Diversity Rules Magazine

16 Diversity Rules Magazine September 2015 Rob Saldarini is a college profes- sor and inclusion training facilita- tor. Beyond aca- demic publica- tions and articles, Saldarini's fiction work includes the novel, For the Least of My Brothers, "Leader of the Pack" within the Queer Wolf anthol- ogy, and "e Truth at We'll Miss" published in Mob Men on the Make. Vietnam often conjures images of a jungle warzone. However, this Country is full of adventure, tropical beauty, and exceptional beaches; all for a reasonable price. And, interestingly, on January 1, 2015, the Vietnamese government repealed its ban on same- sex marriage. Vietnam is the first na- tion in South East Asia to broaden the definition of marriage. However, legal- ization is only the preliminary step to- ward equity. A lot of work still needs to be done because the government does not recognize the union or provide le- gal protection under its laws. Most of the LGBT community who are striv- ing for equality live in the urban areas of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Yet, cultural pressures stop many gay Vietnam- ese from coming out. e Community is experiencing anxieties similar to gay Americans in the 1950s. As expected, the rural areas offer little alterna- tive culture or acceptance. Hanoi is Vietnam's capital city. To get the most out of your visit, hire a professional tour company that holds a Certificate of Excellence to guide you through the City. You may select any desired way to travel. Repu- table tour groups have planned adventures from air to foot. If you set out on your own, make sure that you visit the 1,000-year Old Quarter, which provides interesting shopping and dining experiences. Do not get distracted when crossing the streets, the people on scooters could take you out. If coffee is your passion, the Vietnamese rival the Columbians and the Turks with their demand for coffee excellence. Do not ex- pect a mild brew as most blends are extremely potent. Hoan Kiem lake is South of the Quarter and is where you can find the only gay bar in Vietnam. e Bar GC [Golden Cock] (Ngo Bao Khanh Street) is quiet dur- ing the week and begins to pick up a crowd during the weekend. e establishment offers a mixed crowd of gay, lesbian and gay-friendly people. Vietnam's currency is the dong (VND) [yes, dong]. ere are about 21,800 VND to $1 US. Hotel daily rates run $25 and up. A highly rated Old Quarter ho- tel, such as the Hanoi Glance Hotel (Bat Su Street), would cost about $165 per night. Meals in Hanoi's local tourist-type restaurants price anywhere from $2 to $5 and a beer sets you back about a buck. If you enjoy a good 90-minute massage, visit the Yakushi Center (28 Xuan Dieu St.) where the session costs less than $10. e beaches of Vietnam provide tranquil blue waters and exciting South China Sea exploration. e Nha Trang (Khanh Hoa province) delivers snorkeling and diving among coral reefs as well as within sea caves. e exquisite Evason Ana Mandara Resort (Beachside Tran Phu Boulevard) has a private beach and amenities that could be had for less than $200 per night. If your heart longs for a more private place, book some time in Doc Let. In Doc Let, peace and quiet receive top billing. e turquoise wa- ters and private sand beaches seem to call your name. If clean and to budget are priorities, the vacation calls for a $50 per night hotel room with a balcony at Paradise Resort (Doc Let Beach) where there is no TV or radio (yes, there is WiFi but not at killer speed), three full meals daily and no hidden charges for kayaks, beach chairs and umbrellas. An important aspect of Vietnam is its adventure; how- ever, remember the Country is a developing nation and has a not so distant struggle with war. Within the culture, losing one's temper is a sign of losing face. So, when dealing with over-zealous street vendors or driv- ers -- stay calm. Despite the heat, Vietnamese people dress very conservatively. As we are in their home, Vietnam - Con't on page 19 (c) Can Stock Photo Inc. / grsphoto Looking for Different? Vacation in Vietnam By Robert Saldarini

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