Monument to Vietnamese people - outside of Vinh
As we roll through town after town nothing is more obvious than the free market economy that is everywhere. Vietnam may be portrayed as a communist country and in some sense it is, but every street and alley is filled to overflowing with the people setting up shop or just selling whatever wares they have brought to town. It is not random, it is pervasive. The people are completely open and friendly, with each other and to foreigners. It is thrilling!
The first time I travelled through Spain was in 1976, the year after Franco died and there was still a remanant of a shadow from his oppressive rule. When I returned in 1993 the country was alive, the chains had be tossed aside and there was an exuberance not there before. Vietnam is that feeling on steroids. This is a country working together, free from China’s reign, free from French colonialism, free from American occupation. They have a ways to go, but they are doing it together.
Vietnam is a beautiful country with over 2100 Miles of coastline, panaramic scenery, natural wonders including the world’s largest cave system only discovered in 1991. (Hang Son Doong, At more than 200m high, 150m wide and 5km long, the Hang Son Doong cave in Vietnam is so big it has its own river, jungle and climate).
Tonight we are staying in Ky Anh about 260 km north of the old Imperial city of Hue. Our first 7 days are averaging 60 miles of riding and Hue will be are first two night rest stop. We had a pleasant ride here and had some great interaction with young students that are learning English and speak pretty well.
coffee is served
Enrique and Sam with cute boy
Sick with Chicken Dish and pork with rice for me
Lam is a sweet girl we met who speaks English very well
Phil approaching two local cyclists
Bamboo Bamboo
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