Was There a War in Vetnam?

It feels strange to vacation in a country that was repeatedly bombed by your own country. Growing up during the Vietnam War, I feel hesitant to answer "America" when locals ask where I am from. But "no worries." The Vietnamese have all moved on with their busy lives and few talk about War. Everyone here is up by 7:30 AM, eats breakfast within 3 minutes, and heads for work or school on their motorcycles. No one "hangs out." Locals are anxious to help tourists, practice their English, and smile broadly at you.
Our oddest experience here was our visit to Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum. After a security check, we were ushered into two lines leading to the huge concrete monument set above the city. Inside the low lit room was Ho himself lying in a velvet casket in his peasant outfit with a small smile, healthy looking skin and a wimpy little white goatee. The Vietnamese must have great embalming fluid, working for over 30 years or perhaps it was borrowed from Lenin in Moscow! Anyway, the Vietnamese worship him, referring to him as "Uncle Ho," while his photo looks down on everyone all over the country. They are all proud and working hard to build their independent, communist country. It is inspiring to watch!
Our best experience was a two day boat trip on Halang Bay, a green bay filled with humpy limestone islands. We kayaked for two days in sunshine moving in and out of caves filled with stalagmites. At night we were served 7 course meals under the stars. Good French food abouds here, even duck breast. Most things are very cheap and there is so much to see, although not many Buddhist monks for me to paint! Vietnam is much more than a war and a great bargain destination for any tourist! We are here until March 10, when we will sadly head back home again.