Day 10

Day 10 Ho Chi Minh/Sigon

Another early morning, We were warmly greeted by our new friend Alex and our driver. Alex is a former university history teacher. He was limited by the government about what he was able to say and teach. After only 4 years he quit and became to tour guide. We all realized how little we know about the history of the region.

After traveling for 1.5 hours through busy streets lined with rustic buildings housing neighborhood restaurants, shops, auto shops, markets, dodging thousands of motor bikes zoom in and out around anf through the traffic we arrive in Saigon..

The buildings got taller and the streets got busier as we approached Saigon. Our first stop was the Post Office. Built by the French along with their version of Notre Dame. People would go to the post office to make overseas calls in booths designated per country. Now they are a great photo op.The front steps were full of young people taking pictures to bring them good luck.

Crossing the street was a real adventure. There are no protected cross walks so you are supposed to walk out into traffic and keep going, they will hopefully miss you!!! Alex went first and shooed us all across. Not sure how but we made it.

Visited the area where canals used to lead to The Independence Palace that are now used as public space for concerts and celebrations.

War Remnants Museum was the next stop. Photographs and recreations of the horrific treatment of prisoners, battle scenes and the aftereffects of agent orange overwhelmed us. Our visit ended on a very solemn note.

Lunch and shopping were a perfect distraction. We were treated to a multi course authentic Vietnamese meal. Our chop stick skills probably needs a little work.

We went to Son Mai, a store for a demonstration of handcrafted Lacquerware. Some beautiful things were purchased.

Last was a tremendous market that was a little too much for us. A lady grabbed my arm and lead me into her booth. I said not thank you to the shirt but she really wanted it to go home with me. I was finally able to catch up with everyone and we decided that it was too peopley and it was time to head back to the ship.

Time to get a cocktail and relax before it is time to eat again.