Blogs from Ho Chi Minh City, Southeast, Vietnam, Asia - page 246

I have been putting off updating this blog because of too much craziness at work, and trying to figure out what my grand plan is. (stay or go? live or love? eat or drink?) Sometimes it's hard to think about the big picture... there are so many little pictures. However, alot of people have messaged me since my last 'introspective' post, and asked if I was feeling okay... if I was sad or lonely? Rest assured, of course I miss Canada... but while family, friends and the feeling of curling up next to a warm and sentient being when I got to sleep at night (YES I MISS YOU YUKON) is lacking... I am truly happy here, and truly love my friends here and the feeling this country has. From dire poverty, to obsessive wealth, everything ... read more

I would be remiss if I did not include an entry on one of the most important events in recent Vietnamese history, which is what we Americans refer to as the Vietnam War and the Vietnamese call the American War. The day after I arrived in Saigon, Lili and I visited the Cu Chi tunnels. These are part of the extensive system of tunnels that that Viet Cong used to carry troops and supplies during the American War. The tunnels had secret entrances, even places that were underwater in some places. The Americans unsuccessfully tried to break the Ho Chi Minh supply line, but couldn't find the location of all the hidden tunnels or break the will of the Vietnamese. I had mixed feelings about the tunnels, especially the propaganda film they show before you see ... read more

Saigon has a China town populated by 400,000 Chinese. Also visited a Chinese Wholesale Market. They wouldn’t sell to us, they want big sales…thousands of pieces. I love to people watch. Took some pics of people on motorbikes, pushing their carts down the streets, and traffic jams.... read more

40 miles from Saigon the Cu Chi area lies at the end of the Ho Chi Min Trail and was the base from which the Ho Chi Min gorillas used to attack Saigon. The residents took their war underground, literally. Developing a network of tunnels that, at its height, stretched as far as Cambodia and included meeting rooms, kitchens, and triage areas. The Viet Cong were small and very agile. The tunnels were not full height, you have to crouch down to get thru the tunnels. There is one section about 300 feet long that visitors can enter. Most people that enter immediately turn around. It's pitch black and you need your own flash light, its uneven ground and some places you have to be on your stomach to get through. Our tour guide also showed ... read more

Thien Hau Temple This temple was built in 1825 and dedicated to Thien Hau, the Goddess of the Sea and Protector of Sailors. ... read more