On the way to Qui Nhon we made some site visits for our participants. We were in very sensitive Vietnamese areas which required special permits and a local guide for us to enter. Even then we had to be cautious not to photo any sensitive facilities or personnel.
One of our members had served time at a military base and wanted to get as close as possible. No way could we proceed any closer in the bus so our guide Ahn borrowed a motor bike from a total stranger and our vet jumped on the back and off they went. They proceeded into the base until encountering military guards fully armed which prompted them to do a quick U-turn on the bike and come back down the highway to where we waited. Everyone sighed with relief when they were within sight...it was a risky thing to do but it provided some closure for the vet involved.
Later we stopped at Hill 42 where another of our vets was involved in an ambush. Upon walking to the top of the hill we discovered an original fox hole. Once we started looking around and disturbing a light layer of dust we discovered remnants of claymore mines and bullet clips. You could imagine the carnage that occurred at the site and it felt like sacred ground.
Two very old, NVA veterans showed up and were gesturing very excitedly. Not speaking Vietnamese, we had to wait for our guide to join us and interpret.
As he talked with them, again they were talking with vigorous arm movements pointing down the back side of the hill. We waited anxiously to hear the English translation of what must have been a wild battle they were describing having taken place there.
Finally Ahn turned back to those of us who were gathered to tell us "They are farmers now and have lost their cows and want to know if we have seen them!!!" Once we regained our composure, we did exchange information on war posts and found that they and some of our vets had served in similar areas, but on opposite sides. Hugs, handshakes, pictures together, that is what this is all about...putting a peaceful end to the memories of war.
I continued to scavenge around until one of the other participants cautioned me to be careful of the poisonous snakes. Yikes, that finally headed me back to the air conditioned bus.
Every night when we meet the vets have the opportunity to explain to us in advance the sigificance of their sites we are going to visit and then after the fact debrief how the visit went for them.
The accommodations on these trips are generally very good but this night in Qui Nhon was the exception, it was SUPERB. We stayed at the "Life Resort" along the beach at Qui Nhon. I can hardly put words to it but would liken it to something you would see on "Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous". I'm sure they have a website with pictures and would invite you to do a search and check it out. (I found this site that shows some pictures of the resort... Added by Cindy )
All of Life is An Adventure
You just have to scratch the surface to find it.
Linda
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