Chuck Kuhn's Asia in Photos: San Jose Mercury News - Asking hard questions during Tet

Wednesday, February 6, 2008

San Jose Mercury News - Asking hard questions during Tet

Asking hard questions during Tet
By Andrew Lamfor the Mercury News
Article Launched: 02/06/2008 01:48:12 AM PST
The Lunar New Year, or Tet, is the most important and popular holiday in Vietnam, a festival traditionally celebrated for up to three weeks. It is a time when families come together, far-flung relatives reunite, good wishes are offered all around and old grievances are forgiven.

San Jose Mercury News - Asking hard questions during Tet
ed note; opinion by Andrew Lamfor

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They say "

“I can’t say what made me fall in love with Vietnam - that a woman’s voice can drug you; that everything is so intense. The colors, the taste, even the rain. Nothing like the filthy rain in London. They say whatever you’re looking for, you will find here. They say you come to Vietnam and you understand a lot in a few minutes, but the rest has got to be lived. The smell: that’s the first thing that hits you, promising everything in exchange for your soul. And the heat. Your shirt is straightaway a rag. You can hardly remember your name, or what you came to escape from. But at night, there’s a breeze. The river is beautiful. You could be forgiven for thinking there was no war; that the gunshots were fireworks; that only pleasure matters. A pipe of opium, or the touch of a girl who might tell you she loves you. And then, something happens, as you knew it would. And nothing can ever be the same again.”
― Graham Greene, The Quiet American

Tips on Travel to Vietnam

It's always warm in Southeast Asia apart from high mountains, so leave the heavy clothing at home. Cotton and breathable fabrics are always better than synthetics -- although cotton does wrinkle a lot when traveling! December through April is roughly the dry season in that region, although it can still rain a little. December is a good time to go in terms of temperature -- cooler than in the humid summertime. Either way, wearing more clothing (shirt sleeves and long pants) is always more respectful towards the Asian culture, especially when visiting temples and rural areas.