Vietnam vs China

1) Generally better level of English in downtown HCMC than you see in central Beijing where we live. Don't know if the American occupation has left a legacy of English knowledge, better ESL education system.. certainly plenty of foreigners here in the backpacker district employed as FTs.

2) Very different relationship to history of foreign aggression. Almost definitely because Vietnam won in the battle with America, France, China, etc.--versus "200 years of humiliation" in China--there seems to be less of a sensitivity here and openness to speak about the war on more objective terms. I was surprised to hear our tour guide yesterday remark how the commentary at the War Remnants Museum is "one sided."

Agreed that, although the war stuff has been amazingly powerful and moving, we're in need of a change of gears. Here we come, Phu Quoc!