A difficult position

Although the US has impacted many of the countries we have visited on our trip, Viet Nam is the first country to have such a conflicted history with the US. Thus, it is difficult for us as Americans to stroll into the country, as we have the 'American War' (as it is called here) blatantly associated with us. Or that is the way we feel anyway, but the reality of how we are received here makes it feel as if our two countries were never engaged in a devastating war that ravaged the country. When we first arrived, I dreaded the inevitable first question everyone throws at you...'Where are you from?'. But our response has always been greeted by smiles and enthusiasm for our country. And for someone whose impression of the country has been shaped by high school history classes and the movie industry, it is a beautiful experience to get to see the country first hand outside of the context of the war. However, it does not lessen the blow as we visit historical sites that were bombed and destroyed during the war, erasing parts of the country's history. I also find it particularly hard coming across people with deformities here, as my mind starts to wander about the causes of their situation. Although no less tragic than a person in India with a similar affliction, the potential connection to this person's situation is hard to swallow. That said, just as our generation is removed from the war, so are our counterparts here in Viet Nam who are looking to the future as their country is making great strides to become a modern country. So, we continue on down the tourist trail, marveling at Viet Nam's beautiful countryside and hard working people.