Markets are bountiful offering food, souvenirs, hardware, clothing, incense, you name it. Night markets are just as active and cooler. Stores beckon everywhere, often with blaring music (no noise-prevention laws, I guess) to entice buyers in. President Bill Clinton lifted the trade embargo with Vietnam in 1997 and the US has been both exporting to and importing from the Vietnamese since then. There are many joint-venture enterprises and the country is booming with construction sites.

We had the opportunity to chat with students at the University of Dalat. They wanted to practice their English (a language now required in their high school studies) and to learn about life in America. We were able to ask questions about their lives, to hear about their dreams and their plans for the future; the younger generation in Vietnam has the same enthusiasm as our young people at home.

It was a privilege to experience the terrain and its citizens, to share in the local foods and customs, and to remember about the commonality of all people in our desire to live joyful, peaceful, successful lives. A larger global understanding is needed in a world where a minor disagreement can lead to a major confrontation. A good way to get that connection is person-to-person, one member of our human family sharing with another. I know that family members don’t always agree but the bond is still there. And, I hope, the caring that keeps us respectful of each other.

©2011 Ferida Wolff for SeniorWomen.com

Editor's Note: In addition, Ferida writes,

We went on a tour with Overseas Adventure Travel (OAT), part of Grand Circle Foundation which donates and supports the people of the countries they visit. For example, they help support an orphanage in Hue and have built houses in XOM GIO village in Nha Trang. Of the twelve travelers in our group one had served in the war. It was interesting to hear his perspective on the places we went to, the military actions as portrayed in the museums — there were photos of John McCain — and the changes our traveling companion saw."

For a general overview of Vietnam, its culture and people visit http://www.geographia.com/vietnam/ and for a visual view through photographs visit http://www.terragalleria.com/vietnam/

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