The Magical Mr Phong!

By chance we met an old man today called Mr Phong. He was sitting outside a restaurant and we walked past...I said to Steve I wanted to go back because he had such a kind face. Turns out he works at the retaurant free of charge every night of the week hoping to invite and meet tourists like us to take to his village and show around. We were a little sceptical at first but his kindness and his comment book won us over and we spent a wonderful morning with him learning all about the war, the history of Viet Nam, the reunification of the South and North, his own personal experiences from prison, culture, family, religions, communism, capitalism...so much was shared with us on this day and we truly believe that Mr Phong was sent to help us understand a little more about Viet Nam and the way this crazy country works! We went through his village for a walk, after looking through the house he was born in, met more of his extended family, saw people with tortoises for food, people making snake wine, Mr Phongs family temple...followed by a beautiful lunch of rice (homegrown), winter melon, shrimps, vegetables and a vegetable that is eaten everywhere and everyday called morning glory! A wonderfully satisfying day....