese veteran, I was given a first-hand and terribly graphic account of what occurred during the years of combat.

My new buddy "Hai" formerly served as a sergeant for South Vietnam, assisting the US during the War. The quirkiest and most lovable old man filled our ears with rather horrific stories, explaining the guerilla tactics used by the Viet Kong.

I was both saddened and enraged as I imagined the violence and demise of my countrymen having taken place on the ground I stood upon. Crawling through the tunnels and seeing the death traps put me over the edge...

When I emerged from the tunnels I heard guns firing in the distance and was told there was a shooting range on the property. I took that opportunity to release some inner frustrations with an M-16.

I'm no member of the NRA but shooting (in a controlled environment) is one of the most exhilarating experiences man can do. However, I can't even fathom aiming that weapon at another man. 

Then I took an inappropriate picture...or two

Motorcycle Diaries

Sometimes when traveling you need time to just chill and take a vacation from your vacation. I found my "weekend" in Hoi An, Vietnam. Everything I desired was before me. A fantastic beach was a motorcycle ride away and I was keen on some much needed beach time. A quick change of words with a local rental guy (sans the endless paperwork and expenses I'm accustomed to) was enough to get me on my journey. As the wind hit my face and I revved my bike past local villages and rice paddies, trading waves and smiles, I couldn't help but feel euphoric. When else would I get the chance to do something like this? Surely not at home.

He embodies the Hoi An lifestyle...

After a fantastic day at the beach. I was content and ready to pick up the custom-made suits, shirts, and shoes I had fitted day before...all for laughable prices. I finished the night with a fresh seafood dinner with some friends, a booze cruise around the marina, and lounged in the cabanas at my new favorite bar. REPEAT x 4 days and that was my Hoi An vacation :-).

Halong Bay

I spent the night on a houseboat in beautiful Halong Bay. This area of Vietnam had produced most of the commercial fishing in the region for thousands of years. Consisting of over 700 islets containing limestone karsts (which break down into caves) it is a fascinating piece of the country's topography.

Welcome to Communism.

Here are some photographs of my first day in Hanoi, Vietnam. I saw the preserved corpse of Ho Chi Minh who led North Vietnam and brought Communism to the country. It was awkward and eerie as I layed eyes on the remains of the very being my country fought against. I felt as if my every move was being watched as I was literally being grabbed by soldiers, shoved into a straight line, and told to take my hands out of my pockets. The whole experience was a metaphor for how I feel about this type of government.

When in Laos...

Vang Vieng is a small backpacker town where all inhibition is LOST. Along the river you spend your day in an intertube bar hopping, drinking, playing mud volleyball (must bring this back to the States), and meeting fellow travelers from around world. I understood what makes this place a notorious party haven!

I was launched 20 feet in the air... body felt that impact for days!

Part of this whole traveling experience is trying crazy things I wouldn't normally do. Offering everything from waterslides, rope swings, and zip lines, Vang Vieng is a recipe for an adrenaline rush. Sometimes when we've consumed a little too much firewater we are increasingly tempted to conquer these perilous activities. So, in keeping with my vow for all things daring...I DID.

Rebel

Everywhere I travel around the world I always find children to be the best photo subjects. Their excitement for life is projected through my camera and into my photographs. They differ however from most children at home. Those who live a more sheltered life via smothering parents, tutors, coaches, teachers, and an array of addicting electronic equipment. I'm not saying American children roaming the streets as they please is realistic but can't they at least climb a tree?!