Descending the Dragon: My Journey Down the Coast of Vietnam

Description

Sometimes the longest journey begins with great patience. When Jon Bowermaster proposed an 800-mile kayak expedition along Vietnam's northern coastline, the country's government initially responded, "That will be quite impossible." Negotiation saved the day, and Jon Bowermaster and his team of five-including a Vietnamese- American woman who had fled Saigon as a child on the final day of war in 1975-completed an unprecedented voyage, seeing Vietnam and its people in a brand new light. One-third of Vietnam's 80 million citizens live on or near the coastline, and Bowermaster met thousands of them-rich and poor, fishermen and entrepreneurs, almost all beach dwellers who live and depend on the sea. For many, he was the first American they had ever encountered. In chapters flowing from north to south, Bowermaster's highly personal story and Rob Howard's compelling images bring to life Vietnam's vibrant edge. The enigmatic nation is enjoying an upsurge today as a popular destination for both cultural and adventure travel: In the first six months of 2007, arrivals increased more than 14 percent over the same period last year, and the dynamic growth is projected to continue. This fascinating volume, offering a fresh perspective on the land and its people, will captivate real-life explorers and armchair travelers alike with its intriguing take on Vietnam from the sea.

Jon Bowermaster writes about adventure, the environment, and exotic corners of the world for National E93, The New York Times, Atlantic Monthly, Outside, and other major publications. His travels have taken him to seven continents. His adventures have resulted in eight books, three with renowned polar explorer Will Steger. Many of the expeditions have been made into documentary films as well. Rob Howard, photographer, has taken pictures around the world for Conde Nast Traveler and many other publications.