Tunnels,cyclos and Buddha

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So it's been a while since our last blog and mainly because it was my (Amy's) turn, and for those who know and love me, well you all know I am lazy with stuff like this... alas after our rigorous jungle hike, we got back on our ghetto super bus and headed to the airport to make our way to Vietnam! Once we got to Ho Chi Min City (formerly Saigon) we rested and waited for Sophie's friend Sylvie to arrive, who is joining us for the rest of Southeast Asia. No more rooming with the couple for Sophie, for awhile anyway! On our first day in HCM all together, we hit the usually spots: the war museum, reunification palace and the cathedral. The museum is well put together but the pictures are hard to digest even on your second visit. The reunification palace hasn't been changed since the northern Vietnamese won over Saigon in the 70s, so it felt a little bit like an Asian time warp! The cathedral was beautiful, and funny for us girls, as little girls followed Dave around poking him and trying to get him to buy things! We also hired cyclos at night and drove around the city, and then, of course, were charged more at the end than we agreed on (haven't made that mistake again). The next day Dave and Sylvie headed to the Cu Chi tunnels, and got to fire an AK 47, the most exciting part according to GI Dave. Unfortunately I picked up some sort of bug and spent the next 2 days bedridden, foiling my private date with Sophie, who had to sit at my bedside feeding me ginger ale and saltines!

That night, Sylvie and Soph headed to Nha Trang on a sleeper bus. Dave and I followed the next day when i was feeling less nauseous. Having never been to Nha Trang, we were excited to experience a new Vietnamese city, but much to my disappointment there wasn't a whole lot to it. It is a beach town but the beaches were over flowing with tourists and people trying to sell things. We got stuck there for 3 days but made the most of it visiting Vietnam's largest standing Buddha. It was beautiful and worth the climb to the top! Other than that we relaxed and hired motorbikes to see the city, which of course klutzy me got off the wrong way and now have a sweet burn as a souvenir of the city. Though it wasn't the most asthetically pleasing town and it rained we made the most of it with card tournaments and wine! Next we were off on a sleeper bus (a bed like seat instead of your regular seat) to Hoi An! xoxoxox Amy

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Photos

The first night of the Four
The four of us at dinner on Sylvie's first night in Ho Chi Minh.

Reunification Palace
The Presidential Palace, as it was the day the VietCong Army entered Saigon.

Cyclo Ride
Sophie and driver get ready for our nighttime cyclo tour of the city.

Sniper!
Sylvie squeezes herself into a sniper hole at the Cu Chi Tunnel system.

Into the Tunnels
Dave looks apprehensive (or ridiculous) before entering the tiny tiny tunnels that the North Vietnamese used for fighting.

The Tiny Tiny Tunnels
Sylvie shows us just how small the tunnels are. The system stretched for over 200km on 3 different levels, with hundreds of soldiers living and fighting from them.

Gun for Hire!
Dave shows off some lethal skills, successfully missing a giant stationary target several times with an AK47. 28 hours later, he recovered full hearing.

Slumber Party!
Sylvie and Sophie settle in for their first sleeper bus experience! We soon learned that Vietnamese roads are bumpy.

Big Buddha
This is the biggest Buddha in Vietnam. It is big.

Comments

[Adam Dubroy]

Dave
com'on Dave be honest who were you picturing standing infront of that AK 47 hahaha

[sally-anne]

hiya dave
now then dave i av just found ur blog, it all sounds so exciting but not something i could do i like my settee too much, and other comforts!!!!! pleased u got rid of the facial hair situation i agree with rach its not good! LOL! well happy travels to u all and will hope to see u soon ! take care love sally and gang xxxxxx

[Helen]

hello
When I heard of your burn I was worried as it can become infected so easily. Going to TO for Sunday dinner which we always love to do. We do love to see your blogs and glad we do the computer thing. Do become careful as always......Love