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Published: February 14th 2013
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Hi everyone, we have settled into Ho Chi Minh City and taken in some of the sights, On Monday we started at the Reunification Palace, you only have to step in the grounds and you know this country is still under communist rule, though you wouldn’t know from the people or the streets. Entering the Reunification Palace you first come across the North Vietnamese tank that was in their words the 'Peoples Saviour' although the palace is in pristine condition, everywhere you go they mention how the defeat of America and the oppressive occupation came to end due to the actions of the North. It is a very one sided view, with little or no respect to the American soldiers, never mind any other nationality that was involved in the Vietnam war.
After the Palace we walked around for a while until the heat got to us and we headed for the air conditioning at the "Bitexco Financial Tower". This is the tallest building in Ho Chi Minh City and has a observation deck on the 49th floor. The view was great, but the A/C was better. After recuperating we made our way back to the hotel, when we came
across a little beer bar, (Spelt Beir). Guess what, we stopped in for one or two....or six.
It was hot!. The rest of the day passed quite comfortably by the pool and then to the lounge bar for evening nibbles and believe it or not, an early night.
The next day (Tuesday) we had organised a trip to the 'Cu Chi Tunnels'. These were the tunnels used by the North to prolong the jungle fighting campaign during the Vietnam War to amazing effect. After going through the area of jungle this all happened, I just can't image how our guys did it. After a short tour around the area we were able to go through one of the tunnels. Depending on your fitness and level comfort you can go 20 metres, 40 metres, 60 metres and so. Thinking I would have no problem I told Cath I would go down and come up at the 40 metre mark. I have never been claustrophobic, but the felling in those tunnels is different, needless to say I got out at the 20 metre mark. You can hav'em.
Guest what I needed a drink after that, so after returning to the
hotel we went to the bar down the road for a well earned beer of two. The rest of the after noon was spent by the pool and then to the lounge bar to finish off the day.
Wednesday was a bit of a day off for us, nothing planned, so after a late breakfast we went to the "War Museum" another one sided look at the war, some very interesting and disturbing exhibits, plus a run down on the complete war, again from a one side opinion, but considering the entrance price was 0.75cents, well worth a look. On the way back to the hotel we thought we would have another look to see if the markets were open, and they were, so we spent another hour walking through the stalls and being man handled by every store holder. Very touchy/feely people and don't like to take 'no' for an answer. After a short bargaining lesson from a passing female American (she told us to half the price offered and never go any higher, it worked, everytime) we made a few purchases using our new found techquies and got what we thought was some great bargains. On the
way back to the hotel we became involved in a conversation with a couple from Victoria. Anyway one thing led to another and we all ended up in the local drinking hole. Another couple for WA joined us and after way to many beers we decided to find a place to eat. We told them about the suggestions made by our neighbour and the Victorian couple had been given the same restaurant. So the six of us, with maps in hand made our way to (Nha Hang Ngon) restaurant, only short walk (5 Min) if you knew where you were going and not in the condition we were in. The place was packed but we managed to get a seat after a short wait. It was worth the wait the food was fantastic and with beers, came to $15 each. Thanks Joe, for the tip, a great place. After stuffing ourselves we called it night and staggered home.
Thursday (14/02) was a difficult and early start. We were up at 5.30am to head to the Mekong Delta for a planned trip and after the previous nights effort it was struggle. We took a private car with a guide and
drove to the Mekong Delta, about 2 hours away, when we entered the Delta outskirts the scenery changed, rice fields in every corner you could see. After the drive we got onto a private 'Sampan' for 2, not including our guide or the crew, to cruise the Mekong river. One of the main features of the Mekong is the floating markets, however due to the Chinese New Year they were not open, shame about that I was looking forward to more markets, NOT. We cruised the Mekong for another 2 hours before stopping for lunch at a very romantic restaurant, again for 2. Don't forget boys this was all done for valentine's day.
Live up to that one. The rest of the day was spent getting back to the hotel and relaxing. Believe it or not.
Tomorrow we are again up early and heading for Pattaya in Thailand. We will report in then.
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