Vietnam My Great Escape

By Tina Bui

My name is Tina Bui, I was born and raised in Vietnam. I came to Australia more than 38 years ago after escaping three days before the fall of Saigon, which ended the Vietnam War. To be born and raised in the war torn country of Vietnam, life was not an easy one. We cannot build our future because we do not know if we still live tomorrow. Rocket can hit our house anytime during the night, the next day or next week. No one knows when it will happen. Luckily, the rocket did not hit our family home otherwise I would not have been here to write this book.
I am the 4th child in a family of eight children. I have suffered since the day I was born. Food was the main problem for a large family of 11 including my grandmother with no job, no money, no government support.
At the age of 7, I had to look after my five younger brothers and sisters, fed them, bathed them, and took them to school while operating a small business with ten staffs.
I had to finish all these in half a day, the other half of the day I had to attend school. Vietnam in the 50's didn't have tap water. I had to pick up water from the public well carry it home for my family to use. Sometimes I had to carry water for the neighbours to earn extra cents to buy food. To pick up and carry water from the well to home was not hard. But to empty two buckets of water (20 liters each) to the water tank was a horrible job. The height of the water tank is almost double my height; I had to stack one bucket on top of the other and use all my energy to empty it to the water tank.
I had worked too much and too hard, I could not grow taller. When I escaped Vietnam, I bought 7 of my traditional dresses. When I try them on now, they only fit half of my body even I am only size 8-10.
Life in Vietnam during the war was terrible, no words can explain it. I have moved from one business to another not-stop just to be able to supply my family with food.
Finally, I managed to help my family to escape Vietnam to Australia. A new chapter of my life is beginning. When I arrived in Australia, it only took me 5 days to get job. Every morning I had to ride the bike to the train station, locked it there then catch the train to work. I have worked for the sheep skin export company in Melbourne, CBD. When I came for the interview for this company, the manager asked me if I can do mathematics like addition, subtraction, multiplication without using a calculator. The manager was very surprised and said that he has not interviewed anyone who can do mathematics like I do. I got the job. Back in Vietnam I never used a calculator.
Working for someone was not my preferred career. After 5 years of working for my boss, I resigned. I've always dreamed to have business in Real Estate. I bought my first home after only nine months of stay in Australia. I have obtained all necessary experience relating the property investment like Negative Gearing, Capital gain tax, Self-manage super fund etc. Armed with all unique experiences, I started my property investment immediately. I bought investment property almost every two years. Eventually, I got in to real estate career in 1983 and operated my own business in 1985. I have detailed all twist and turn on how I became a real estate agent and how I owned the real estate office in my book.
In the middle of 2008, I sold my real estate business - I started my semi-retirement and worked from home. I only work when I feel like. I have a steady and growing income so I can live luxurious life for the rest of my day without worries.

• Language: English
• Publisher: ReadOnTime BV
• Release date: Mar 19, 2014
• ISBN: 9781742840161

Tina Bui

Working for someone was not my preferred career. After 5 years of working for my boss, I resigned. I've always dreamed to have business in Real Estate. I bought my first home after only nine months of stay in Australia. I have obtained all necessary experience relating the property investment like Negative Gearing, Capital gain tax, Self-manage super fund etc. Armed with all unique experiences, I started my property investment immediately. I bought investment property almost every two years. Eventually, I got in to real estate career in 1983 and operated my own business in 1985. I have detailed all twist and turn on how I became a real estate agent and how I owned the real estate office in my book. In the middle of 2008, I sold my real estate business - I started my semi-retirement and worked from home. I only work when I feel like. I have a steady and growing income so I can live luxurious life for the rest of my day without worries.

Book preview

VIETNAM

my

Great Escape

A VIETNAMESE WOMAN’S SUCCESS STORIES

From Peasant to Millionaire

Tina Bui

Email: [e-mail]

Web: tinatravelbugger.com.au

Vietnam My Great Escape

From Peasant to Millionaire

Copyright © 2013 Tina Bui

Smashwords Edition

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior written permission of the publisher.

The information, views, opinions and visuals expressed in this publication are solely those of the author(s) and do not reflect those of the publisher. The publisher disclaims any liabilities or responsibilities whatsoever for any damages, libel or liabilities arising directly or indirectly from the contents of this publication.

A copy of this publication can be found in the National Library of Australia.

ISBN: 978-1-742840-16-1 (pbk.)

Published by Book Pal

www.bookpal.com.au

Contents

CHAPTER 1

2879 BC - 1945

Vietnam’s History – The Fascinating Story

CHAPTER 2

1945 – 1954

Unforgettable Starvation Experience

French Troops Bitterly Defeated at Dien Bien Phu

CHAPTER 3

1955 – 1956

The Darkest Day for My Grandparents:

Moving Away From Their Birthplace

CHAPTER 4

1956 – 1963

Struggling To Cope With Our New Life in the City

CHAPTER 5

November 1963

President Ngo Overthrown & Killed

CHAPTER 6

Late 1963 – 1967

Vietnam in Political Turmoil

Our new home and new business

CHAPTER 7

September 1967: New President Elected

January 1968: The New Year Offensive

CHAPTER 8

1970 – 1973

U.S Troops Slowly Withdrew From VN

CHAPTER 9

1973 – April 1975

Escape′s Journey

Saigon was Doomed

Darkest Day for Vietnamese People

CHAPTER 10

1975 – 1980

New Country, New People, and a New Job

CHAPTER 11

1980 – 1985

New Career as Real Estate Sale Representative

CHAPTER 12

1985 – 1987

My Dream Come True

CHAPTER 13

1987 – 1990

Preparation for a Full-Licensed Real Estate Agent Journey

CHAPTER 14

1990 – 1991

Became Licensed Travel Agent

CHAPTER 15

1991 – 2000

The Turn of My Business and My Life

CHAPTER 16

2000 – 2004

New Office and New Franchise Name

CHAPTER 17

2005 – 2008

Partnership: Unbearable Experience

CHAPTER 18

2005 – 2008

Unforgettable Construction Experience

CHAPTER 19

The Real Estate Investment Experience

CHAPTER 20

The Excellent and Enjoyable Life after Work

Glossary of Vietnamese Towns/Cities

Glossary of Vietnamese Words

CHAPTER 1

2879 BC - 1945

Vietnam’s History – The Fascinating Story

Vietnam has a long, fascinating and exciting history. The oldest archaeological findings show that the Vietnamese people have lived there as far back as over five hundred thousand year ago. With a culture and history of a hundred thousand years, it makes us also the very first East Asians who practiced agriculture.

Vietnam is located along the eastern and southern part of the South East Asia, with South China Sea along its entire coast. China is our neighbour to the North, and Laos and Cambodia are our neighbours to the West.

Our first ancestor, Hong Bang Dynasty, founded our nation in 2879 BC. His rule was followed by another 18 dynasties from 2879 BC to 258 BC.

Our country was first called Van Lang, and the people of Van Lang were called Lac Viet. Hong Bang Dynasty, with 18 lines of kings, lasted until 258 BC.

Thuc Dynasty was from 258BC to 207 BC, the period of 51 years in power.

Trieu Dynasty followed and ruled from 207BC to 111 BC.

From the time the Chinese first invaded Vietnam in the year 111BC to 39 BC (150 years), they established their new territories then started a vigorous campaign to civilise and assimilate our nation; they imposed Chinese Culture and languages in addition to our languages and writing system, even their uniform and their hair style. Some of their innovations were reluctantly adopted BUT the Vietnamese people still insisted on maintaining their own language and national identity.

For almost 150 years, Vietnam shared the same sky with their invader. Vietnamese Nationalism grew strong, as we wanted to liberate our country from the aggressive neighbour. As anger swelled up among Vietnamese men and women, our ancestors worked in secret to form troops, build their own weapons and prepared to attack the enemy to regain freedom.

THE FINAL MOMENT CAME

In the year 40, our first heroes – TWO SISTERS – TRUNG TRAC and TRUNG NHI –overthrew their giant neighbour (their territory and population might have been 100 times bigger than ours) and regained control of the country. Finally, we regained control of 65 of our own provinces (including one of their provinces, Guangxi).

Our heroes declared Vietnam’s independence – both of our Queens are considered as the National symbol of Vietnamese Women.

Vietnam as an independent state lasted only three years. The Chinese were outraged. They sent large and strong troops to attack and so got control of Vietnam again. Both our heroes (our Queens) committed suicide to avoid capture by the enemy.

In the year 43 AD, China ruled Vietnam for the second time. The Chinese Dynasty who took control of Vietnam during the second invasion took measures to eliminate the power of the Vietnamese nobles, and the Vietnamese elites were assimilated into Chinese culture and politics.

Almost 200 year passed. In 225 AD, another famous woman known as lady TRIEU led another revolution to overthrow the Chinese out of Vietnam and regain independence for Vietnam for 23 years. The lady TRIEU revolt lasted until 248AD. Again, the revolution failed and lady TRIEU threw herself into the river to avoid capture by the enemy.

For the third time, China ruled over Vietnam from year 602 until 938 (336 years), and then again from year 1407 until 1427 (20 years).

Finally, our ancestors fought back fiercely to regain our country’s independence, and Vietnam became a republic in 1945. From there, Vietnam’s history turned into the new chapter.

Vietnam had long and hard years under foreign rule: by the Chinese (over 1000 years), French (almost 100 years) and Japanese. Our ancestors fought against the invasion. We are proud that our ancestors, especially our first Two Sisters (Trung Trac and Trung Nhi) who had defeated China and threw them out of our country when China first invaded Vietnam in the year 43.

As Vietnamese people, we are all proud that we have a long, hard and fascinating history. These events in our history prove that determination is the key to success regardless of how difficult a situation is.

Following our ancestors’ step, MY STORY BEGINS…

Author in Vietnamese Queen Costume

Author in Traditional North Vietnamese Woman Dress

Author in Traditional North Vietnamese Woman Dress

CHAPTER 2

1945 – 1954

Unforgettable Starvation Experience

French Troops Bitterly Defeated at Dien Bien Phu

During most of the late 1800’s and early 1900’s Vietnam was occupied by France.

Going back to the end of World War 2 in 1945, the Vietnamese economy had been smashed, and at least 10% of the Vietnamese people had died of starvation. The Japanese who occupied Vietnam during that period confiscated most of the rice supplies to feed not only their own people, but the boilers of the steam locomotives. The famine continued into the peace time.

In August 1945, Vietnamese Communist defeated Japan and gained independence. In September of the same year, Ho Chi Minh declared Vietnam independent and held the position as chairman.

The French tried to regain power by force. The war broke out between Vietnamese Communist troops and France in late 1946. The first Indochina war officially began.

In April, 1954, Indochina, including Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia, was controlled by Viet Minh (known as Vietnamese Communist Party) and France.

Dien Bien Phu is a North Vietnam province located North of Ha Noi and close to Laos and the Vietnam border. Preparing the attacks to the stronghold of French troops, Vietnamese Communist General Vo Nguyen Giap ordered his troops to dig hundreds of kilometres of trenches for only 12 days in March 1954 and encircled the central main position.

On May 7, 1954, after having been bitterly defeated by North Vietnamese troops at Dien Bien Phu battlefield, over 10,000 French prisoners-of-war left Dien Bien Phu. French troops left Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia, and thus ended their colonization.

The Geneva Agreement, which was signed on July 21, 1954, divided Vietnam into two zones. Ho Chi Minh and the Communist Party took power in North Vietnam. The Demilitarized Zone was installed at the 17th parallel and the International Control Commission controlled the South. North Vietnam was communist led by Ho Chi Minh, and South Vietnam was republic. President Ngo Dinh Diem was elected as our first Vietnamese President in 1956.

The countryside of South Vietnam then soon became unsafe. The countryside people had to put up with two governments. We called them the day government and the night government. The details of how people in the countryside suffered will be detailed in the next few chapters.

My parents were farmers. We lived in our farm and we grew our own rice, vegetables, fruit trees and other similar products. We had our own cattle, like cows, pigs, chickens and duck, and even bred our own freshwater fish, prawns, etc. In the ‘50s we did not have supermarkets or butchers like today. We had to produce our own foods.

My parents inherited lands and properties from their parents and grandparents; however, the standard of living in the countryside was very poor. My parents had no knowledge about anything else except their farming skills. Because the countryside had become unsafe, we had to move to the city. But the big question was how could we make a living in a large city like Saigon, when we did not have money or any skills?

We are a large family with 10 children, eight of which are still alive today: four sons and four daughters, including me. In the villages, at that time, we were born in our homes. The baby was delivered by a local nurse, but there was no actual documentation produced at the time of the birth. The newborn baby was registered with the village chief, who entered it into the population’s book and issued a handwritten document, which the parents then take to the district to obtain a birth certificate.

To leave our birthplace was the last thing in our minds. Vietnamese custom was very strict. Children or grandchildren have to live where their ancestors lived because they have to organise all the ancestors’ death anniversaries at their ancestral land.

What choice did we have then? We had to make up our mind to sell all the lands, cattle and other belongings to get ready to move to the city. Our ancestors had lived in their land for so long—maybe hundreds and hundreds of years—we were not sure how long.

The situation was getting worse; the night government demanded support from the local people so they could build up their organization. If we decided late, we might not able to sell any of our belongings. Our neigbours spread lots of rumors to scare people who wanted to leave their countryside property. The night government was getting stronger and stronger every day, and very few of our neighbours were able to sell their properties and moved. We also had lots of problem selling our land because nobody wanted to buy any more properties, so then we had to sell our property for a very cheap price. Luckily, our neighbour wanted to extend their land, so they offered to buy our land. This neighbour had lots of land but they do not live in the area; they only had people who worked for them during the day, and at night they all went home.

CHAPTER 3

1955 – 1956

The Darkest Day for My Grandparents: Moving Away From Their Birthplace

As mentioned at the end of Chapter 2, we found a buyer for our land but not for our house. To find people to buy the house was very difficult because everybody was trying to sell their place to move to the city for their own safety. If we could not sell our house, then we had to abandon it. Where were we going to live? What suburb in the city? How long would the money we had gotten from the sale of our land last? There were a hundred and one questions we could not find the answer to.

In Vietnam we all lived together—grandparents, parents, children, and even grandchildren. To move such a large family