Vietnam

by Thérèse Combet (level A2/B1)

After twelve hours of flight, you will discover this country with tropical climate and lush vegetation. Its capital is HANOÏ.

Its population is very dense: seventy percent of the population is under thirty-five. Everyone travels by moped, in helmet and mask.

Everywhere, the rice fields grow, framed by banana trees and coconut trees and other tropical fruits.

The country is open to tourism: young people must learn English. Classes start at 7.15am and at 4pm after a nap.

Vietnamese people are traders: many markets are full of goods, the most typical is the floating SAÏGON market. Craftsmen work with lacquer, silk, cultured pearls, wood, gemstones.

Vietnamese eat little at home during the week: each metre of sidewalk offers fried or boiled dishes.

Culturally all religions are practised but Buddhism dominates. Many shrines and temples are dedicated to Buddha.

If you have a chance to spend one night in a pagoda in HALONG BAY you will have the privilege of seeing the sunrise at six o'clock. 

A STAR of FIRE whose rays are gradually swallowed by the waves as the sun descends on the horizon.