Saigon

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very surprised by Saigon. I thought it would be as frantic as Bangkok or Delhi, but it is not. In fact, it is rather sane. One advantage is that most people use scooters and not cars. Also, a low speed limit is strictly enforced.

Weather was not, but not unbearably so, and there was always a breeze from the river. Of course, we only saw a very, very tiny portion of the city, but District 1 is very walkable.

There is a lot of money in Saigon, and a large part of it is Vietnamese. People dress very well, and always have time for a coffee at an outside cafe.

Architecture is a great combination of old French influenced and modern high rise that is well designed. The tall, pointy building is supposed to represent a closed lotus blossom...there is an observation deck near the top, with great views of the city. The unclothed ladies are from the front entrance of the Opera House,which was built by the French, became a dump and has been beautifully restored.

To cross the street, you venture out, and navigate your waybetween the motorbikes and cars. Because no one is going too fast, it actually works, but it does take some practice.

A huge market in the centre of town. The pst aggressive vendors to date, they pull on you, grab your arm and yell in your ear. Not at all my thing. But, I finally did find silk p.j.'s for Meg and Lyssie....yeah!!!!

An insane number of motorbikes, and they park wherever, usually on the sidewalk. mMakes walking interesting. This is one of the small parking lots.

Went to a show at the Opera House, and it was excellent. A chap was with Cirque for eight years, came home to Saigon and started his own company. Much lower key thsn Cirque, with modest costumes, and all the props were bamboo. A lovely evening.



More later

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Comments

[colleen hendrick]

Saigon
Architecture looks great...love that the residents use bikes more than cars! Very happy that you found the silk jammies for the girls and I hope you have some for yourself as well!! Colleen

[momabroad]

Yes, I actually have 100% silk jammies for me! made to measure, so the pants and sleeves are the right length.....very decadent.....

[Melissa]

Interesting about the Cirque de Soleil connection! Sounds fun.

[momabroad]

Yeah, it was really a wonderful show, with Vietnamese music as well. Home soon....