Vietnam: To Saigon

Today I was up and checked out of the hotel to catch my morning flight to Ho Chi Minh City. The flight was on time and uneventful and my guide and I were met by our driver and taken to the hotel to check in. The city has a population of over 10 million. It was decorated for the Lunar New Year, which is in a few days. All sorts of decorations and lights have been hung over every available tree, street light and telephone pole!

My room wasn't ready, so I went to grab some lunch first. I've been craving Indian food, and found a place just down the street where a lot of locals were eating. I took that to be a good sign, and took my chances!

After lunch I got checked into my hotel, the Sheraton, aka We Will Nickel and Dime You Because we are a Shitty International Chain. Seriously? $20/day for wifi in the room and $6 for a small bottle of water in the room? Out of control...

At any rate after getting settled in, we started our sightseeing. We went to the Reunification Palace (the former Independence Palace) and toured all around. It was almost like it was trapped in time. All of the decor and furniture is just as it was... Like looking at a retro 50s and 60s furniture store!

Then we visited the War Remnants Museum, which was an eye opener. Even as someone who studied international criminal law and military law, I was completely unaware of a lot of the atrocities that happened during the Vietnam War. I was aware of the My Lai massacre, but there was so much I didn't know about... And the pictures/proof is there for all to see.

After that we visited the Temple of the Jade Emperor. My guide kind of explained it to me? Something about the god of good and evil in one or something??? Anyway, it was a busy place, with the lunar new year just over a week away.

We were passing by a place selling vases and stuff for the new year celebrations, and I asked my guide how late the owner was gonna work, to which he answered, "Oh, she will work 34/7 until the new year." Glad to know they've found out a way to add 10 hours to each day. I wish I had found out how years ago!

Anyway, we continued on our tour, passing the HORDES of people on motorbikes. Seriously, they have 5 million motorbikes in Ho Chi Minh City... We finally arrived at the big Catholic Church, Notre Dame cathedral in town. It was a big brick church. Ad we also stopped in the post office, which is in a gorgeous building that resembles a train station!

After that, we made our way back to the hotel, where I had a quick dinner and called it a night! Tomorrow is my last full day in Vietnam and it's going to be a busy one!