Title too cheesy? Maybe, but technically it's true as we arrived in Ho Chi Minh at 12.30am last night. It was an eventful trip but once again an amazing adventure. The boat down the Mekong was loud, full and fairly uncomfortable but I didn't really notice any of this as the view was too absorbing. First, beautiful cambodian countryside - farmers in the fields, boys cleaning their herds of cows in the river, little shacks with children waving from the edge of the water. Then after a painless border crossing it changed to beautiful Vietnamese countryside. Boats on the river, so much going on in the huts on the riverside. Floating villages extending out accross the river. Just beautiful. Arrived in Chau Doc which was nothing spectacular so got the bus straight away organised by a very cheery and efficient tour guide from our boat. Fairly terrifying journey in the dark and rain in a country with - as far as i can tell - no highway code whatsoever. I just closed my eyes whenever the driver attemped another overtake. It wasnt even us I was worried about but the poor people on their motos right at the side of the road. Anyway it was all going swimmingly until 70 km from HCMC (Ho Chi Minh City) when the door fell off. No jokes. Slidey minibus door and someone getting off just pulled it too hard. Fortunately Henry and John helped out to whack it back into place and it worked well enough to stay on till we got there!
Today I have done another Lonely planet walking tour and walked district 1 of HCMC. Been to the museum, reunification palace (great guide), the pagoda, the market and more. The market was completely overwhelming it was packed with rows and rows of shops and so much stuff I would love to bring home. Also met these great American guys who were able to take whatever they wanted home as they worked for Fedex and were flying back tomorrow. There are some beautiful paintings being sold which they had ordered and which I would love to be able to bring back. Anyway time up again at the internet cafe. There is a lovely little vietnamese baby who lives here who wants to watch some youtube so I will find something for him after this.
Booking my open bus tour tomoro. All the stops to Hanoi for just $30. Bargain.
Thanks for the comments everyone. Glad to know zack is ok elodie and that the pednor loop runs continue :)
Lots of love
The Happy Traveller
