Last of HCMC

002

---

Vietnamese sweets - - not really sure exactly what it was, best guess is some sort of a rice dough wrapped around a mini banana sliced and topped with sweet coconut/tapioca sauce.

154

---

There are beautiful, meticulously maintained public gardens and parks everywhere we have been so far.

003

---

Pineapple, Vietnamese style. Ultra fresh and cheap, street vendors trim and slice the fruit on the spot, for less than $0.50.

004

---

We saw this everywhere and Diego was curious and wanted to try it, despite the sickening smell. We had no idea what it was at this point, but that didn't stop Diego from trying it.

005

---

The vendor grilled the dried fish over charcoal, then pressed it through rollers. It smelled awful.

007

---

The finished product. Later, we found out it was cuttlefish. Diego managed to eat most of it, but it is definitely not made for Western taste buds.

018

---

Coffee in Vietnamese = "ca phe". Very sweet and strong, this one was shaken and poured over ice (we have completely given up on not having ice, and we still haven't gotten sick. Diego usually doesn't get sick anyways but I do - - I am keeping my fingers crossed - - so far I have been fine).

019

---

It is so hot here that beer is served poured over blocks of ice. Otherwise it would get instantly warm as soon as it was pulled out of the refrigerator.

024

---

Diego said it was great... coconut and chili sauce over grilled freshwater snails.

026

---

A sampling of complimentary snacks. Fresh roasted peanuts and what seemed to be pickled cucumbers. We don't usually like pickles, but these were good.

027

---

Not another tourist in sight. We walked about 45 minutes away from the main tourist area until we found this place. It was completely full, which is always a good sign. Note the child-sized tables and chairs, used everywhere we have been so far. They seemed small even for Vietnamese people - - their knees barely fit under the tables, but it seems to be the norm here.

031

---

I never liked tofu, but tofu in the States is nothing like this! I was worried that I would get tired of eating rice and noodles, but every meal we have had has been completely different. They have so many variations, fresh herbs, seasonings, flavors, etc. This kind of food does not exist back home.

032

---

Vietnamese hot-pot.

036

---

I wasn't really taking a photo of Diego. Notice the table in the background - - these people know how to EAT!

041

---

Next time you are in Saigon, make sure you stop by this place...

042

---

Fresh seafood is everywhere!

048

---

This kid was running around the market terrorizing the vendors - - he snatched the newspaper that this lady was reading, then threw it on the ground and peed on it, then ran away when she tried to catch him. Trouble!

053

---

More coffee - - water drips slowly through the filter into the glass below to make a strong, espresso style coffee. The white stuff at the bottom is sweetened condensed milk (real dairy products of any kind are rare here). When the coffee is finished, you stir it up with the condensed milk and pour it over ice.

060

---

Vietnamese road-side rest stop. There are hundreds, maybe thousands, of these along all of the major roads. People stop for a snack, juice, or coffee, and to wait out the mid-day heat. I really want to buy a couple of hammocks to bring home - - they are so relaxing and comfortable.