I am an average tourist who knew little about vietnam. Coming from a family of die hard communist supporters in India. Read a lot about vietnam war. In fact , its a big reason why I am in Vietnam now. I know life during vacation is different than the actual daily life. But here in this country, I coul relate myself to the people. It's not an alien country where everything looks so different. Here I see problems in daily life. I see 5 yr old little girls selling something on the bui vien street. This is heartbreaking. But that's the truth. I saw crazy traffic and pollution. Couple of accidents in HCM. Well, feels like India to me. The war museum was absolutely wonderful, shocking, terrifying. Spent around 4 hrs in the museum. Multiple times just cried seeing the photos of agent orange. Again we are familiar with war. India had fought many wars in last few centuries. The napalm girl photo reminded me that I had seen it long back without knowing the history.

Tbh, I was just checking out the girls in the steet. So pretty and friendly. But after seeing how they fought the war. How they dug up the cu chi tunnel with bare hands. How they raised children during war time. I have developed a different level of respect for the women here. They are strong, resilient at a different level. Few people told me about daily lives and struggle of women here. The tour guide said something that stuck me. He said, Americans could not divide the country. There are 2 Korea's but only 1 Vietnam. I am having language barrier and difficulty in getting food but still I see people are trying to help me. In thailand I have faced racism, but none here. I hope it stays this way. It feels really nice to be here even among this chaos. I wish I could stay longer. I still have 12 days here and looking forward to exploring more. Btw, why there are so many coffee shops. Literally thousands? Are they getting enough business?

I have a lot to share. But probably make a post in future. Thank you vietnam.