Is it Ho Chi Minh? Or Saigon?

Asia » Vietnam » Southeast » Ho Chi Minh City
June 3rd 2009

Published: June 4th 2009

Hi all, Well, for our last journey in Asia we revisited Vietnam...more specifically, Ho Chi Minh City…or, as the title says (and we prefer)…Saigon! Is it the presence of such historic landmarks as the Continental Hotel—where we stayed—and all the remnants and sites of the Vietnam war—which we visited—and the feel of the past around every corner that almost, that we feel, demands the ... Read Full Entry

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amelia vanderwal

aimsey and roelie

We are a couple of intrepid wannabe hippies -- young at heart -- who have dropped out of the Canadian rat race to explore life in the Shanghai teaching circuit. Join us on journey -- but only if you dare (or have nothing else better to do) What we lack in youth and energy, we'll try to make up for in entertainment value -- or a couple of laughs with us (or at us, at the very least :-).... full info

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Can you spot the air holes?

We couldn't have either, without An's help.

Snake wine...

Anyone? Anyone? According to the Vietnamese, good for what ails you.

Overhead street wires...

...a mixed jumble. Hate for a power failure or service call.

Less is more...

Can you believe this 7 foot Bonsai is 40 years old?

This woman's fish soup...

...was as colourful as her outfit.

Today the People's Committee Building...

..yesterday, the Hotel de Ville, once known for its crystal chandeliers and opulent gardens.

On the 9th floor patio...

...of the Caravelle Hotel.

Iced coffee..

...al fresco. Great way to beat the heat.

At the Saigon Saigon Bar...

...9 floors up. What a view!

The Caravelle Hotel...

...to the left. The Saigon Saigon Bar is on the top.

Saigon at night...

...is just as amazing seen from above or street level, as seen here in the square outside the Continental Hotel.

Goodnight...

...and good-bye Saigon!

4th June 2009

Carly & Craig
non-member comment

Hey Mom and Dad! Wow - the shots of Dad getting into the tunnel are amazing! I can't believe he did it... Terrifying! I can't believe that we'll seeing you soon... almost one week! Craig says that he can't wait to pick up the international school banner and keep the legacy alive. Love you both! Carly and Craig

5th June 2009

Carrie
non-member comment

Saigon looks almost as good as Hanoi:)
It must have been amazing to stay in that historic hotel. Did you see Graham Green ghosting about? I'm going to assume that those large 'copas de vino blanco' were probably something light and French, not snake wine, hey? .....Seeing photos of those tunnels and entrances gives new meaning to the determination of the Vietnamese people. One has to admire their courage and cleverness. I can't believe Roel squooshed himself into that space. Wasn't he a tiny bit concerned about getting stuck. I'm sure that the engineers and builders never imagined a day when tourists would try to do that. I have to say that I too am too claustrophobic to give that a go. Anyway, thoroughly enjoyed this blog. Although I must admit that I'm glad that I got to enjoy Vietnam before the heat, as you guys look like you were melting. Love, Carrie:)

14th June 2009

Yvonne
non-member comment

You are inspirational
It has been wonderful reading from time to time your blogs that reinforce for me especially that life isn't about the destination. It is about the journey . You have journeyed so well, heartfully sharing with many friends and volleagues via your blogs your windows on the world from the beginning of your great trek. That joy of discovery keeps one young and full of wonder. Thank you for sharing your stories. So many of us talk about what we could/should do. You model the doing and reflecting. What a great way to learn. Thank you for including me on your list. During the time before I progressed from crutches to a wheel chair, and was confined in a bed for months, your journey gave my imagination legs. Are you tempted to convert your inspiring prose into a book? I'd buy a copy for my daughter who has an adventurous heart.

18th August 2009

Maria Chavarria
non-member comment

Outstanding!
Amy, the pictures really do say it all, but your writing adds a lovely richness to the viewing/reading experience that smacks of excellence. You have captured my heart and now I must go to Vietnam! Missing you! Maria

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