I had no pre-conceived ideas as to what Ho Chi Minh City would offer but I have been impressed thus far. I knew there would be hassles but they are never as bad as you fear. sure you are offered allsorts of merchandie and services when you wander the streets but after a day or so you must develop a look which immediately tells the vendors a sale is the remotest possibility.
Although the people undoubtedly play a large part into what I think of a place, HCMC also haas some great architecture (old and new) and in general an inviting aura. Yes, crossing the road is an interesting experience but with over 2,000,000 motorbikes (Khanh said 4,000,000 so I'm being conservative) you soon learn the best way. (Surprisingly this is to just walk across the road and let them avoid you.) If HCMC is anything to go by it looks like we could be a little disappointed we're not going to be in Vietnam for longer. Given that we felt a bit like we'd had our fill of Asia before we arrived here this is indeed a huge compliment.
We've not been hugely productive these last couple of days although we did learn a little bit more of the war in the War Remnants Museum (or Museum of Chinese and American War Crimes as it used to be known). some of the exhibits were tear-jerking (an American serviceman's medals along with a letter of apology for his part in the war) while others were gut-wrenching (real deformed babies in jars - allegedly victims of chemical weapons before they were born). All in all it was another harrowing experience and I'm relieved to have some time off from visiting such poignant places.
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