Ho Chi Minh City 1

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I spent the first few days in Ho Chi Minh City/Saigon. Definitely an interesting place. More motorbikes than grains of sand on a beach. Very few cars and even fewer traffic rules.

Just crossing the street takes some getting used to. You basically just step off the curb into oncoming traffic. Stuff just... flows around you. Pretty cool actually.

Hitched a motorbike ride and did a tour around the city. Highlights were Reunification Palace, French-style Catholic Notre Dame Cathedral, Post Office, couple of markets, many pagodas scattered throughout the city.

I apparently made something of an impression on my guide - he invited me back to his family's home after our ride. Over a few beers they tried to impart on me as much of the Vietnamese language and pronunciation as my western tongue would allow. Very nice people - seemed surprised that I was friendly and receptive as well.

Duc, my guide's brother, learned to speak English during the Vietnam War. He was apologetic for not being better, but it had been more than 30 years since he practiced with any regularity. Remarkably kind people.

To give a rough idea of cost of living, my dorm room cost $7 a night, a meal about $2.50, $6 for a 2 hour motorbike taxi.

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Photos

Common Homes
small homes along the side of a garbage-filled, grey water river. not exactly prime real estate, but unfortunately it's how many, many people here live. Construction is decent though - brick and mortar walls and good roofs. sanitation is by far the single biggest departure from what we're used to.

House across the field
demonstrates the disparity between the rich and poor

Comments

[Shelly]

You always amaze me Eric!
I think my title says it all. I'm so excited for your adventure. I will be vicariously traveling with you. Be safe! Love, Shelly