Arrived

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Geo: 10.7679, 106.697

Arrived safely after 16 hours in the air. Ten hours to Tokyo and an additional six to Ho Chi Minh City. The Boeing 787-8 is a very nice plane and JAL staff were great. We took a taxi from the airport to the hotel. Even at 10:30 at night the streets were busy with taxis and motorbikes performing an interesting ballet on wheels - glad I was not driving. The Hong Vina Luxury Hotel is a small boutique type of hotel but we didn't see much last night. Breakfast is supposed to be at the rooftop restaurant.

Next day we had breakfast on the rooftop deck and then a stroll around the neighbourhood. I think we are in the area where most people have their motorbikes serviced as this seems to be the activity of most of the shops. Lots of people everywhere. The population of the city is 10 - 11 million and very busy.

Crossing the street is an exercise in boldness. You look for a "possible" opportunity and then just start walking and you negotiate with cars and motorcycles. It is actually surprising how well it works. Crosswalks do exist but as in Italy it seems the markings are decorations only.

On our walk we came across the city art gallery so spent some time there before heading back to the hotel.

The weather is quite hot and it was apparent that the humidity was increasing through the day with the rain starting around 3:30 - 4 when it really poured.

We booked a tour in the afternoon. It was a mini-bus with only 4 people on the tour. The tour included the War Remnants Museum, the Jade Emperor Pagoda, the Central Post Office and the Notre Dame Cathedral. We were also supposed to visit the Reunification Palace but it is closed for a couple of days because of a visit by the President.

Purchasing bottled water is a necessity when walking around in these temperatures. Interestingly the hotel has a bar fridge and the beer is only about $ 1.50.

In a little while we will head out and find some dinner.

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Comments

[carla]

Glad you arrived safely. Sure was a long journey to get there, but you made it. Have a fabulous trip.

[Tikkki]

Looks chaotic! Ordered chaos I guess. Pics oh shops? And more bonsai!!! :)

[carla]

Your hotel looks very nice. Beautiful pictures. Looking forward to seeing more. Zelma, maybe that fan that you wear around your neck would have helped with the humidity.