An opportunity presented itself to come to Vietnam to work with the Neurosurgical service at Danang General Hospital in Danang, Vietnam. The neurosurgeons here in Danang had asked if it might be possible to bring an electric drill. For the nonmedical, this is an essential tool for all neurosurgeons. Effectively performing lifesaving procedures on victims of head trauma, and safely and efficiently performing most neurosurgical procedures is predicated on access to a high speed drill. As a shot in the dark, I asked some of my industry colleagues, and lo and behold, a friend was able to donate an exceptional drill. An auspicious beginning for the trip.

In April 1965, the USMC landed in Danang, which was the first escalation of the ground war in the Vietnam war (or the American war as it is referred to here). Hence, Danang plays a unique role in history and serves as a critical focus for central Vietnam. It is actually a city very much like Houston. Like Houston, which is the fourth largest city in America, Danang is the fourth largest city in Vietnam afer Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Haiphong. Like Houston, Danang is hot. Though the temperatures may appear similar (98 degrees), the heat index in Danang at midday approaches 118 degrees. Like Houston, Danang is a city built very much around industry - the main industry here being fishing. However, distinctly unlike Houston, Danang boasts the beautiful Han River which courses through the city. Unfortunately for us, Houston boasts only the Buffalo Bayou.

Our first night in Danang we settled into the Elegant Hotel (or Thanh Lich). It sits right on Bach Dang, the main street of Danang, and right on the Han River. The middle image is a view off of our rooftop. Every travel, I make a renewed vow to learn some of the language of my destination. Vietnamese is a challenge to say the least. I can still barely say "thank you" properly.

I arrived at the end of the work week, and hence had a couple of days to acclimate to the city and some of the surrounding areas. The Han river runs through Danang and the South China Sea lies just east. In the 60s the stretch of beach along the South China sea, became known as China Beach and formed the basis for the 80s TV show. It is a gorgeous stretch of pristine beaches with an incredible amount of planned development. I hope it is able to retain its pristine nature.

The city takes some getting used to in terms of navigation. The standard dart across the street, trying to avoid cars really doesn't work here. Crossing the street here is almost like a slow dance, as pedestrians, motorbikes, cars and trucks all intertwine. I actually tried my hand at the motorbike this weekend. One of my great unrealized dreams is to ride a motorcycle. Not the smartest of ideas coming from someone who routinely has treated patients involved with motorcyle accidents, but the dream remains.

Danang is also just a short 30km from the historical city of Hoi An. Definitely a place to spend more time in. The city offers a true culinary adventure. It is apparently an excellent place to be certified and scuba dive in the open water. You might just see some interesting pictures in a few weeks.

Saturday morning proved an outing to My Khe (China) beach. I thought it would be desolate at 6am. Not quite so. The beach was full with soccer, volleyball, exercisers, swimmers, and just those playing in the white sand.

And no weekend in Danang would be complete without a trip to the Big C, Danang's answer to Walmart. A trip to Big C offers great people watching, New Zealand apples, and of course the requisite Diet Coke.