Au revoir Viet Nam

22nd March 2006

LAST DAY IN VIETNAM

A sobering last day in Vietnam as I chose somewhat perversely to visit the War Remnants Museum, 28 Vo Van Tan, District 3. I needed an excuse to cry, and boy did I get it. Every visitor to Vietnam needs to come here to put it all in perspective. As I looked at the photographs taken by brave war photographers, I couldn’t help but draw parallels with what is happening in Iraq. Have we learnt nothing from these atrocities?

Had my last lunch date with T at TIB, 187 Hai Ba Trung District 3, which serves Vietnamese food from Hue region. Tried deep-fried soft-shell crab, which you dip into a lime and salt dip. Yummy. Did a last dash to Ben Thanh market to buy freshly ground coffee, where I saw a rat the size of a small cat scurry past me. Even the trader shrieked with shock – don’t think she’s seen one that big before either! So, to my last meal in Vietnam. It had to be my absolute favourite, a bowl of soothing pho, to take me on my way. I linger over it for as long as possible, slowly slurping my noodles and nibbling my bean spouts, ensuring I have just enough tender beef to finish my last mouthful of heaven. Yes, heaven in a bowl – how will feed my addiction when I return home? Thank goodness my sister lives a stone’s throw from ‘Little Vietnam’, Kingsland Road in London, E2.

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