Bourbon County Extension Homemakers chose to study the country of Vietnam for their 2020 International Meal.  One member, Bonnie Sousley had recently returned from a visit of Vietnam and agreed to share her pictures and experiences.  A large percentage of the Bourbon County Extension Homemakers membership lives were touched in some way by the Vietnam War and many shared a curiosity about this country.  

Vietnam veterans were invited to the 2020 International Meal as the Homemakers guests.  There were mixed emotions about what they saw.  Ms. Sousley’s slides showed that some of the elements of landscapes in Vietnam had changed and modernization had taken place but many of the architectural features did not change. 

Lee Nguyen, local restaurant owner, offered his Pho and Asian restaurant, Paradise Café’, for this event.    Mr. Nguyen also agreed to share his personal memories and experiences of living his first 18 years in Vietnam.  He emigrated from his home country in 1980, five years after the end of the war.  Even with its rich heritage before and after the war, these years were rebuilding years for a country that lost much.  Lee Nguyen told of leaving his home without telling anyone and floating in the ocean for hours during the night waiting for a ship.  He no plan as to where he was going.  His plan was to go in the direction of the first ship that would rescue him from the water.  Thus an American ship brought him to America.  He opened the Paradise Café’ in 2004.    

Thirty six people share a meal of Singapore noodles with chicken, Pho soup, egg roll and fortune cookie at the 2020 International Meal.  The follow-up evaluations from those in attendance indicated the following:

• 100% learned something new about Vietnam
• 91% ate food that they had never tried and 99% of those enjoyed it 
• 100% indicated that they would return and try additional “new” international foods
• 93% indicated that Lee Nguyen’s story was their favorite part of the meal

Not only did Bourbon County Extension Homemakers enjoy a pleasant meal, in an authentic atmosphere, they got to know their neighbor.  They also left with an appreciation of our country and what we have.   Mr. Nguyen was insistent that they leave with a smile.  He did not want sympathy.  He wanted them to know how much he appreciated, America, Bourbon County and the citizens of Bourbon County!              

                                                 Picture of Lee Nguyen, Vietnam Veterans and Bonnie Sousley