 Posted: Wed Mar 09, 2011 6:31 am Post subject: |
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kuuan wrote:
| Laurence wrote: |
Something interesting to me, Andreas, was that while I was in Vietnam,
I always felt like an interloper, an "invader" if you will. Of course, I was
basically there against my true will, but really had no choice once I was
under the orders of the military. I could never get over that feeling that I
was somehow altering an ancient and beautiful country simply by BEING
there in the venue of "war". This often kept me awake at night (along with
the heat and humidity).
When we traveled upriver on the Mekong, we would get to the point where
it seemed the "true" Vietnam came forward, with many villages and much
agriculture. But what struck me was the sheer friendliness of these
people in the villages who were very economically poor, yet poured forth
welcoming gestures at every turn in the river.
Regarding Saigon, it was of course different in many ways than the
more remote villages. I was never comfortable in Saigon because I did
not know how to pick out "enemy" versus "friend". I was always in a
paranoid state, so it was not so enjoyable. However, the city was
absolutely vibrant and beautiful - and yes, it was exotic to me. 
So, it was always a shock to go from Saigon to a peaceful village up the
river, and then all of a sudden be involved in combat. I have no recurring
problems from the violence and horror of these times. It is placed in a
corner of my mind and I have dealt with it. But I will always carry a
lingering unease about being part of an "invasion" that was not needed.
Well, off that subject - I tend to carry on too far. What I really love in
this series is that you have captured the dignity and mutual support that
the people of Vietnam seem to have as a universal trait. Also, there is
a fantastic capture of the "essence" of the architecture and the wonderful
interior designs such as in image #2.
I can certainly understand why Vietnam has turned into a vibrant country
that is becoming a powerful contributor to world commerce. The people
have that internal pride and dedication that enables them to be
successful at just about anything that they undertake. In fact, it seems to
me that the whole of the southeastern Asian area has gone forward
successfully to become important centers of the world.
The last image in the first group is classic. You captured "the moment"
here for sure. An absolutely valuable image. I wonder if the woman was
jumping up a clicking her heels together (!) or just running to get the
next course of food! Also, I remember the back alleys with their miles
of electrical wires overhead. Probably would not meet the "electrical
code" these days! |
Larry thank you so much for your touching words, so much more powerful than mine and even my photos could be.
Dealing with your memories sanely must have been a difficult task..maybe there is little space for them in the society?
Even though much warmth, true affection, love for Vietnam emanate strongly through.
have you ever 'come back', visited Vietnam since?
best regards,
Andreas
_________________
my photos on flickr: https://www.flickr.com/photos/kuuan/collections |
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