Hanging Out in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
Trip Start
Mar 10, 2005
1
6
24
Trip End
Aug 02, 2005
Ho Chi Minh City,
Vietnam
Thursday, March 31, 2005
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We were met at the HCMC airport this evening by a lovely new friend named, Yen - as she preferred us to call her. We were efficiently whisked to our hotel arranged by other friends, Howard and Phung Daniel of Washington, DC. Thank you Howard and Phung for making the arrangements with the hotel and Yen for us! We so enjoyed the beginning of our time in Vietnam.
So with a new friend and comfortable accommodation we turned in for the evening.
March 28
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Yen was an excellent city tour guide and took us to the Ben Thanh market where we picked up a conical hat for Amy to wear - it's lovely! After a yummy lunch at a local cafe we walked around the Reunification Palace. It is still much the same as it did in 1975. On to the War Remnants Musuem to see the "other side of the story". Both of us having more of a pacifist slant, this may have been something to see but it was far from our favorite sight. It was interesting seeing the other side's perspective but for us war in general just doesn't get us excited so it was a bit of an emotional downer. To cheer ourselves, Yen took us to see the ?? Pagoda and while there saw a class of young monks having lessons. Afterwards, Yen invited us to her favorite cafe to have some refreshing beverages. It had a small outdoor garden with lots of ambience. It wasn't a tourist cafe but a lovely gem that we would never have found on our own. This was a relaxing way to end our city tour for the day.
March 29
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An early morning, but along with Yen and her friend Tan, we had a lot to see in the Mekong Delta region.
Our new friend, Yen
Yen had arranged for a taxi driver to take us to My Tho, a town on the Mekong River, where we a boat had been arranged to ferry us around to explore the different waterways branching off from the river. We commented to each other that winding our way through the canals reminded us of the Jungle Cruise at Disney World but real and much more exciting! We stopped at a group of thatched huts where local people were making coconut candy - our sample was delicious and warm. Amy had to buy some immediately. Needless to say none of the candy is going to make it back to the US - it will be enjoyed along the way. We also stopped and ate a picnic lunch that Yen had brought for us as she was very conscious and concerned about what we ate so that we didn't get ill. Thanks for taking such good care of us Yen! At this small restaurant there were two local girls embroidering linens - it was amazing to watch them create such beautiful pieces! This restaurant also featured "fried serpent" on its menu. After lunch we headed back to the dock and then back to HCMC to end the day tired but having thoroughly enjoyed our boat trip.Alex had been complaining that he needed a haircut, so in the evening, we sought out a salon recommended by Lonely Planet - Tony and Guy though when we got there evidently there had been a tiff and it was now Tony and Tuan. :) Alex is the type of guy who doesn't spend much on haircuts but thought he would splurge and pay $10 instead of $7. Boy, he got sooo much more than just a haircut - it took over an hour and Amy was able to read 2 style magazines! Alex got a face and head massage in addition to his trendy haircut! He said it was the best haircut experience he has ever had (like being at an LA salon) - but that's not saying much.
Saigon Traffic -- not pedestrian friendly
After all the indulgence, we grabbed a bowl of delicious Pho Bo at Pho 2000 where Bill Clinton stopped to have a bowl during his visit to HCMC. March 30
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Yen offered to take us on motorbikes with her friend, Gwen, to the Cu Chi Tunnels outside HCMC. It was a 2-hour ride and at first a little scary with all the whizzing motorbike traffic, but we both settled in and enjoyed the ride after a little while. The Tunnels were the ones that the Viet Cong constructed during the war in their efforts against the South Vietnamese and Americans. We were guided through a replica of a VC guerilla village and made our way through several tunnels to give us a feel for how tight they were and what it was like - it was a bit claustrophobic and gives you an idea that perhaps the Vietnamese are a bit smaller and more agile to fit through the tunnels!
One of the highlights for Alex was the opportunity to fire an AK-47 at the Tunnels - perhaps the first and last time he fires a weapon and he has the pictures to show for it. Ten bullets for ten bucks was a bit of a tourist trap, but Alex saw it as a once in a life time. After the deafening noise and strong kickback, Alex will return to his liberal, pacifist ways. He was also 0 for 10 in hitting the target! Amy declined as the last time she fired a shotgun at clay pigeons in the English countryside she had a bruise on her shoulder for a week from the kickback! No need for that again.
Back in HCMC, Yen and another friend joined us for dinner at a lovely French garden cafe. We were sad to say goodbye to Yen. She was so helpful and hospitable. We hope that someday we can return the favor and be her tourguides on a visit to the US. Yen, thank you for your kindness. Try to keep in touch. :)
March 31
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Today was spent making the 7-hour bus ride from HCMC to Dalat where we have arranged for a 5-day motorbike tour through the central part of southern Vietnam with two local guides who call themselves "Easy Riders." We'll have an update on this adventure in five or so days. Stay tuned . .
