Nhat Ha Hotel Ho Chi Minh City

... that they were very poor people, so couldn’t afford many weapons. Most had been farmers so the most effective means of attack was for them to build vicious looking spiked traps that they had previously used to catch animals. We also learned that they would live in underground tunnels all day and only come out at night as the US would always stop searching at night. In the tunnels they had kitchens, arms stored, living quarters, escape ...

... I mean the most amount of traffic I have ever seen in my life. Key to crossing the road here is, step out in front of the traffic and they while avoid you(hopefully). Nae easy getting used to that method.

So finally getting to the hotel and it has the big 4 (Air Con, hotwater, TV and Fridge) I have had two of the four in Thailand, I have even had none of the big four but all four for $10!!!!!!!!! WOW! I might like this place afterall. Slept all afternoon than ...

... round looking for an appropriate eatery, a zealously over-tactile proprietor accosted me and tried to encourage me to dine at his place. He spoke a thousand words a minute, about three of them comprehensible, and I attempted to flee, sick of his erroneous approach. I said, "Maybe later" to be polite. No sooner had I walked three paces then I felt someone grab my shoulder - it was only him. I pulled away but he grabbed my hand and started shaking it furiously, jabbering at me ...

... is a big name in Vietnam.

8. Frozen Yoghurt - there are loads of frozen yoghurt joints in Saigon (there seem to be Tutti Frutti on every corner!) so we gave it a go and it was loads of fun! It's self service so you take a tub, help yourself to as much frozen yoghurt as you want (there were about eight different flavours - I chose plain and coffee) and then add toppings and sauces (chocolate and chocolate for me... Mmmm...). It was great fun and the end result was ...

... of encompassing 7 other religions (taking the best from each) and combining them all to make one religion. The temple itelf was the most beautiful thing inside and outn i have ever seen. It was amazing and possibly my most 'spiritual' moment whilst being away!

We then moved on to Cu Chi to look around the underground network of tunnels that the people of Cu Chi built during the war to defend themselves and live in whilst under attack from the Americans. These tunnels were tiny and ...

... as the very impressive citadel.
I actually got scammed as well for the first time here (that I later became aware of anyway!), and it was very cleverly done. I basically handed over a 100,000 dong note and a 10,000 dong note for two entrance tickets, both are similar coloured notes. With a blink of the eye, the ticket lady swapped the 100,000 for another 10,000 note and says you've given her the wrong money. Naturally I hand over the correct money ...

... to him for a bit. He was this Swiss guy named David and he seemed pretty cool. After talking for a little while, I asked if he wanted to watch the Hangover since I'd bought a bootleg copy of it from the mall in Bangkok and had yet to see it. We grabbed a few beers and threw it on my laptop. It was a good time. Dave is leaving for Mui Ne tomorrow morning but both he and I are going to Hoi An later so we might meet up again.

... cuando llegamos a la pagoda del emperador de Jade, estaba cerrada (cierran a las 6pm) asi que nos fuimos a cenar al Tib restaurant que está genial: muy elegante, con terraza, en un callejón sin ruido y la comida muy abundante y buena.

... down into the dark tunnel reminded me of my visit to the Giza pyramids - not for the claustrophobic! After about 25 meters, Asia and I had got the feel for it and came up to the surface for air. There wasn't a chance we were going to make it the entire 100 meters before passing out in the heat or having a massive anxiety attack.

After our long day, Azh and I wrapped up the evening with what else, but a full body massage! This was one that goes ...

... bizarrely, Victor Hugo!). They cover all the bases from most of the world religions. The cathedral was a very colourful, indeed gawdy, building - representations of the all-seeing-eye symbol were everywhere. The Holy See was located inside a large walled community of followers (most of who apparently go to mass three times a day). The complex has several entrance gate - one still reserved for the religion's Pope who died a few decades ago so no one uses it anymore!

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam cereal42