Blogs from Vietnam, Asia - page 8

Saigon can only be digested in increments and so I had to get out for a few days. In Vietnam, making money is the ultimate goal in their rising economy but unfortunately this new love for capitalism has brought with it an increase in swindling and a decrease in morality, particularly considering tourists. Vendors in the street sell pirated everything and their uniformed brothers are no better: organized tour companies have found a skill in wording advertisements so I think I'm in for an adventure but really just purchased a seat on a rickety bus or overheated boat. And though I've found it difficult to temper by cynicism, overall the experience of getting cheated and taken is one I am glad to have had. I'm telling myself it's all for educational purposes... So, back to my ... read more

Friday, April 13. Nautica entered to mouth of the Mekong delta this morning at about 5am. On a prominent ridge facing the sea was a giant, white statue of Christ with arms extended. It is very similar to Christo Redemtor statue in Rio de Janiero that I saw last winter. Vietnam, though officially an atheist Communist country, it remains very Catholic. There are Catholic churches every where, some just down the street from Buddhist temples. The government here has obviously bowed to reality in many significant ways. Religion appears to be thriving and business, well that is something you have to be here to see for yourself. There are certainly a good many poor people here, but steaming up the Mekong toward Saigon, the mass of shipping, high rise construction, industrial areas all testify to a ... read more

As we set off on the minibus to get the train from Da Nang to our new destination in Vietnam, Nha Trang, Phat gave us a little low down on the place we would be visiting. The accent thing was great here, as we would apparently be going to see some 'beautiful bitches'! And then on asking if we would have the same 'wailing' on the train he said with a cheeky grin, 'maybe some complimentary music!' The train was the same Reunification Express we had been on for the overnight trip, so 4 berth cabins again, even though this was a day train. Again we had a lady booked into one of our cabins so Phat began a lengthy bit of negotiation, on Jodie's behalf this time. She took a bit of persuading and insisted ... read more

Boat trip through Halong Bay... read more

Relaxing beach time... read more