Goodbye Vietnam

It has been a most interesting 6 days in the northern part of Vietnam. Hanoi for 2 days, Sapa and the ethnic minority villages 2 days, and finally, 2 days cruising on Halong Bay in a chinese junk.

Such a variety. There are many tourists in the area, European, Asian and a sprinkling of Americans. Everyone is welcomed and I felt very comfortable being here. My last evening (Sat) was spent at dinner with an American Maryknoll priest from the Bronx.!!

Here are a few more photos in the villages:

TWO HMONG MINORITY WOMEN AT WORK.
TYPICAL IN THE RURAL AREAS AND SMALL VILLAGES
WOMEN DO IT ALL, INCLUDING THRASHING
THE RICE AS WELL AS THEIR DOMESTIC CHORES

DAO MINORITY VILLAGE WOMAN WITH NANCY

Children have to walk long distances in the countryside to attend school. Classrooms look like any other: with desks, blackboard and books. But here, their books stay overnight in the schooldesks because the children's homes are very basic and families are still learning to respect books.

THIS SCHOOL WITH ITS STORYBOOK EXTERIOR WALLS
WAS BUILT WITH FUNDS FROM OXFAM..

CHILDREN BRING LUNCHPAIL
WITH RICE AND THE SCHOOL
TEACHER ADDS SOUP TO
MAKE NUTRITIOUS LUNCH

THIS CLASSROOM HAS ABOUT
15 STUDENTS WITH 1 TEACHER