Going to Vietnam may arouse mixed feelings for some Americans. Some of them might have served the Vietnam War; some of them might have participated in the anti-Vietnam War protests; or some of them might have lost a dear friend or relative during this war. Travelling there with an American tour, I couldn't help wondering what the Vietnamese would think of them too. While on the side-trip to the Cu Chi Tunnel, watching their documentary film made and narrated from their point of view which could make some Americans feel uneasy, I was trying to keep a cool mind - how could you blame them? The most emotional moment for us was viewing the photos inside the Hoa Lo Prison in Hanoi, where the American prisoners of war ironically nicknamed it Hanoi Hilton.

Anyway, the cruel war is history now. From what I observed, wherever we went, the local people seemed very friendly to the American tourists. The Vietnamese are very content people. I was very impressed with their diligence and positive attitude about life.

Among the places I visited, including the famous Halong Bay, I found Hue and its vicinity the most interesting. The Imperial City inside Hue was badly destroyed during the war, and has been under restoration for years. Perhaps one day I'd return to this country, because I want to see the completely rebuilt Hue, the ancient capital of Vietnam.

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