In many ways, it is an impressive country: 1,650 km long, 600 km wide at its widest point and only 50 km wide at its narrowest. Its geography is also described as a bamboo stick with two rice bowls, the Red River Delta in the north and the Mekong Delta in the south – this is where I am drawn to. The side effect of it being much warmer in the south in winter suits me very well.
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Vietnamese history is similar to German history in many ways. Many Vietnamese lived in the GDR during the socialist era (a wonderful book describes this history: Karin Kalisa’s “Sungs Laden” – thank you, Marianne, for the tip!). Like Germany, Vietnam was formerly a divided country, with the demilitarized zone in Vietnam located in the middle, at the narrowest point, about 50 km north of Hue. This was followed by “reunification,” as it is called in both countries, even though the processes were significantly different.
The war in Vietnam ended just 50 years ago. Unlike in Germany, where the concentration camps were located on the outskirts of cities, fenced in and often hidden, in Vietnam, and ultimately in South Vietnam, people were murdered openly on the streets. Many South Vietnamese fled as boat people.
How will this history confront me? The more liberal south is supposed to be open, but I expect that every family has been affected by the war. I am curious to see if I can feel the aftermath.
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Addendum: When I’m traveling alone for a long time, I naturally read a lot. Does anyone have any recommendations for a great book? Hopefully, I’ll be able to borrow it remotely using my PocketBook from the city library …
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