Hello from Saigon

Trip Start May 30, 2007
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Trip End Aug 21, 2007


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Flag of Vietnam  ,
Saturday, July 7, 2007

Ok, Talk about Surreal! MF, I am in Saigon! I am staying at the REX Hotel, known for its use by US officers and journalist during the Vietnam war or teh American War as it is referred to here. Word is the US officers gave briefings here daily and these briefings were known as the 5 oclock follies (according to my guide book). Anyway, the 9 hour flight here was fine, with a very stern passage through la migra and customs (you could hear a pin drop). Evertything was fine and everyone was pleasant. On the way home from the airport it was a truly amazing experience. First of all, the traffic here is mainly scooters, mopeds and/or bikes. My taxi drove through everyone pretty much with his hand on the horn the entire 45 mins, and i saw literraly thousands of people on scooters. The most i saw were 4 people on one scooter. The most interesting part was once it started rainig, everyone pretty much pulled obver, on sidewalks, parks, you name it, the stopped on it, and took out plastic and/or rain gear. It doesnt seem like street lights matter much an dodging traffic seems to be the way it is. also, it appears that although the streat seemed to be one way, if you wanted to go the other way it was ok and at your own risk. I sort of expected this from what i had read and seen but seeing it is truly amazing. The vietnamese people so far have been very hospitable and extermely friendly and it makes me really exicted for these next few days. That's it from saigon, I have no idea what tomorrow brings but i am sure i will be awakened early by some horns!!
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klebpalma
klebpalma on Jul 7, 2007 at 07:48PM

have fun...
in 'love you long time.'

rahim55
rahim55 on Jul 8, 2007 at 06:11PM

Eat Pho!
sounds exciting man. have pho-n!

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