Saigon impressions

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- With the reunification after Nord Vietnam won the american war in 1976 Saigon has been re named into Ho Chi Min City. However in dayly use as long as it s not official it s still Saigon.

- It s unbelievelable that they were able within 8 years to destroy big parts of district 1 the centre of Saigon. Big parts of the old city has been demolished and build up new, specially hotels, 5 stars and some shopping malls. It s a pity for this is not Saigon anymore this can be anywhere.

- Only the Cathedral, Notre Dame, is still there but with construction problems probably lack of maintanance. Also the old Postoffice with 38 different counters for as many different services is still there and in good shape.

- Saigon is over 1700 km away from the capital Hanoi. Has depending on how you count 7-9 million inhabitants and a yearly grow of about 200.000 people mostly from the province hoping to become rich in Saigon.

- The number of motorbikes is now roughly 4 million and together with 500.000 cars they make it an interesting city specially because the drivers ignore the trafficlights, don t stop for pedistrians and if necessary they drive on the wrong side of the road. They are the ones who decide if its necessary. Crossing the streets like Hanoi but a bit more tension. Look around if the way is clear. Its not clear. Be sure you can t cross, close your eyes and start crossing.You hear some more ambulance here than in Hanoi

-Public transportation done by coaches, motorbikes and taxis. They have a metro in the planning but it will take at least another 10 years before in operation.

- Beside hotels and shopping malls a huge number of new high buildings have been built. Mostly offices. Another great number is under construction

- The airport is only 6 km from the city centre district 1.The railway ends here in Saigon in the centre

- around 6 o clock in the evening people starts jogging , playing tennis and football in the many parks Saigon has.

- They are artistical. Lots of bookshops and arthouses where painters are working as well as life music in the restaurants , European classic, probably still from the colonial time when the french thaught them how to make croissants.

- They like it when you ask for Saigon beer and are a bit disappointed when you ask for Hanoi beer.

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