The Empress
“The Empress” 1968. Vung Tau. “Party-town.” The main-drag. Broad day light. Dusty streets. Thick, humid, late- summer air. People on foot. People on motorcycles. I was tired, hungry, thirsty, and horny. Spill the Wine was playing loudly in the bar across the street, as I continued my search. Finally, I came to the building I’d heard about. A building with the letters “E.M.K.,” decorated with Christmas lights. I walked through the door and was quickly greeted by a petite, plump Asian woman...