Neil Hannan's 2016 Vietnam Trip: April 3 2100 Vietnam Time Hue

Well, I’m still blocked from accessing the blog via my laptop, so I must use another computer to make posts. Hopefully, the block will be lifted before too long, as this adds a layer of stress to an already busy trip.

Khanh was at the hotel at 0800 sharp, after which we drove out of Hue City to the rural area where tomorrow’s duck and pig recipients reside. It’s the quiet, peaceful Vietnam that I most enjoy. We visited three families that I had first met last year, including Thuong and Ms. Hanh.

For having stubs for hands, Thuong is doing well, as is his family. A couple days ago, I approved funding for materials to build a pigpen, which he will need for tomorrow’s 10 kg oinker. Already, industrious Thuong has laid the foundation and wheelbarrowed much sand for the base. That guy gets right after it. …impressive. The pump and water line what we purchased last year has been quite an asset.

Another stop was at Ms. Hanh’s house, which she occupies with her sister. Recall that we bought the inaugural “Happy Pig” for our armless friend last year. However, I learned that the pig ended up not being able to conceive, so she received another pig. This has all delayed litter production, but one should arrive later this year. Ms. Hanh will get 50 ducks tomorrow. Quackin’ and oinkin’.

One more stop was to a couple, both of which are disabled. The wife was injured by a bomb in 1968, while the husband is handicapped by a situation that has caused both legs to be extremely atrophied. They will receive pigs and ducks tomorrow.

Late this afternoon we visited the fishing village, where people live on small boats. Candy was handed out to eager and appreciative kids. Some adults couldn’t resist the temptation, but that’s OK. D.O.V.E Fund, Toledo, Ohio, has provided funding for the installation of solar systems on these boats, which allows lights and, thus, a better study environment for the children. These folks have very old boats set up as simple, efficient dwellings. It was noted that their riverbank location seems favorable for raising ducks. Khanh will check with village officials as to the acceptability of incorporating ducks into the lifestyle of these folks. We’re pushing forth, by gosh.

I need to be up and at ‘em early tomorrow, as it’s pig and duck delivery day. We’ll be making some disabled, poor, hard-working people very happy. I have an adequate supply of candy and cookies for the kids.

Not being able to use my computer to access my own blog is really, really frustrating and makes posts tough. So, if I skip a day, you know why. Hang in there.

Neil