You can't talk about Pleiku without mentioning its role in the American War. An attack near the city escalated the conflict which brought in western troops, during the war it was a strategic northern highland stronghold for the South, and when the city fell to the Viet Cong Saigon was quick to follow. Thirty five short years ago my country massacred much of Pleiku's population, largely destroyed its infrastructure and poisoned the surrounding area with agent orange, leaving a legacy of sever birth defects. I felt it important to touch the remnants of this first hand, though it was not as I expected.
We read before going that Pleiku was off the major tourist track (which was the draw) and it lived up to this description, we didn't see another westerner during our days in town. You see a far more genuine side of any culture when its not playing Gumby for tourist dollars. Much to my surprise, despite the horrifically inhumane American presence in the past, the residences greeted us warmly and were eager to interact seeking nothing but the shared experience. We were met with smiles and a barrage of hellos (the one English word all Vietnamese seem to know) wherever we went. I have much love and the utmost respect for the Vietnamese courage to forgive and rise above the atrocities of the past to welcome us today.
The photos that follow are the result of an afternoon stroll around town.
White skin is cherished--typical attire for working in the sun
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