After a fine breakfast of baguettes, jam, eggs, cheese, juice and coffee at a little coffee shop next to Hotel TiTi, the Harrington duo made their way out into the city in search of the sights and vibe of Ho Chi Minh's 6 million residents. Pleased to find a quaint and quiet park just a few minutes into beginning their walk, the Harrington's took a moment to truly appreciate and breath in the truth that they were indeed on vacation, outside of the U.S. and outside of South Korea. And the weather was perfect.
Appreciating the sensation of freedom and warmth, the Harrington's were a little too eager to purchase coconut from a boisterous and outgoing salesman and would later realize they most definitely payed the foreigner price (which was still only about $3US, so not really a huge loss). Regardless, the couple indulged and meandered around the city with intentions of hitting up a few important attractions including Notre Dame Cathedral, the Grand Central Post Office, the Reunification Palace or Independence Hall and the War Remnants Museum with a lunch time stop at
Huong Lai Restaurant.
The course of the day had them slowly gaining a more developed understanding of not only Vietnamese culture but the influence of the French as well as Americans on their culture, development, land and spirit. Throughout the course of the day, the story of destruction, war, rebuilding, unity and cultural pride unfolded and left the Harrington's reflective of not only the history of one nation, but the current events of many nations and the greater call of humanity to step forth in compassion and justice.
 |
| Notre Dame Cathedral |
 |
| Reunification Palace/Independence Hall |
Of all locations the Harrington's visited, the War Remnants Museum was the most harrowing and challenging. Stories accompanied by pictures and pictures accompanied by stories told of the great many atrocities suffered in what Americans know as the Vietnam war. But they also tell the larger story of the atrocities that happen during war times. Irreparable damage. Brokenness. Destruction. Pain.
 |
| War Remnants Museum |
The Harrington's were also alarmed to see the devastating and long lasting effects of Napalm/Agent Orange on not only the Vietnamese landscape, but the people of Vietnam and even the American soldiers and their families. Photos of children from as recent as the year 2000 showed several deformities attributed to the use of these lethal herbicides manufactured by none other than Monsanto. Monsanto being a corporation which first gained the attention of the Harrington duo during their dumpster diving days and through documentaries such as Food Inc. and Fresh is the equivalent to a four letter swear in the Harrington household
(stand against Monsanto by clicking here). All this, the photos, the history, the effects, the unjust power of corporations were ultimately quite draining. Fortunately, a lovely dinner of spring rolls, noodle soup and bananas in coconut milk awaited the couple at Nha Hoang Nong before they headed off to
Sozo cafe to grab their breakfast for the following morning.
Appreciating the sensation of freedom and warmth, the Harrington's were a little too eager to purchase coconut from a boisterous and outgoing salesman and would later realize they most definitely payed the foreigner price (which was still only about $3US, so not really a huge loss). Regardless, the couple indulged and meandered around the city with intentions of hitting up a few important attractions including Notre Dame Cathedral, the Grand Central Post Office, the Reunification Palace or Independence Hall and the War Remnants Museum with a lunch time stop at Huong Lai Restaurant.
No comments:
Post a Comment