Hi everyone! We made it to Vietnam safe and sound, I think! The last time I visite SE Asia was about 5 years ago. Honestly, I don't remember it taking as long as it did this time! The segment from San Fransico to Taipai became a bit surreal. Let me summarize that all 331 people on the flight were in line at the same time to check in at Eva air at 10pm! The flight didn't leave until 1:30 am, California time. Anyway by the time we got on the plane it was about 4am our time. Things began to get a little fuzzy, since I had been traveling this 4pm. I could have passed out in the airport, missed the plane, and would probaly still be sleeping there. But, we eventually boarded and after dinner (?), an ambian helped me get a little sleep. FYI, Eva air is wonderful airline, if you get the opportunity check it out!
So, we arrived in Saigon, the visa, immigration, and transport went as planned. We met our fellow travelers number which about 15. Most are from the UK, along with a couple of Canandians, a Welshman, and a couple of Americans (us)! All in all seems like a good group. Staying at a pretty nice hotel in Saigon and yes, there is HBO on the TV! Today we did a little introductory city tour. We took a walk around the city and took in some sites. There is a lovely catholic church built by the French during their occupation which they named Notre Dame. However, don't think this church has any similarity to the other Notre Dame. Across the street, is the Saigon Post Office shich is amazing, I've never seen any like it. It was built in the 1800's. Large domed ceilings, huge old wall paintings of Vietnam, and a gigantic painting of Ho Chi Minh hanging at the end of the hall. One interesting architectural feature, there are some beautiful dark wood old style telephone booths running along both sides of the hall which are now hiding ATM's inside. Of course, the opportunity to purchase souvenirs is available if you feel the need. Nearby, and you can see this from the post office, is the rooftop of the building where American troops were airlifted out of Saigon at the end of the war. Although, it was thought the they were airlifted from the American Embassy, its not true. In front and towards the side of the post office are two large sculptures, I think one is an American soldier and I'm not sure what the other represents, I will follow up on that! Of course, we walked by, but not through the large local market. Another spot that will have to be investigated more thoroughly, perhaps tommorrow. A beautiful Hindu temple was also located along our walk. Followers of the Hindu religion represent only a small percentage of the population here. The facade of the temple roof was painted bright colors,and sculpted in a multitide of forms including; elephants and Hindu dieties. The Hindu temple is 200 years old and even from across the street you could smell the incense burning in the temple. Champa? Later,as a group, we had a nice dinner together. Just to give you and idea of the cost of cuisine in Vietnam: 1 vegetable fried rice, 1 water, 1 local Saigon beer, sauteed noodles with veggies and tofu = 170,000 VNdong. All this for $8.50 US dollars! And more importantly, it was extremely tasty, or maybe that was because I hadnt eaten in 12 hours! Well, tommorrow going to visit some sites related to the Vietnam War and then perhaps a foot & fish massage. N0, that is not a typo!
