Good Morning Vietnam

the tank
Hi Adam, I'm a friend of your Mom. We went to high school together. Her friend Mary, also a dear friend, sent me your blog, I think becuase of my experiences in Vietnam. First, the reason the tank at the Army Museum is listed that way is because, that is the tank that crashed the gates of the South Vietnamese presidential palace in Saigon, which was the symbolic end of ARVN resistance and end of the war. That was the same time the helicopters were leaving the roof of the US Embassy for the last time. Anyway, that's that. I had a couple tours there during the war, 1965-67 in the Navy Seabees. Later, after a long career in Asian civil aviation, I was a consultant for Boeing and conducted a ten year project in Hanoi 1993-2003, working with Vietnam Airlines to develop a new corporate identity and brand image. The blue/gold aircraft and Lotus logo you see there is the result of that project. I absolutely loved Hanoi. In 1993 when I first went there to meet with the airline management there were no cars in the city, except a few old black Chinese dedans used by the government. All transport was by bicycle and trishaw. The city was quiet except for the sound of the little bells on the bicycles. No big hotels or office buildings and very little commercial trade. As you can see, that changed very fast. I've enjoyed your blog and will follow it as you travel through my favorite part of the world. Have fun! All the best, Sam

Sapa
Hi Adam, I just read your account of the trip to Sapa. The tribes and environs are a real time warp. It looks just like Northern Thailand in the 1970's. I worked for Thai Airways for 25 years and lived in Bangkok for 4 years during the mid' 70's. I traveled throughout the north of the country and Sapa is a dead ringer for that area. During the Vietnam project I flew over the Sapa area coming in from China, and decided I wanted to travel up there, but I never got the opportunity though, so I'm happy to see your photos and narrative. What a great experience you're having! I don't really have any suggestions for you, as you seem to be covering the bases very well. When you get back home, and if your are ever in the Paso Robles area please stop so we can exchange stories. 805-704-2785. Good luck and travel safe. Sam