DEALING WITH THE PAST . . . Every time we stopped and stepped from the vehicle we would all be plagued with beggars. I can remember 28 years ago that beggars were few. Now it is epidemic proportions and appears to be a growth industry. It breaks your heart to see young deformed children held up to the window of the vehicle, thrust under your nose with, "you, you give me money." For some (I suspect more than we could imagine) that begging is a business. Children deliberately having limbs broken and used as the object of mercy by ruthless parents who will do anything to survive. You give to one and you will be mobbed. We have to adjust to the fact that this is how it is and get used to it quickly. It still doesn't stop the pull on the heart strings though. One thing that struck me was the warmth and the smiles on the faces of those we met. It was enough to melt even the toughest of hearts. We really have it sweet in Oz. We gripe at the slightest hint of adversity. The day left me with much to think about. Friday, 27th October, 1995 Today we are off to Long Tan, Ba Ria, Nui Dat and Vung Tau. We have been told that this area is currently suffering severe persecution and that our stop will be short (under ten minutes) so that we don't endanger ourselves and those we visit. I look forward to today. I know it will be a hard day - mixed emotions - Allan keeps asking, "You all right digger?" He knows that for him too it will be a solemn day. …more…