Wednesday, April 25, 2012

US Navy ships arrive in Danang

April 24, 2012

The Vietnamese Navy welcomed three US Navy ships in the central city of Danang on April 23.

The USS Blue Ridge, USS Chafee and USNS Safeguard docked at Tien Sa
Port at noon, beginning a five-day friendship visit to Vietnam.
The US naval delegation, consisting of 1,891 officers and crew
members, will share experiences in diving, ocean salvage and rescue work
with their Vietnamese counterparts.
They will also pay courtesy visits to Danang’s leaders and take part
in friendly sporting events with local students and navy sailors.
Photos of the ships at Tien Sa port:

VOV

Sunday, May 15, 2011

Indian sailors flood into Saigon

India calling

May 15, 2011 about Social

This week, nearly 500 Indian sailors flooded into Saigon during a four-day friendly Port Call.
Sailors in pressed white uniforms could be seen everywhere, on city sidewalks and parks, taking in the town.
In the midst of the visit, the crew took time to welcome members of Saigon society aboard.
On May 10, Rear Admiral HCS Bisht (Flag Officer of the Indian Navy’s Eastern Fleet) hosted a dinner reception on the rear deck of the INS Delhi.
Far from the ship’s imposing military batteries, Vietnamese military officials, Ho Chi Minh City diplomats and other invited-guests dined on curry and puris under orange striped tents.
The Navy band provided a full-evening of Bhangra, costumed qawwali and Bollyood melodies.
Captain Srikant, a thin, avuncular commanding officer of the INS Dehli worked the deck with rare charm, offering his guests a warm handshake and a glass of Indian rum.
He referred to the piquant beverage as “Indian diplomacy.”
And it seemed to work. Guests remained onboard until 10 p.m., after which members of the crew cleared the deck and set out for a night on the town.
The following evening, Cmdr. Vikas Datta, the ship’s highest-ranking flight officer, expressed his gratitude after a full day out in town.
“Saigon is warm and welcomingâ€”a great city with lots of history and a super place to visit,” he said. “The hospitality shown to the Indian Navy is much appreciated.”

Reported by Calvin Godfrey

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.