Happy Heart

Visited the David Shedrick Elephant Orphanage where we were treated to seeing the antics of 26 elephants ranging in age from 6 months to 4 years. All of the elephants have been rescued and will be returned to the wild. Many of these 26 were retrieved after they had fallen down a well, some were left orphaned because poaches had killed their mother. The babies are absolutely adorable and were tourist friendly, approaching us and allowing us to pet them. They loved rolling in the rich red clay dirt and piling on top of each other, They were feed from huge baby bottles, a special formula similar to human baby formula, It was charming watching these infants and very encouraging to see that there are many who are striving to make a difference in the lives ... read more

Arrived Hue and proceeded directly to Saigon Morin Hotel. Checked in and had a delicious dinner at the hotel. My local guide here is Dai and he will be back at 9 a.m. Crashed, body is finally in sync with new time zone. Sleep and other body functions are right on schedule, if you know what I mean. Morning arrives and it’s misting, overcast and dull. We go directly to a dragon boat on the Perfume River. The family that owns the boat lives on it. It used to be a fishing boat but now is used for tourists. They family consists of husband, wife and two sons, ages 11 and 15. The kitchen is a hot plate and a few dishes. Didn’t ask to see the bathroom, but am sure that it is rudimentary at ... read more

I am forever interested in the traditions and customs around the world regarding the dead and always request a visit to a local cemetery The dead, according to Vietnamese law, must be buried within 24 hours. The body is placed in a wooden coffin without embalming and buried in a shallow unmarked grave at a time that is designated by the local fortune teller, but never when the sun is shining. After the burial the family makes altar offerings and prays for the departed. The sons of the departed wear special white garments and a short biography of the deceased is recited. Altar offerings are made to honor the deceased on day 3, day 49, day 100, and on the one year anniversary. Depending on the region of Vietnam, decay of the body is more or ... read more

Ho Chi Minh spent his life in the pursuit of improving the lives of the Vietnamese people. He was well educated and travelled extensively to broaden his understanding of life and learn the best ways to empower his fellow countrymen. He led the Việt Minh independence movement from 1941 onward, establishing the Communist-ruled Democratic Republic of Vietnam in 1945 and defeating the French Union in 1954 at the battle of Điện Biên Phủ. He officially stepped down from power in 1965 due to health problems, but remained a highly visible figurehead and inspiration for those Vietnamese fighting for his cause—a united, communist Vietnam—until his death. He was a humb... read more

It’s Wednesday, 12/16/2016 4:10 a.m. . . . know I should be sleeping, but sleeping and trying to sleep are two completely different animals. The words swirling and the phrases forming in my head finally force me from the pristine, soft, white sheets and cozy pillow to pen my thoughts of the last 30 (or is it 45 hours) of travel. Departure at LAX, uneventful; Business Class is as promised, “a lie flat bed” (ever sleep on a fold out couch?) individual seating (access to toilets does not require inconveniencing another traveler) and an attentive cabin crew. The stewardesses (I count six to our cabin) and very handsome steward all are about 25, clear complexed, perfectly groomed and eager to serve. The young man had the most handsome dimples, (think Mario Lopez from EXTRA). I reflect ... read more