January 17, 2003 - page 2

Phu Bai airport was much like my Dad remembered it. Since we hadn’t been able to visit the actual site of Camp Eagle, it was special for him to walk around this airport that he had flown in to during his tour of duty and retrace some of the steps he had taken 30 years ago. He completed the circle, and I am proud of him.

Despite the prop plane we flew on, the trip to Saigon was uneventful. This city is huge. According to our guides, 8 million people live there, making Saigon the same population as New York City. The difference between here and Hanoi is incredible. I’m surprised by how western the city feels in comparison. There are department stores, more cars, tall buildings, and even a grocery store (in addition to the traditional markets). Our hotel is very much in the French tradition and I think all of us will be glad to settle in for a good night’s rest, in preparation for a full day of touring tomorrow.