We arrived in Vietnam late last night without complications. Thao's cousin was at the airport, by taxi, to pick us up. We're staying last night and tonight at Thao's aunt's house in Ho Chi Minh City. It's a big and spacious room with TWO unit air conditioners a shower, toilet, and sink. The shower is only cold water but that's not a problem in 90 degree weather.
We got up this morning (Thao a lot earlier than I - she didn't sleep well) and 2 of Thao's cousins (both EXTREMELY pregnant, one due in 2-3 days) took us out to breakfast. They all had pho and I had eggs, bread, and bacon.
Afterwards we took a ~ $6 taxi into the city center and walked around the Dong Khoi neighborhood which is where the Notre Dame Cathedra, General Post Office, and City Hall are located. It is also the home of the Rex Hotel which is where according to my guide book the "Five O'Clock Follies" (or daily news briefings from the Vietnam War) were held.
We did a little shopping at the Ben Thanh Market in the center of town as well. I bought souvenirs for ~ $3 and Thao bought a pajama set for ~ $9. Everything was very cheap. Don't worry again everyone, I bought a few trinkets for you too!
Afterwards we walked by an ice cream shop that Thao used to eat at when she was a little girl and we indulged (only in the name of memories of course).
We walked quite a long way to the Jade Emperor Pagoda which is a tiny little temple that is amazingly vivid.
It was back to Thao's family's house after that where we rested for a little while. Now we're at her neighbor's house using his internet (THANKS strangers) and are about to get some dinner. We skipped lunch in favor of ice cream (see, it's okay, Ikuo).
There are a lot of differences between Japan and here though. I keep getting heckled all the time (I think it has to due with my complexion). Things are cheap and a little overwhelming. The traffic is INSANE and almost beyond imagination. One simply has to walk into a street confidently and with a steady pace to make it to the other side. Cars, motorcyles, and mopeds be damned!
Tomorrow morning we leave by plane to Hanoi where we'll spend 3 days. We'll try to write more then!
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5 comments:
What is pho??? And what do you mean by being "heckled"! cjb
i think it's the hair and skin color that attract attention.
Glad to hear that you gals made it to Vietnam safely where a completely new and hectic(at least in the cities) experience awaits you. Okay, I'll concede missing lunch in favor of ice cream cuz you're on vacation. Ha! But, I sure hope you'll try the pho, 80+ million Vietnamese people can't be wrong.
Certainly it's the hair and skin color that attracts attention, mostly because they see dollar signs. It's opportunity to charge the "tourist" price. Oh well, that's just the way how it is there. It's hard, but try not to be bothered by all the bargaining. Have fun and remember how cheap things are!!!!
ikuo
Indeed, traffic in Vietnamese cities is chaotic. Probably because motorists don't follow the rules of the road, they simply ignore them. Pedestrians have no rights there. Be extra careful!!! Don't you think it might be fun to rent a bike and participate in the madness they call morning rush-hour traffic? That would make for an excellent pic. You and Thao surrounded by a sea of motorists.
ikuo
hey i am a firm supporter of ice cream for lunch. today i had a chocolate milkshake for dinner. hooray! your post made me miss traffic in manila. NOT.
xoxoxo
p.s. jennifer, g-ketz and buddy left today. it gets sadder and sadder :(
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