WHERE IN THE WORLD: NHA TRANG, VIETNAM

By George Fontana

Crowded Nha Trang Harbor was our first port of entry into Vietnam. Its lush vegetation, scenic mountains, white sand beaches and tropical climate has made Nha Trang a popular vacation destination for Russian and Chinese tourists. Cottage industries occupy a distant second place to tourism which accounts for 80% of local employment. We opted for a local tour which took us out into the countryside where we visited the well-run, privately funded Pagoda Orphanage. The kids appeared healthy, well-cared for and, like kids everywhere, curious as to the visitors in their midst. We next traveled through miles of verdant rice paddies, stopping at a small family rice paper operation. Water is added to the rice powder, and the mixture is steamed and then brushed onto bamboo brackets which are dried in the sun. Rushes grow abundantly in the countryside, and are dyed and woven into attractive mats which are taken to the market and traded for food and other essentials. The 85-year old matriarch of the mat weaving family personally demonstrated the technique which she has taught to her daughters. Conical hat making is another cottage industry which flourishes in the countryside, a perfect gift for pointy-headed friends. Our busy day included a visit to a traditional Vietnamese home where a family altar is dedicated to ancestor worship, a visit to the impressive 200 ft Buddha on Mount Cu Lao, a riverboat ride, and a stop at the Dam Market, a seemingly endless labyrinth of stalls, vendors and hawkers.

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