Letters from Nam

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Dear readers - here we are in Saigon. Last time Jim was here was 43 years ago. Never actually made it into Saigon City. Nearest he got was a mail run into Danang or a baseball game at Camron bay during a ships party. One of his great childhood friends (Stan Grunstad) was killed near here during the Viet Nam war. As we flew in over the city of Saigon, many thoughts went through his head about so many people dying during the war and wondering what the city looked like from the air back in the 60s.

Two days ago at 11:30 AM we left Nathon on Koh Samui and boarded a bus which took us 500 yards to the ferry pier, unloaded us so the bus could board the ferry with no passengers aboard. We then had to walk onto the ferry and couldn't get onto the bus while the ferry was underway. We went up topside, played cards (rummy-Ann WON!!!!) and enjoyed the views along with the company of a nice Russian couple. We also met our first Americans, two young men from California. After the ferry got to the pier we were allowed to board the bus after the bus got off the ferry. The ride to the train station from Surtha Thani took two very uncomfortable hours. We finally got aboard the train at 17:00 for an interesting over night ride to Bangkok in a sleeper car. The quarters were nice but small, small sink and no loo. The loo was down the hall and was a pit toilet (gawd I hate these things). Finally upon arriving in Bangkok about 7 AM, we hot footed it across the hiway to our hotel, the Bangkok Centre Hotel. It's an OK hotel but nothing exceptional. The food there was good. We left baggage there as we will return after our trek to Viet Nam, Laos, and Northern Thailand.

We are happy to see that Glenn and Sue have signed into our blog, thanks to Jessica for making it happen!!!!

No real sure what our next city will be. After we experience Saigon for a while, we will get out the map and see what looks interesting to the north.

Ned and Nick - if you know the demise of the USS Forester DER???, please email or comment on the blog.
I had heard that the ship had been turned over to the Vietnamese Navy after the war and was the last DER alive. This information is probably 15 years old so I am not to sure if the ship is still around or not. If it is, I would like to visit it and take some pictures.

No pictures this time around as Ann left the full chip in our room.

All for now. Will sign on again in the next day or so and update with pictures.

Ann and the Archbisop

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Comments

[Ned]

This is what I found about the Forester. Do not know where she is moored. Transferred on 25 September 1971 to South Vietnam, FORSTER was renamed frigate TRAN KHANH DU (HQ-04). In a shipyard, in overhaul, when Saigon fell on 29 April 1975, she was captured by North Vietnamese forces and written off by the U.S. Navy as "Transferred to Vietnam, 30 April 1975." Renamed DAI KY (HQ-03), she was still seaworthy as of 1997 and used as a training ship. Glad you are enjoying you trip. "Surfer"

[Bonnie Cox]

Great Adventures
Good to keep us posted, it is like we are with you.Thanks

[UNDERWAY]

Forster
Hi Ned - great to hear from you. Thanks for the response. Will use this info to try and find if the vessel is still around. Sure had a lot of memories and feelings as were getting ready to land here. It seems like it was so long ago. Have you been in contact with Nick lately? Love you buddy. Jim

[UNDERWAY]

Saigon
Hi you guys. It is good to hear from you. Wish you were here to enjoy the trip with us. We are now in Viet Nam and Jim is trying to find a ship - please save me!! He is on his own for this one. We are trying to decide what to do next. We are considering Nha Trang for a couple of days to enjoy the beach. Typhoon emerging off of India heading east so weather here may change in the next few days. Went to a Pho house last night called Pho24. Had some interesting chicken noodle soup. Also had pork spring rolls that were good. Also some chicken wrapped shrimp that was deep fried. Trying not to drink the water, All for now, Jim and Ann

[UNDERWAY]

Saigon
Hi Rese - good to hear from you and glad that the weather is getting better. I am sure that if Jim were here he would be experiencing some of the same feelings I have been having about the war we fought in so many years ago. Wish he could have survived to be with us today. Must be nice to be working in the flower beds. We will be home too late to do any of that this year. Have a good time in Arizona for your birthdays. Say hi to Gloria. We will see you when we get home. Love, Ann and the Archbishop

[Ned \"Surfer\"]

Nam
Well Jim, been alot of years since we were there. And it was not a friendly place. Glad you are able to walk the streets in peace. It was 33 yrs. today we lost the Forester. Hope you can spot her and take a photo. Haven't heard from Nick but as always, I am checking out the web site. I will send him a note today and let him know you guys are well and having fun. Ned

[Jim Powell]

Having fun
Only 3 months and 30 day left to work. Glad you are having so much fun. Karen and I went over to Kettle Falls and spent 4days with hers friends from that area. Aunt Jean came down and stayed with Mom. We looked at about 15 different places around the area with a few possiblities. Karen had foot surgery done today. She will be layed up for 4-6 weeks. I have the next weeek and a half off to take care of her. Love Big Brother

[UNDERWAY]

Forester
Hi Ned - found out that the Vietnamese Navy is called the People's Defense Force and has what we would call a small Navy contingent here in Saigon. On their web site yesterday no mention of any of the names you sent me in regards to Forester. The ship would be almost 70 years old and am not sure that any Navy other than the US navy would retain a ship that long. Will keep looking for any information I can find on her. Computer time here is expensive but cheaper that taxi time running all over the country. If you could find any new info ie Forester websites, or whatever, please send it to me. Will be in touch, Jim