Customs: What a Duty
In 1988, when Vietnam invited tourists, the invitation avoided the
pleasures and stressed the pitfalls of travels in a country
uncomfortable with contacts with the economically advantaged. The
lists of no-nos presented on arrival was daunting. Our local guide
took very seriously the one about not even thinking about carrying
out any Vietnamese cultural treasure over 50 years old. We thought we
were complying with that when we purchased a rustic jar, a "lime
pot," perhaps 25-30 years old, for a few dollars. But when we were
summoned from the departure lounge at the airport the next morning
and accused to trying to smuggle out a Vietnamese "treasure," my
husband became furious, accused the Customs of robbery. He grabbed
the pot and threatened to drop it on the floor. "And you can keep the
pieces." It's still intact somewhere. Perhaps in a warehouse waiting
for us to claim it once the appraiser determines its age.
Judy
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