Hanoi Hilton Here We Come

March 28th, 2007 at 04:52am Barbara Floria Orcutt 332

Allen and the servicemen we're traveling with never thought they'd land in Hanoi, much less be welcomed. Nonetheless the capital of communist Vietnam has embraced capitalism and the West, including America with open arms and pocketbooks. The highway that took us from the airport to the city was bordered by billboards and factories for a multitude of multinationals including, Panasonic, Honda, Nokia and Ford and more than one person responded with a thumbs up and "America is number one!" when we told them where we were from.

Like many Asian cities, maniacal traffic is the biggest challenge for the locals and visitors alike. Motor cycles and scooters driven by high-heeled young ladies and families of four clog the streets and chase pedestrians. Only the very rich have cars and the poor have bicycles. A polluted haze from traffic and industry hangs over the city, causing many of the residents to wear face masks. The situation here is a good reminder of the reluctance many developing countries have to stall their growth in favor of reducing global warming.

The prime metaphor for the changes Vietnam has seen in the past 40 years (when Allen and his buddies were last here) was revealed during our visit to the Hanoi Hilton, the infamous prison where US POWS, including John McCain were held. Two years ago the city sold part of the land the prison owned to a developer who built a 25-story luxury hotel on the site.

More tomorrow,

Barbara

Entry Filed under: Glenwood Springs, Colorado, Travel, Foreign Policy, Garfield County