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Published: September 4th 2007
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Tam Ky
Last time at house in Tam Ky Wednesday 29th August
After lunch Mr Hahn took me to catch the bus to DaNang. This was
another interesting bus ride - in front of me was a motor bike and
there was a lot of quacking from ducks on board. Uyen met me at the bus
station and took me to the Volunteer House. Then it was down to the
orphanage where I spent my time last year. The "mothers" always greet
me and say "Why not Brenda here in DaNang"? There was another new
little baby since my last visit and I spent some time with Tinh. The
physiotherapist asked me would I like to feed her and of course I was
pleased to do this. It is so wonderful to see how much she has improved
over the past 12 months. That night I spent with Mr Viet, Luane, King
and Mrs Viet. Was really great to see Mrs Viet again as she is such a
beautiful, gentle lady. Had a considerably early night.
Thursday 30th August
Said my farewells to Mrs Viet and family and then to the volunteer
house until 10.00 as Uyen and I then took off to My Lai. Had lots of
stops along
Danang
Cuddle with Tien the way - wondered why I was being told I was mad - I was
only 30 odd Kms from My Lai when I was in Quang Ngai. This was a very
sad visit as 500 odd innocent farmers and their families were brutally
killed by Americans. It was quite heartwrenching for my guide as she
lost a couple of members of her family. But, by me going to some of
these places gives me a better understanding of the Vietnamese War and
how very hard it still is for these people from the happenings and was
brought very much home working in the orphanages with so many badly
affected children from Agent Orange. You wonder just how many
generations it is going to affect. Had coffee at a place called My Khe
a few kms down the road and then stayed in a little cabin on the
foreshore. Uyen and I had a "pig out" on some delicious king prawns. We
both had a great laugh when I was attempting to read the menu. I put my
current good glasses on but was having difficulty reading. I jokingly
said to Uyen - I seem to have gone blind and
Danang
Feeding Tien thought these glasses were
good. He had a great laugh - he took the glasses off my head and said
"Brenda, there is no glass". Somehow, I had lost both lens. After
dinner, I had a skinny dip in the ocean as it was pitch black and was
still warm and then it was early to bed.
Friday 31 August
This morning it was up at 6.00 and left My Khe. The little village was
getting ready for big celebrations that day as a new bridge was being
opened. We passed a big calvacade of motorcyclists promoting the use of
helmets. Evidently, a law is being passed on 15th December for all
riders to wear helmets. Also, a big parade of police in readiness for
next days' proceedings - Independence Day. As usual, lots of workers
out in the rice fields early and heaps of rice, corn and tea being
dried on the side of the busy highway. I called into the Tam Ky Baby
Orphanage for a one last cuddle of "my little boy" Lucky so was a
tearful goodbye to him and the mothers. We arrived back in DaNang at
11.30. I once more shuffled bits and pieces
Danang
Feeding new bub of my luggage and then it
was a final goodbye to the people at the Volunteer House and off to the
airport. Uyen and his little daughter, Thuy came to say their last
goodbyes. I will certainly miss my motor bike jaunts with Uyen. My
plane was delayed until 2.50 and we finally took off for Hanoi at 3.15.
I arrived in Hanoi in the thickest of traffic. I forgot just how many
motorbikes there are. I gave the taxi guy the address of my pre booked
hotel and we came to the corner of the street when he gestured "hotel".
I could see the name of another one (not the name of mine) so I got out
and wandered down this alley trying to see my hotel. Next thing, there
was a young guy saying - Madam, madam I am here to help you. So, out
came my luggage - the whole 45kgs. and he somehow got it to the hotel
where I was meant to be. The staff were really obliging and let me have
dinner with them. Then it was the wait for 7.00pm pickup - then it was
changed to 8.00 pickup to the Railway station.
So, will continue about my trip to Sapa in my next journal entry.
Bye for this time
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