Advertisement
Published: April 18th 2008
Edit Blog Post
Presidential Palace
This is the building from which the last US helicopters took off, and in front of which the north Vietnamese tanks came crashing through on April 30th, 1975.
(Notice the balcony in front of the building from which the photographer must have stood in 1975) On April 30th, 1975 Saigon fell and the Vietnamese War, or the American War as they call it here, ended. Arguably the most famous pictures of this event occured around the Presidential Palace where the last US helicopters took off days earlier with civilians dangling from their frames and then on the 30th the North's tanks crushing the outer fence of the Palace.
I visited the Palace, which now is a tourist attraction, and walked through the halls. They still have a helicopter on the roof and tanks on the lawn. I took a picture of the scence from the balcony where the photographer must have stood on that fateful day in 1975 when the tanks broke through. Quite a difference, as one can see.
Regardless of one's opinion about the war, there's no denying the major destruction and loss of life characterizing it. The follow-on effects such as those maimed by mines, victims of agent orange, etc. still serve to remind the Vietnamese of what happened to their country and who was involved. A major focus for this sentiment would have to be the War Remnants Museum in HCMC. Here tanks, planes and
Coming Through 1975-April 30
The North Vietnamese taking over the Presidential Palace and, on the ground, ending the war. At the time I remember watching the film clips of the first tanks bursting through the gates. thousands of photographs of the war give expression to what happened a short time ago. Of interest to me throughout my journey through Vietnam is the lack of hostility to me, as an obvious westerner, and possibly an American, in the eyes of the Viets. I have seen many older men in their army issue uniforms, some sporting medals and ribbons, but have felt no hostility. At the Museum where the tangible expression of the war is focussed one might find some re-action to a westerner like myself in their midst.
In the photos presented here there are two I enjoyed taking more so than any others on my trip to Vietnam. These are of the students at the entrance to the Museum, who are sitting on the floor being told by their teacher, no doubt, about some of the atrocities inflicted on their country. There is clearly much for them to see here and much they already must know about the war. The first photo shows them sitting quietly facing the teacher, some listening some not as students are want to do. I walked behind the teacher and putting my index finger to lips for silence,
Today
Same spot today; much better! prepared my camera. Then, waved wildly at them; their response to this obvious westerner is as you see.
I enjoyed this photo op because it signified to me the "generational healing" one might call it, that takes place after war. These students were in Saigon where the manifestation of what had happened to their country was so graphically depicted, and where there must have been ample history from which to learn. And yet, their inherent propensity to have fun shone through. This in spite of the frown of the teacher next to me as I walked away.
Settled down in Bien Vien street where my hotel is located. My hotel is the Dug Vuong, moderately priced at $25/night US; it is clean, with air con and attentive staff.
Sitting at the Santa Café, about a block from the Dug Vuong, looking out at the raucous intersection that is Bien Vien and Dong Quang BGau. If you want to see life go by quickly here it is- scooters, bikes, wheelchairs, buses, a few cars, pedestrians (lots), children, etc. The action and noise are tremendous (my camera has a film/sound capability; unfortunately not this web site).
In Front of the War Museum
What is it about guys and instruments of war. This is real ear-hurting, visual disorienting, olfactory confusing action;it is constant/unremitting. Motors revving, whistling from somewhere, horns tooting or insistently blaring, people coughing, spitting, laughing, curses, (A westerner to my left, two tables down is making strange noises), A mélange of noise, action, smells and all at an elevated level and constant.
On this corner I am confronted by my own emotional underpinnings somewhat: a man begs on the street (no not in the usual sitting position with cup, but actually on the street- face ON the street lying flat on the street with cup in front), a child carrying a child asks for $, a blind man not 7ft. away inches along, a man wearing pajamas saunters by, (the whole scene reminds me a little of a Star Wars movie with Luke Skywalker coming into town and the crowds of various and sundry individuals in every conceivable costume and shape/size). A blond Western girl, maybe 23, makes her way down the street. Scooters come up onto the sidewalk, next to my table, and swish by. Two children, maybe 6 and 7 yrs walk by discussing something vehemently. (no neighborhood watch here). A naked women riding horseback
The 173 Airborne Brigade
At the War Remnants Museum there were thousands of pictures of US and Viet Forces, as well as many showing the destruction in Vietnam. Here the Airborne is crossing a river during the monsoon around Ben Cat. on a dwarf pony gallops down the street (just kidding). Some guy on a bike with an impossible number of balloons e.g Micky Mouse,walks by -DON'T MAKE EYE CONTACT !!!! A young girl offers to sell me copied "best seller".
To my left a couple sit together, he talks and extends his hand in a gentle "shake hands" motion; she ignores him. A young, pretty female in black, formal dress and pumps with transparent heels waits to cross the street. With her black, beautiful hair she picks her nose while waiting, a perfectly acceptable mannerism here in SE Asia. A bus turns the corner a few feet in front of me as I sit at my little table. A young girl in the bus says hello with her eyes; I wave and she waves back.
Across the street some Westerners are hanging out at the second story balcony of the La Vange cafe, also taking in the mayhem below.
Advertisement
Tot: 0.083s; Tpl: 0.017s; cc: 7; qc: 44; dbt: 0.0455s; 1; m:domysql w:travelblog (10.17.0.13); sld: 1;
; mem: 1.1mb