Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
I extended my tourist visa as much as I could so in order for me to stay longer I had to leave the country and return and apply for a business visa. We took a 5 1\2 hr bus ride from P.P. to Ho Chi Minh City. There were no problems and getting through customs was easy. I could tell right away when we got in to Vietnam. The roads were better. They had street signs and lights. They have a helmet law in Saigon and I didn't see five on a moto here either. When the bus arrived, we were bombarded by taxi drivers. The taxi driver drove us around untill the meter reached $15US and then dropped us off at a dump of a hotel about two blocks away. My first impressions of Vietnam was not very good. It didn't look like there was going to be to much to see so we booked a return to P.P. the next day. After we woke up from a nap we decided to go out and take a look at the city at night. This is when Saigon comes alive. This is a beautiful city at night. We took a peddle ride around the city and down by the river. It is easy to fall in love with this city at night and then wonder why during the day. There are many shops, coffee houses and bars that all stay open late. We were only going to be here for one night so we stayed out late and drank until the early morning. Having a cocktail at three o'clock in the morning next to the Mekong! Wow! The other main thing is that nobody says "hello" and I don't see the smiles that I see in Cambodia. We are going back to P.P tomorrow and then on to Kompong Cham.
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Comments
Sounds Wonderful!
Hi Derek,
I'm an old friend of your mamma! she sent me your blog link knowing i'd be interested in seeing these great pictures and your report. it sounds so wonderful -- i've always thought the 'bad' parts of a trip are what make it memorable --- and the good parts are what make it enjoyable!
my boyfriend is going to china in december. he's a potter and will be doing a residency in jingzen... i guess your blog just made me think of this -- wish i could see asia -- you're very lucky!
have a great time and maybe someday we'll meet here in the U.S.
-Astrid S.
No Smiles
I was suffering from the same thing 'cause you hadn't written. All is well now. Lovely pics and commentary. Love you honey.