A new day...a new plan.
We have decided to visit the Mekong Delta south of here so we are making arrangements to stay for 3 days in Can Tho. We have heard it's very beautiful , a place where the floating markets provide a unique exposure to the delta way of life. Tranportation will take 5 hours by a pre-arranged taxi. We will return to HCMC to fly directly to Hanoi and spend 4 days in the northern city. We realize now we can soak up more of the northern spice ofVietnam in this french Provincial city we have heard so much about ...by staying a few extra days.
So as these plans come to fruition it is with zen-like acceptance that this trip will not be the return to 'Nam as was expected. No regrets...no only ifs. I must now email ClearPath to let them know we will not visit their center.
Nancy is now on her last school visitation and is looking forward to finalizing this portion of her trip. Needless to say she deserves a big break as she has been juggling her work and these changing logistics.
While going for a long walk at sunrise this morning and as the scooter traffic began to build I realized that there is a "flow and rythym" to movement here in Vietnam. Traffic and pedestrians never stop....but rather always adjust speed to swerve and maneuver ones intent. This flow and rythym is wonderful to watch and implement. If you stop and wait, for instance, to hesitate because of traffic then the flow becomes disrupted and all in this "web" are effected.
Our trip must now adopt this "flow and rythym" concept. We are maneuvering without interruption as we must and be open to all possibilities.
haiku:
changing plans a must
a typhoon determines fate
flow and rythym time
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Our schedule in question
It appears that the devastation in Danang , Hoi An, and Hue is significant enough that a major change in our itineray may transpire. Nancy's planned event in DaNang has been cancelled since the hotel has experienced damage. The coastal areas were hit hard and the prospect for a drive to the areas I was located looks slim to none due to flooding and mudslides. We hear Hue is under water and to get to Dong Ha north of Hue where ClearPath is located would entail a possibly dangerous drive through a mountain pass that has been comprimised due to the typhoon...the worst in 46 years. So...time to get something to eat AND DRINK and discuss what our possibilities are. This is travel...to accept the unknowns and devise a new plan. Logistically a challenge now but we know we can at least stay in Saigon one more night if we need to.
Nancy had a fascinating day and even met a Vice Cosul from RI stationed here. He has warned us the travel now to the north may be troublesome...so as I sign off here at 0430 I have no idea what the next 24 hours will bring and where we will be. Carpe diem!
Nancy had a fascinating day and even met a Vice Cosul from RI stationed here. He has warned us the travel now to the north may be troublesome...so as I sign off here at 0430 I have no idea what the next 24 hours will bring and where we will be. Carpe diem!
10.1.09 factory visit
I had arranged through work that I visit the Yupoong plant in Bien Hoa. This factory manufactures many hats that we design and electronically produce for the nfl, nba, and nhl, So at 0900 I met the driver outside our hotel and we were on our way. The drive lasted 40 minutes ...traveling NE through a myriad of traffic...mostly scooters with either 1,2, or 3 aboard. There were as many women drivers a men -scooter savvy is across both sexes. Arrival at the factory to see my name displayed on an ornate welcome podium and was greeted by Jeong Joon Mo, Adm Manager . He intro'd me SH Kang, Genral Director, and we proceeded to a welcome room to discuss my tour. A very cordial beginning. The plant employs 2000 workers, mostly women. As we toured the plant and all of the processes in sequence for hat production there was no doubt I was being accompanied by the big bosses...bows were omipresent.
I will be brief here with tour synopsis. The Korean based compsny est. this plant in 2002 seeing the economic opportunity in Vietnam...as many companies are now experiencing...and success has followed. Our tour was insightful for me...they were extremely gracious as hosts and knowing my wife was here on business Mr Kang presented to me a silk scarf as a gift.
Following several handshake photgraphs I was on my way back to Saigon.
Upon my return, while Nancy still at a college fair I decide to take to the streets and face the scooter hoardes.
I will be brief here with tour synopsis. The Korean based compsny est. this plant in 2002 seeing the economic opportunity in Vietnam...as many companies are now experiencing...and success has followed. Our tour was insightful for me...they were extremely gracious as hosts and knowing my wife was here on business Mr Kang presented to me a silk scarf as a gift.
Following several handshake photgraphs I was on my way back to Saigon.
Upon my return, while Nancy still at a college fair I decide to take to the streets and face the scooter hoardes.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
HCMC arrival
I could not believe that the lights below me was Saigon. Better yet...Nancy just minutes away.
I had never been to Saigon. Most USMC units were stationed in the northern section of South Vietnam...for me...I was SW of Danang in the north...so...first time here.
I must have been the first person to have my bag show thru the turnstyle. I knew that Nancy had arranged the Sheraton to have a driver there so as I direct myself to exit the airport I am staring at a sea of faces gathered at the front exit of the airoort. It reminded me of the Beatles movie A Hard Days Night. This must be the customary waiting area for all arrivals...outside behind a roped line and you walk the guantlet to get where you need to go. All that is missing is a red carpet. I found my contact...he called for my car and the driver, Long, and I proceeded to engage in conversation...the war, what I do, and of course...futebol! He was a Maradona fan.
So...a 20 minutes taxi ride to the Sheraton...directly adjacent to the famous REX hotel.
I go to the front desk...ask for the room key and go to the 15th floor...knock on the door (it's 11:15pm) and Nancy, with her beautiful smile...opens the door...and we embrace and laugh at the same time. As Greg Brown had sung once..."Who'd a thunk it"
We are concerned about how our plans may change for our northerly trip to Danang. There's been considerable damage to the coastal areas where we are scheduled to travel to. Nancy's college fair in Danang, which she was really looking forward to...may be cancelled. There is flooding, no power so we have no way as of yet to determine what will transpire...so stay tuned.
This morning I will be picked up to visit the Yupoong plant. This will be fun.
I had never been to Saigon. Most USMC units were stationed in the northern section of South Vietnam...for me...I was SW of Danang in the north...so...first time here.
I must have been the first person to have my bag show thru the turnstyle. I knew that Nancy had arranged the Sheraton to have a driver there so as I direct myself to exit the airport I am staring at a sea of faces gathered at the front exit of the airoort. It reminded me of the Beatles movie A Hard Days Night. This must be the customary waiting area for all arrivals...outside behind a roped line and you walk the guantlet to get where you need to go. All that is missing is a red carpet. I found my contact...he called for my car and the driver, Long, and I proceeded to engage in conversation...the war, what I do, and of course...futebol! He was a Maradona fan.
So...a 20 minutes taxi ride to the Sheraton...directly adjacent to the famous REX hotel.
I go to the front desk...ask for the room key and go to the 15th floor...knock on the door (it's 11:15pm) and Nancy, with her beautiful smile...opens the door...and we embrace and laugh at the same time. As Greg Brown had sung once..."Who'd a thunk it"
We are concerned about how our plans may change for our northerly trip to Danang. There's been considerable damage to the coastal areas where we are scheduled to travel to. Nancy's college fair in Danang, which she was really looking forward to...may be cancelled. There is flooding, no power so we have no way as of yet to determine what will transpire...so stay tuned.
This morning I will be picked up to visit the Yupoong plant. This will be fun.
9.30.09- the flight
It is 4:44am.
I arrived after one of the longest travel days in a long time. The flight from Chicago to Tokyo took a more northerly route...overlooking the Queen Elizabeth Islands...barren chalk-like expanses of tundra. We flew a bit over Russia (I can see Russia from my plane window! Didn't someone say that recently?) as we made the turn south. An arduous plane ride in tight spaces. Music is the healer in my book... ipod, a book and imagination. I have started "The Battle for Hue". I have been listening to the Beyman Bros.
My seat neighbor was an engineer from Honda traveling with colleagues for a 3 week introduction for the new CRV.
They will take part in design meetings while sitting around a life-size clay mock up of the car.
The interior is a separate mock up as well.
From Tokyo to HCMC (Ho Chi Minh City) a 5 plus hour flight. I had heard Ketsana had already hit Danang and 100,000 people were evacuated. I could see thunder from above as we made our way over Corregidor and Manila.
A Japanese business man my neighbor on this flight. Two sons...the youngest a fledgling "Kondo"
trainee...the eldest a challenging 17 year old who loves scooters. We were barely able to communicate but with patience on both sides managed to share much about out trips, our family and Obama.
I am always fascinated by the dress style of young Japanese women...funky layerings of contemporary see thru fabrics, waist high sweaters, whacky sneakers and black stockings. Each one I see carries her own signature style in a "break all rules" sort of way...I like it.
touchdown HCMC
I arrived after one of the longest travel days in a long time. The flight from Chicago to Tokyo took a more northerly route...overlooking the Queen Elizabeth Islands...barren chalk-like expanses of tundra. We flew a bit over Russia (I can see Russia from my plane window! Didn't someone say that recently?) as we made the turn south. An arduous plane ride in tight spaces. Music is the healer in my book... ipod, a book and imagination. I have started "The Battle for Hue". I have been listening to the Beyman Bros.
My seat neighbor was an engineer from Honda traveling with colleagues for a 3 week introduction for the new CRV.
They will take part in design meetings while sitting around a life-size clay mock up of the car.
The interior is a separate mock up as well.
From Tokyo to HCMC (Ho Chi Minh City) a 5 plus hour flight. I had heard Ketsana had already hit Danang and 100,000 people were evacuated. I could see thunder from above as we made our way over Corregidor and Manila.
A Japanese business man my neighbor on this flight. Two sons...the youngest a fledgling "Kondo"
trainee...the eldest a challenging 17 year old who loves scooters. We were barely able to communicate but with patience on both sides managed to share much about out trips, our family and Obama.
I am always fascinated by the dress style of young Japanese women...funky layerings of contemporary see thru fabrics, waist high sweaters, whacky sneakers and black stockings. Each one I see carries her own signature style in a "break all rules" sort of way...I like it.
touchdown HCMC
Sunday, September 27, 2009
leaving home
So... our last skype before I leave for Boston for the evening. Nancy in Taiwan about to embark on more college fairs.We are keeping a close eye on the tropical storm. Next stop...Ho Chi Minh City.
Saturday, September 26, 2009
9.26.09
Ketsana making its way west towards Vietnam...hopefully will barrel thru prior to my arrival.
Reminder of Oct 1 , 1970 providing road security on a wet, stormy , cold day waiting for the Seabees to drive by while dispensing hot chili...as they had the previous few days...same time. Only this time "Charlie" knew when to strike....they had us...but they overcompensated their morter strikes... overshooting us by 30 yards...
My first time under fire—someone trying to kill me—others—with a lucky direct hit—but lucky for us.
My entries about the past will be minimal I am deciding. I will let this one slide. Memories, like this tropical storm—hit fast—may linger—but not on this blog.
Friday, September 25, 2009
9.25.09
Trip Itinerary.
I will arrive in Ho Chi Minh City on the 29th. I will reunite w/ Nancy that evening and the following day we both will be involved with unique experiences. I will be picked up early on the 30th to visit one of our vendors that manufacture the headwear products we create. This will provide me the opportunity to see first hand how the manufacturer handles our artwork and interprets our templates for cap construction. Nancy has a college fair she'll be participating in throughout the day.
The following is a brief overview beyond day 1:
• Danang- we will travel throughout the region where I spent time as a "grunt"...along the Vu Gia river.
• Hoi An- we will have 2 days of beach time...hoping to surf
• Hue- travel north and spend 2 days in this ancient citadel where the battle of Hue reached TV's across our country in '68..and changed perceptions of the war for an entire nation
• Dong Ha-will visit ClearPath International (http://www.cpi.org/index.php) and deliver donations for their committed endeavors
• Hanoi- 2 days in this French provincial capital.. explore.
• Hong Kong- explore the ancient Kowloon district.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
9.23.09
A day after a visit from my friend Ed Stephens. After finding out I will be returning to Vietnam to meet Nancy and hearing that I will visit Clear Path International...he arrived with a 100.00 donation for the agency... their mission-to clearing old land mine ordinance from war torn local areas as well as assist in helping victims of explosions to cope and continue on.
Ed was wounded in 1968 as a young Lt. We shared each of our one and only Memorial Day Parade marches...mine in 1981 in Burlington VT, his just this year in Rehobeth. And what a rich story his was....I will share that story in another entry.
Today I emailed Tim Lunberg. He was on hill 383 when I was. We did not know one another. Our responsibilities and who we answered to were unique under the circumstances but we were on the same outpost nonetheless ...at the same time. It was a hairy spot and there are stories to tell....and I trust I may be able to look up in the direction of this hill when Nancy and I explore the area around hill52 along the Vu Gia river valley.
Ed was wounded in 1968 as a young Lt. We shared each of our one and only Memorial Day Parade marches...mine in 1981 in Burlington VT, his just this year in Rehobeth. And what a rich story his was....I will share that story in another entry.
Today I emailed Tim Lunberg. He was on hill 383 when I was. We did not know one another. Our responsibilities and who we answered to were unique under the circumstances but we were on the same outpost nonetheless ...at the same time. It was a hairy spot and there are stories to tell....and I trust I may be able to look up in the direction of this hill when Nancy and I explore the area around hill52 along the Vu Gia river valley.
Nancy now in Shanghai and a bit under the weather. Her schedule is grueling and will continue to be for the next several days. Thank you Skype for the connections that provide the brief respite while separated by the miles and time.
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