This article was originally published on October 6, 2010
Celebrating the memory of a husband and encountering the gentle spirit of the Vietnamese
By Barbara Garrett, 4-time traveler, San Clemente, California
My husband, Patrick, and I loved to travel and had talked about seeing the beauty of Vietnam now that peace had been restored. Patrick had counseled returning Vietnam War veterans and wanted to make a personal peace mission himself. Unfortunately, he died before realizing that dream, so I decided to take OAT’s Inside Vietnam trip in his memory.
This was a very healing and spiritual trip for me. The tour from north to south Vietnam was beautiful in every way. The landscape is stunning, but it was the gentle spirit of the people of Vietnam that captured me. Everyone was so friendly and welcoming. People on the street or in the fields would stop what they were doing and give a friendly wave to our group. Our excellent Trip Leader, Tran Tang Nghia, became our dear friend, and we all felt like a little family of adventurers.
Barbara and her fellow group members pause for a stop along the road after leaving Halong Bay. Barbara shares that the sign in front of the restaurant says that they serve dog!
I fell in love with Asia and took many pictures with my small digital camera that I had purchased just for the trip. We were lucky to be visiting Vietnam during the Vietnamese and Chinese New Years. The entire country was celebrating—and it was a photographer’s dream! Everyone was dressed festively, and we came upon many celebrations at temples and parks throughout our stay. Families brought their adorable children dressed in their finest for the occasion. When I asked people if I could take their picture, they readily agreed. They were so happy and proud of their children and their heritage. It was very special to be able to experience the holiday celebration with the people of Vietnam.
Lillian and Edwin—two fellow travelers—enjoy their time with Barbara on their junk sailing along Halong Bay.
There were many other highlights along the way. The overnight cruise along Halong Bay was magical. The tour of Hué’s citadel was an impressive step into the history of 19th-century Vietnam. Seeing the Mekong Delta restored to its lush tropical beauty was such a happy experience. Of course, sitting in the classroom with the children of the Minh Tu Orphanage, sponsored by Grand Circle Foundation, was a precious time. It was wonderful to see how they loved their teacher and how eager they were to show us their work. I was so glad that I had discovered a travel company that gives back to those they visit.
A sunrise along Halong Bay was a “magical” experience for Barbara.
I also took the post-trip extension to Cambodia to see the temples of Angkor Wat. It was truly an awesome experience to stand there and see the art and architecture of the famous temple complex of Angkor Thom and Bayon. I also took the optional tour to Banteay Srei, the “Citadel of Women,” which had the most well-preserved designs on the temple walls. Our guide helped us understand the story that was being told … and it was fascinating. But again, it was the people who captured my heart. Our trip to a village for a buffalo cart ride, and then lunch with a family, was a real treat.
Barbara was fascinated by the story that unfolded on the temple walls at Banteay Srei, the “Citadel of Women,” in Cambodia. “Our guide was such a great storyteller and brought the ancient tale alive for us,” she shared.
As I toured both Vietnam and Cambodia, I thought of how happy Patrick would have been to see the beauty of the countryside, the beaches, and the people themselves. It was the beautiful, gentle spirit of the people that almost overwhelmed me. I know my husband would have been touched by their kindness and their gracious ways to all travelers. People would see our minibus pass by and smile and wave. Farmers in the rice paddies, shop owners, and children playing would greet us with genuine smiles. Mothers would even take the hands of their babies and wave at the passing travelers.
Barbara enjoys an ox cart ride in Cambodia. The young boy, who was her driver, took her to his home to meet his sister and mother.
Many people noticed that I am part-Asian (Chinese) and asked me if I spoke Vietnamese. Everyone was so kind, and if I happened to be standing alone, people would ask me if they could help me in any way. On this first international trip traveling alone, I felt so welcomed by the people I was visiting. The whole experience of this trip reinforced my commitment to keep on traveling and learning about other people and cultures.
When I returned home, I took my many pictures and made a slideshow to share my experiences in Vietnam with my family and friends. Since my trip to Vietnam, I’ve traveled to China and Tibet, and along the Dalmatian Coast with OAT. As an artist, travel is a perfect way to inspire the muse within. And, as a grandmother, I am so happy to have my travel memories to share with my grandchildren and promote respect for multiculturalism. I want them to respect cultural diversity and know that under the skin, we are all one.
Have you been on a special journey in honor of someone you love? Tell me about it by emailing me at harriet@oattravel.com.
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