Saigon, Vietnam
January 12, 2001
Last days in Saigon. I spent more time with the regulars that I had all along. Well mostly the German guy and the Chinese girl. The two Korean girls met us often as well. I'm also meeting alot of other travelers all along the way from Hanoi. Everyone can only go either north or south, so they are all bound to be going in the same places ending in Saigon. Its nice to catch up to many of the travelers I've met and traveled with over the last few weeks in Vietnam.
Also I met many interesting Vietnamese people throughout my time here. Most had fought in the Vietnam War, or the American War as they call it. Many fought with the Americans, particularly in the South. Many of the motodrivers knew really good English, and they were also quite poor, and kind of destitute looking. But I think many, as I rode on the back of their motorbikes had been fighting alongside of the Americans, and seemed to have alot of war stories. When the United States left in 1975, the north came down, and anyone who fought with the allies, was severely punished. Many completely unemployable after that time. So I think that is why so many become motordrivers for an income. They knew English well, and they really couldn't be employed any other way.
Also, I don't think the Vietnamese really have had much peace in years. Well before the Americans, there was the French. After the American War, Cambodia and Vietnam went to war as well. Pol Pot was overthrew from Cambodia because of that war. One Korean man had fought in that war, and told me how he saw a few of his friends blown up by the many landmines that had infected Cambodia, which is still a major problem today.
Leaving Vietnam was kind of hard. I actually really liked this place. Today is my last day here, and late tonight, I'm on a plane back to Seoul.
Next Journal Entry is back in Seoul, Korea:
January 15, 2001
You can email me at:
Wintermoon2@yahoo.com