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When America sent its first astronauts to the Moon, it was feared that they might become so enthralled with their lunar experience that they would forget to conduct the scientific experiments or to file reports and prepare to return to Earth. Every minute of lunar extravehicular activity was meticulously planned to focus their attention. For me, I have experienced this same distraction here in Vietnam. Far from the gray and barren ambiance of the Moon, Ho Chi Minh City is like a tour of the Galaxy, concentrated in one bustling city that never seems to sleep. If you have ever been to Vietnam, the following bit of news will be obvious to you. But if you have never been here, you will be surprised to know this: just about everyone on planet Earth has rated the beauty of Vietnamese women as "number one." Sure, I've heard rumors that the women in Miramar (once called Burma) are more attractive, but not many men have attempted the trip there and back. So for now, I'll trust my own eyes. Perhaps on New York City's famous Fifth Avenue, you will see about a dozen extremely beautiful women in an hour. On any street or alley in Ho Chi Minh City, you will see half as many woman that are NOT beautiful! And yet, even the ordinary Vietnamese Moms and Grandmas have a beauty, once the eye has been trained to see it, that is pleasant to view. Certainly the children, with their jet black hair and doll-like faces, are a joy to behold. The beauty is not merely superficial. The Vietnamese people are among the most kind and gentle people that I have ever known. They are sincere, intelligent, resourceful and show each other (and foreigners) a highly civilized level of respect and cooperation -- the rest of the world could learn much from this successful culture!
 Fresh food is purchased daily by Vietnamese women. It is also sold by women. Here a proud merchant shows off her colorful assortment of fresh produce and grains. When America attempted to thwart communism in Vietnam they should have known that they were opposing a highly efficient social and economic tradition that evolved through necessity. Communism is only an affront to freedom when that freedom includes individualism, exploitation or anti-social behavior.
 Enormous markets weave their way through backstreets and narrow alleys. Food is plentiful with an excellent choice of beef, chicken. pork and a huge selection of fresh seafood. Rice, the foundation of almost every mean, comes in a variety of types and prices. When you walk through the markets and view the family life you see a people that are genuinely happy and prosperous. Children run freely in the streets with no fear of being molested or abused. Elderly people are given the respect they deserve and are not isolated because they have slowed. Old age is respected and is given elevated status. Grandparents are encouraged to monitor and give guidance to their family. In short: what Ho Chi Minh set in motion here has worked very well.
The present obstacle to retail exports is the high cost of shipping small items (1 to 2 kg.) to America and Europe. Federal Express, for example, charges about $ 60 USD for an expedited, tracked shipment of one kilogram to New York. For other products, like shrimp or catfish, Vietnam has faced obstacles to its exports by American fishing interests, determined to keep their domestic prices high. Another popular export from Vietnam is its people. The dream of a Valhalla in America has made it common for women to pay up to 50,000 dollars for the opportunity to marry an American man and move to the mythical "promised land." Since my arrival six weeks ago, I have received at least one different offer each day. Some of the offers come from students, mostly girls in their middle 20s, who attend my English classes at night. The irony in this is that almost all of the American ex-patriots in Vietnam are unlikely to want to return to a life in the states. The women also do not realize how isolating and confusing an American suburban life can be and are bound for disappointment and homesickness. One of the surprises for me was the shear lack of American tourists in this beautiful land. I was reminded of a cartoon in the New Yorker. A wealthy couple is in a travel agency to plan their vacation. The man says he wants to go, "... somewhere where they don't hate us and the dollar goes far..." That's Vietnam. But don't take my word for it. Return as I present my photographs and stories in this continuing series of Vietnam Sanctuary.
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There are no pressing politics here. Vietnam enjoys a peaceful co-existence with her many neighbors and is especially fond of any economic or educational interactions with America, Australia or the European nations. There are so many things in Vietnam that can be exported, from raw material to the plethora of artistic and high quality manufactured goods. Vietnam is certainly a "sleeping tiger" when it comes to international trade.