Well, with departure from Saigon tomorrow evening, I’ve been
busy getting things together in anticipation of making the long journey back to
Alaska. Currently, I’m in the
process of uploading videos to YouTube, the link for which will be sent to Nhon
of Hearts for Hue. She has already created a neat video, but we’ve decided to
make some changes/additions. So, I am monitoring the painfully slow process of
the You Tube upload function. At
this rate, it’ll be evening before it’s complete. I’m chomping at the bit to
get the video link posted, but will wait until Nhon has finalized
everything.
On Monday, I journeyed in the hired van from Hoi An to the
rural area in which The, Duong, and Thua reside. Guide Thong and one of his English students were in accompany.
The first stop was at Duong’s, where we found my legless infantry comrade on
the ground in front of his dwelling.
I supplied a nice supply of food, including some treats, for which he
was most appreciative. To my dismay, it seems that Duong’s TV, purchased just
last February, isn’t working.
Thong and I tinkered with it for a bit with no success. So, I need to
figure out how to proceed with that dilemma. After saying goodbyes, we were off to see Lady The.
And what a sweet lady she is. I approached this visit with a degree of sadness, as there
is very real possibility that this would be the last. I had purchased a sizable supply of staples, plus some
treats, for her. I also gave her
an envelope containing 1,000,000 VND, or about $50, for the purpose of “buying
fresh”. Over and over, she expressed her gratitude. Following goodbye hugs, we
departed for a visit with Thua.
Thua and his family greeted us with enthusiasm as we
strolled unannounced down the path to his house. Our prior attempt to reach him by phone had been
unsuccessful. However, I now have his new phone number and confirmed the
accuracy of the mailing address.
Thua, too, received a supply of food, along with treats. He and I
distributed candy to the kids, which always brings smiles. The stop at Thua’s
marked the end of this trip’s mission. The positive effect that we’d had upon the lives of these
deserving folks is profound.
After returning to Hoi An, Thong’s student and I hopped a
bus for Da Nang while Thong journeyed via motorbike. After checking into a hotel, Thong and I sat on the street
in front of his house waiting for his English students to arrive. His wife brought out a selection of
very tasty food, as well as beverages.
In a short time, the students began to arrive. I found talking with the group, fielding questions, and
showing/explaining photos most interesting. Should I return, I hope that the opportunity avails itself
again. It is obvious that these
young folks have a great deal of respect for Thong, also known to me as “damn
guide”.
After individually saying goodbye to each student, Thong
transported me via motorbike to my hotel.
After parting with my good friend, it was time to retreat to my room and
stretch out after a very busy, yet most rewarding, day.
Now it’s time to return to the video task. I should have
allowed this process to complete through the night instead of being confined to
this hotel room all day. Live and
learn. I’ll get the video link
posted as soon as Nhon, the Royal Empress of Videos, has it finalized. But, she is waiting for the raw videos
from me before proceeding. You can access photos from this trip using the
following link:
Danny departed last night for home, so I’m back to being
solo.
Neil
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| Thua and Family |
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| Lady The |
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| Lady The Saying Goodbye |
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| Duong & Neil " Brothers in Arms" |
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| Duong's Military ID Card |
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| Lady The & Neil |
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| Lady The & Neil |
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| Neil with Thong's English Students |
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| Neil, Thua & Wife |
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| Thua's Family |
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| Thua's Pigs |
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