To partially answer the Vietnam question, i have heard from several
sources that this is a very safe, friendly, and fascinating country- and
certainly one where one may obtain good shells!!  The Vienameese are an
industrious people, eager to make money, and this includes fishermen,
who will obtain shells quite readily, and take care to handle them
properly as well.  English (in some form or another!!) is widely spoken,
and it is official policy to encourage its use.  Visitors are thronged
by people wishing to practice their English!!  The government is stable,
and welcomes visitors- few grudges seem to exist from the war (perhaps
partly because they won!!), so all non-Vietnameese seem to be treated
extremely well, ofically and unoffically.
        I would be very interested in going to Vietnam on a buying expedition
next January or Febuary, in the company of someone, and perhaps bearing
"special requests" from various people. From the Eastern seaboard of the
U.S., i think the airfare is $1500 or so- expensive, but perhaps there
is a cheaper way i have not found???  The cost of accomodations and
food  in Vietnam is very reasonable, so the total for a 2-3 week trip
would easily be under $2000.
                                                                                                                -Ross M.