Chuck Kuhn's Asia in Photos: Vietnam discovers elephant tusks from Africa

Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Vietnam discovers elephant tusks from Africa

A state newspaper in Vietnam says customs officials in the northern port city of Haiphong have discovered 440 pounds (200 kilograms) of elephant tusks illegally imported from Kenya.
The Pioneer newspaper says the tusks were discovered Tuesday hidden in timber in a container that arrived at Haiphong port in April. It says authorities are seeking the owner of the container.
Customs officials were not available for comment Wednesday.
In March, Haiphong authorities confiscated nearly 7 tons of elephant tusks smuggled from Tanzania in the country's biggest seizure.
Tusks are used for ivory jewelry and home decorations.
Vietnam bans the hunting of the country's dwindling elephant population, which poachers value highly for their tusks.

Vietnam discovers elephant tusks from Africa - Taiwan News Online

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“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.