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Asia » Vietnam » Southeast » Ho Chi Minh City
April 20th 2005
Published: February 21st 2006
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RoybyRoybyRoyby

Roy and his mean machine....born to be wild!
Hi Everyone

Well we arrived safely at Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) airport and were greeted by our friends Roy and Lisa who we were staying with for the next 9 nights (lucky them!). We were also greeted by around 100 taxi drivers circling us like vultures! This city was a real eye opener - from the traffic to the poverty. We were very grateful to have a very comfortable place to stay with Roy and Lisa as I dare say the hostels would have been a little 'rough'! After a quick settle in our wonderful tour guides Mimi, Lisa and Roy from "More On Tours" helped us to explore the neighbourhood. We quickly realised that there were not many white people around the area, regardless, people were very friendly. Rachael also discovered that the shopping was heaven for any girl who likes shoes and handbags (and lets face it, there are not many who don't). Yes, I recommend it to anyone BUT make sure both shoes are the same size...Im still carrying around 1x8 and 1x9....just cant bear to get rid of them.
Our good friend Simon arrived the following day to stay with us as well. Needless to say there were more than a few drinks consumed over the course of the week.
We spent most of the week (and a bit) exploring HCMC and immersing ourselves in the culture as much as we could. Of course this included massages (no happy endings), shopping, local food, shopping, karaoke, shopping.......you get the idea! Needless to say we needed to invest in a new suitcase!
We also got away from the city for a few days. We did a 1 day tour out to the Cu Chi Tunnels (from the Vietnam War) and some impressive temples. The five of us also went to Vung Tau for 2 nights (a coastal pininsular about 2 hours via hydrofoil) which had a great fishing villiage atmosphere. While there we attended a moving ANZAC Day dawn service at the sight of the battle of Long Tan. Of course, this was followed by a big breaky and later we watched the traditional Collingwood V Essondon AFL match.
All in all Vietnam was a fantastic experience - we could write so much more but we will stop now! Check out some of the photos. See you in Thailand!
JK and Rach


Additional photos below
Photos: 27, Displayed: 23


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Our convoyOur convoy
Our convoy

Lisa, Rach and SImon
The trafficThe traffic
The traffic

Try crossing this road
Fantastic street foodFantastic street food
Fantastic street food

Mimi, Roy and Rach
Fireing an AK-47Fireing an AK-47
Fireing an AK-47

Live rounds, with no safety instructions....only in Vietnam!
A 'few' quiet drinks......A 'few' quiet drinks......
A 'few' quiet drinks......

Note Roy's shirt and eyes.....!


8th June 2005

Keep the stories coming...
Hi JK and Rach, What a great way to keep in touch! Glad that you guys are having a great time and I look forward to the next instalment... Take care, Love Shaz - Sharon
11th June 2005

Looking fine and dandy
Hi Groovers, Well you guys have just inspired me to go to Vietnam sooner than expected!. Looks awesome and you have some great shots - which I am sure is only the half of it!. Keep having fun and send the travel stories flowing. Love it. Have a drink for me along the journey..I'm back to the grind at the sunny coast so wont be seeing you for years yet. Bummed! - Dayna
12th June 2005

Loving the Blog Guys
Glad to hear you guys are safe and well and are having loads of fun!! Justin regarding the odd pair of shoes buddy...my advice.... sometimes you just have to learn to let go :) I look forward to your next blog.. Pete Watson - Pete

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