As I have shared with some of you since 2020, I have been talking about taking my first trip back to Vietnam. It has been almost 50 years (and feels like many lifetimes ago) since we left in the spring of 1975. I have been spending a lot of time researching everything about Vietnam, and watching many YouTube videos of Vietnam travel has become a favorite.

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I have since learned that Vietnam is one of Southeast Asia's most popular travel destinations. I'm amazed to see so much beauty in our small country. I marvel at the breathtaking beaches, impressive mountains, rivers, streams, and rice terraces. Even the smog-filled, hustle bustle of the big cities of Sài Gòn and Hà Nội impact me in a hard-to-explain way. These videos play a part in my desire to experience Vietnam with good feelings and in a positive light. People who've been to Vietnam rave about its beauty and bountiful resources, the culture, tasty food, and, most of all, the people's friendliness and generosity. Vietnam has been growing by leaps and bounds, including the current population of almost 100 million. Many Vietnamese ex-pats from other Southeast Asia countries, Europe, and North America have returned to visit and share their successes or start their businesses in Vietnam. The younger generations have all moved on from the war, are living well, and working towards even better and brighter days ahead.