Letters: Some trials to living in Vietnam

Some trials to living in Vietnam

I read Karin Esterhammer’s article about riding out the recession in Vietnam [“One Family’s Plan B: Sweet Home Vietnam,” Sept. 13], where I have been living for more than two years. The article doesn’t give a truthful picture of what it’s like to live here. The story said there are few cars. I disagree. And although there are some friendly people, not everyone is, and there are as many problems here as in the States. It doesn’t matter what the cost of living is; there’s a price to pay for the things you can get here. I understand what the author is trying to write about, but it’s not all peaches and cream.

-- Mario Ruiz, Ho Chi Minh City

Exploring the Central Coast

Donna Wares’ story “Central Coast Beachcombing” [Sept. 13] did a splendid job. By the way, Shell Beach is just another secret spot “in” Pismo Beach 93449. Wonderful reporting that brought back happy memories.

-- Raymond Holm, Westlake Village

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Regarding Donna Wares’ story: It is nearly impossible to walk on the rocks in a tide pool without stepping on anemones and other inhabitants, and very few, especially children, can resist plucking these creatures from their rocky homes. Why publish a picture encouraging such damaging behavior?

-- Sue Hutson, Reseda

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I just read “Central Coast Beachcombing” and enjoyed it. I was there recently but didn’t know about the Dungeness crab enchiladas in Morro Bay, so I’ll have to head back! Donna Wares’ writing is terrific. Please publish more articles by her.

-- Donna Cohen, Simi Valley

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Maybe it is not too late for Wares to treat her family to these places in San Luis Obispo and Morro Bay. Just off the freeway at 560 Avila Beach Drive is Avila Valley Barn. It is like Knott’s Berry Farm 50 years ago -- one stop for produce, bakery, ice cream, farm animal viewing, roasted corn (Saturdays), pick-your-own berries and pumpkins. And, in Morro Bay, she missed the seafood quesadillas at Tognazzini’s Dockside Restaurant near the Coast Guard station. She can overdose on the meatloaf sandwich (with caramelized onions) or “The Rock” at the Blue Skye Deli Cafe. Then, check out the Museum of Natural History (across from the state park) for its weekly events, hikes, lectures and special scenery.

-- Julie Kirby, Glendale

East Coast historical bias

The first sentence of Martin Miller’s article about his trip to Gettysburg [“Living History,” Sept. 6] reveals that he must be from the East Coast. Who else but an East Coaster could buy into the idea that California doesn’t have history?

In these times of reduced family travel budgets, it does a great disservice to readers of the Los Angeles Times, the vast majority of whom are Californians, to imply that they can’t experience history in their own state.

-- Christine Elowitt, Thousand Oaks