Vietnam

To the Essence of Vietnam.

When we think of Vietnam, we will always, first and foremost, think of our wonderful family with whom we shared so many good times. We will then think of all the great and interesting food that we enjoyed throughout the country...it truly was one of the culinary highlights of the trip, particularly because Mrs. Janzen was always attentive to making sure we were experiencing the best, least touristy, local food.

We will also be reminded of the busy streets and intersections, every time we hear a horn honk. For a description of one aspect of this chaotic scene, visit Rich's Southeast Asia Travelogue: February 23, 2000 in Hanoi, Vietnam.

But after the above, a few other things stand out and, for us, will always be associated with Vietnam. Here they are.

RICE HATS:

Whether it's keeping the sun off your head and face during the dry season, or keeping you dry during the wet season, the functionally shaped rice hat can be seen throughout Vietnam. And while they all generally look the same, they are individualized by their owners through the color and material of the sash that secures the hat beneath the chin of the wearer. Some, for instance, fancy velvet sashes, while others prefer silk.

RICE PADDIES:

The rice hat can often be seen on the heads of workers in the numerous rice paddies that dot this country. Perhaps it is because we drove through so much of this country that the emerald and lush rice fields made such an impression.

COMMUNAL COMBS: In each of our hotel rooms in Vietnam, in addition to the usual complement of standard bathroom accessories (eg soap and towels), there typically would be found a comb similar to the one pictured here. And it was not disposable or individually wrapped for each new occupant; rather, it stayed with the room, to be used time and time again by whoever may occupy the room. The phenomenon was not confined to hotel rooms, as often restaurants and other public places would have a comb attached to a string near the wash basin. Needless to say, we never felt the need to actually use one of such combs.

GREAT COFFEE: Much to our surprise, throughout our travels the country that has consistently offered the best coffee has not been a country from the coffee producing regions of South or Central America (although we did have some great coffee in C. America), but rather Vietnam. In south Vietnam in particular, the coffee was always individually prepared with care as shown to the left. A small, french press type urn, was first filled with coffee and then hot water, and would slowly drain into the glass waiting below. And what really added to the flavor was the use of sweetened, condensed milk (which may be made out as the thin layer of white sitting in the bottom of the glass to the right). When coupled with the condensed milk, the combination was referred to as "White Coffee." Yummy!

2 Go Maps / 2 Go Actual Itinerary / 2 Go Photos / 2 Go Home Page

PLEASE E-MAIL US. . . WE WOULD LOVE 2 HEAR FROM YOU!

[email protected]