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Outbound
Exchange to Vietnam
October
31 to November 11, 1999
Photos courtesy of Mary Anne Simpson
Mary Anne Simpson of Palo Alto was one of 29 Friendship Force Ambassadors who recently returned
from an exchange in Vietnam. She writes, "Here are a few shots from our Vietnam exchange.
It was a
wonderful exchange. I'll never forget the warmth and sincerity of my host family."
Of the 29 Ambassadors, 26 were members of the Friendship Force of the San Francisco Bay Area.
The group arrived in Hanoi on October 31, spent two nights on homestay with their hosts, then left for
an overnight visit to a scenic part of the country's coast. While they were there, disastrous floods hit
Danang and Hue. They were forced to spend an extra night at the resort before they returned to Hanoi
for two more nights with their hosts.
One highlight of the visit to Hanoi was a meeting with Pete Peterson, U.S. Ambassador to Vietnam.
He has had a remarkable life: a prisoner in the "Hanoi Hilton," U.S. Congressman from North Carolina,
husband of a Vietnamese native, and now a well-liked U.S. emissary among his former foes.
Lan Tran, right, our Exchange Director for the Vietnam visit,
with Nguyen Maya, home hostess for Mary Anne Simpson,
at the welcome reception. Hanoi.
Mary Anne Simpson, right, with Nguyen Thao,
daughter of her host. Hanoi.
Mary Anne Simpson's hosts, Mr. and Mrs. Nguyen, center,
with their daughters, Maya, 16 (left), and Thao, 26. Hanoi.
In the inner courtyard of the American Consulate in
Ho Chi Minh City. From left: Van Nghi, secretary of
the Vietnam-USA Friendship Society, which hosted
our group in Vietnam; Charles Raye, US Consul-General;
and Dean Batchelder, member of the Friendship Force
of the San Francisco Bay Area.
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