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3/6/94, 2:45pm
I’m sitting in a small auditori- um, watching and listening to the “First Collegian English Music Competition” at Ho Chi Minh University. Lots of lovelorn and somber ballads by innocent but sincere youth. They are obviously influ- enced by MTV and American music, but still surprisingly original and fresh. It’s tragic what we, under the pressures of Cold War “Real Politik”, did to this country. I’m awed by the kindness and warmth here. The Vietnamese are as friendly and welcoming as any people I’ve ever encoun- tered. I hope to return here many times.
3/7/94, 7:25 pm
I just endured and photo- graphed the worst traffic jam I’ve ever seen...Imag- ine bumper to bumper—but everyone is outside on their motorbikes breathing in the fumes all around...4 more days of soot encrusted eye- lids, a sore bum from sitting on an uncomfortable motor- cycle seat and irritated nose and throat. But, I think it’s all worth it. So much of life in this city revolves around the motorbike. Only the photos will determine that.
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