Somt time in April 2010
Well Thailand for me was not really a highlight so instead of focusing on what I did not seem to connect with and share that with you, I decided instead to focus on the next part of my trip. So I begin with you where I arrived in Ho Chi Min. Aka Saigon!!!
Well Thailand for me was not really a highlight so instead of focusing on what I did not seem to connect with and share that with you, I decided instead to focus on the next part of my trip. So I begin with you where I arrived in Ho Chi Min. Aka Saigon!!!
WOW! The City breathes a life of it's own as soon as you arrive. Expecting to be harassed by the regular money-grabbing touts, I am instead treated to a pleasant and calm tourist desk that advises me on the fair costs of where I want to get to. Walking to the ATM I realize that being a millionaire in Vietnam is really no big deal and I decide to live it up and withdraw 4.8 million!!!! Don’t worry it was Vietnam Dong so I withdrew the maximum allowable, the equivalent of $240.
Walking around Ho Chi min, it's hard not to notice the ebb and flow of a constant traffic that moves with a fierce and yet harmonious current. The word of the day here was definitely motorbike. There are thousands of them all jousting one another in a bid to secure their own piece of road in their personal route. There are motorcycle taxis that are not shy to try and get your business but if you refuse there is no back and forward, just a polite retreat.
The people are curious and try and look upon you with subtle eyes, but for some the temptation is too great and they feast their eyes upon you wondering from where such a strange and different looking creature has emerged.
They mean no harm and project no aggression of any sort. Beware though because in some spots of town, pickpockets are rampant. The prices here are beyond real, for a meager $12, I am enjoying a four course meal in a wonderful up market restaurant that had the incredible idea of taking underprivileged kids, teaching them English as well as the skills needed in hospitality so that they can move on to better lives.
Look at how fancy this restaurant is for $12!
In this old GI city for about $4, I can fill myself with a meal and a beer at most restaurants and for $2, I can enjoy some treats and a beer at a local market stall. I still can't get over eating one of my favorite meals (Vietnamese pho beef noodle soup) in Vietnam...Awesome!
MMMMM PHO BO SOUP
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