I would say healthcare in Vietnam is so-so. There are several international clinics that are good but expensive and the care offered is limited.

For me making friends with locals is hard, mostly because my lack of Vietnamese language skills and being retired I have limited access to locals in the work place. Though for me it is hard meeting expats as well, as most expats work here and make friends through their jobs.

I'm divorced and have a son and a grandson and it is a problem being away most of the time. Living as I do, if I had a wife and children I think it would be really hard to do.

If, at the end of my days, the sum of what I've taken exceeds the sum of what I've given, then I have lived in vain.

Also Ho Chi Minh City is broken up into districts so it's much like little cities within the city, in your home district folks take the time to smile and wave as you pass by or even try to have a little chat.

On my discharge, I had the challenge of putting my life back together but Vietnam stuck in the inner recesses of my mind.

Indochina gets into your blood and once you have a taste you'll find it's impossible to stay away.