and yes, Vietnam had a lot of settling violence etc. ------- as to lasting scars. How long for Vietnam? I don't know. Another few generations and all that were physically hurt will be gone.
The thing about the place is the attitudes and inner strength of the people ---------- I saw less pain and bitterness there than I've seen left over from WW2 - I know that sounds silly, but that was the feeling I got.
Certainly one doesn't have to go far to find a Jew who won't buy a Merc or a VW. But, Vietnamese - well, there's something very odd about them - and lovely. Perhaps it's the Buddhist deal - I guess it would have a lot to do with it.
I saw things there that one would expect in any society - I'd call it organised crime, but I also saw a far greater amount of people just getting on with things - not affected by graft or corruption or the party. It's a very interesting place which I liked a lot - and, I'd seriously consider living there if it wasn't so hot.
