The Caravelle Saigon and Beyond

 

The Caravelle Hotel, Saigon

I stood in Lam So’n Square in the middle of Ho Chi Minh City, or as locals call it, Saigon. Urban Sketchers Vietnam had organized a sketch outing on my behalf, and the leader, Chien Bau, told me a bit of history. He mentioned that the Caravelle Hotel had been foreign journalists’ headquarters during the Vietnam War, NBC, CBS, and ABC were among the American networks that took up residence in the hotel. The roof was especially significant. Journalists could see all over the city and famous videos of the last American helicopter leaving Saigon on April 30, 1975, were shot from the roof of the Caravelle.I teared up remembering those turbulent days.

The Vietnam War played a significant role in my history. The Kent State shootings took place in the spring of 1970 when I was a freshman in college. My husband-to-be was awarded a “CO”, conscientious objector” status because of his moral objections to the war. We marched on campus and freeways and watched as the war was revealed on our televisions —reported and broadcast from the Caravelle Hotel. 

The past was very present when I was in Saigon. People referred to former time as “before or after 1975”. Chien told me his father was a South Vietnamese Soldier, and his father-in-law was a Vietcong soldier. A rickshaw driver told me he lost his father in the war — I think he wanted my business. 

Being there was a complicated experience—sketching lovely buildings, and knowing the history and America’s role. I had protested our going into Vietnam, and the South Vietnamese were angry that we left. 

Still, almost everyone was friendly and amiable. Especially welcoming were the USK Vietnam sketchers. I had a delightful time with them all. Thank you USk Vietnam! 

Caravelle Hotel photo

Graduation Day at the Opera House Lam Són Square

Ho Chi Minh City Central Post Office 

Designed by Gustave Eiffel  

The Central Post Office has been a landmark for a long time. Built from 1896 to 1991, it is an architectural treasure. During the Vietnam War, it played an essential role as the communications hub for civilians and the military. I wish I had sketched the inside as well. 

Street Vendors Lam So'n Square

Chien Bau, leader, USk Ho Chi Minh City
and host extraordinaire! 

USk Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)

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Sketch of me drawn by @kyhoasongdong (Toby)

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