The Break

Yes it's has been a long break from the writing.

But I took a short break for another rest and quest.

The quest to another neighbouring land; Ho Chi Minh City.

The coastal nation has a sad history behind it. Notably associated with the boat people, the nation has come a long way from hardship and today can proudly say they have had their day. Having visited the northern state a couple of years ago, dad and I thought a short visit to the capital city will fulfill our long awaited desire to visit the city. We have seen Hanoi but not Saigon and the need to quench our curiosity was great.

Like Hanoi, Saigon City has green grounds. It was pleasant strolling through the streets with real old trees dotted here and there. Dad and I took this getaway again to walk our miles. Strange but true, we always needed a break to achieve the daily 10 thousand steps. In Saigon, we walked and walked for dad is never the type to hop into taxis. It's always 'we are there soon!' 

One unique feature stands tall here, The squares slapped in the middle of the city is a favourite spot for social events. When we were there, a temporary stand was set up and we suspect it was to usher in the mid-autumn festival. The square is very welcoming as many gather here for fun and enjoyment. The space creates a cheerful ethos and everyone has a right to joy.

The mid autumn celebration was big here among the locals. I realise that Vietnam has many similarities with the Chinese all over the world in their beliefs and practices, One of the tour guides said that filial piety is strongly practised  here and an eldest daughter may have to remain unmaaried just to after the parents in their old age. So ancient indeed.

In Saigon French influence is apparent in the buildings and language. Many new hotels of international standard are all over the city and they have definitely caught up with the world. The emerging economy is enhanced by the big population and it is a country to look out first. We have read that the education standard here has improved leaps and bounds too. When the inhabitants of the land do not fight politically, the attention is on the development of the country. The robust economy is truly felt by us.

Not only that, we noticed a fleet of the most posh cars parked outside the famous Saigon Theater where the rich and famous meet. Apparels and the like are no more very cheap here. In fact I was amazed at the prices attached to them!. It took me  quite  awhile to adjust to the figure and I had to ponder so hard before even wanting to get any. They are definitely not cheaper than the ones back home.

Overlooking our hotel room, it was fascinating to watch the night cruises along the river in the city. The night lights are bright and we found out that a dinner and a cruise for two is around RM500.00 a session. That is the standard here. After the Bangkok experience on a dinner and cruise, we decided to give it a miss here. Moreover, it was truly expensive.

Vietnam has 70 million motor bikes. We were appalled at the number ploughing along the streets and it was the biggest challenge to cross the roads. We thought the streams of motor cyclists were never going to end until a local taught us to bull doze through them. Yes, one must be bold, hold up the hand and just walk without fear. Otherwise you will surely be stuck at the same spot till the cows come home.

I love clothes whereas dad loves nature. So he noticed the 2 types of growth and told me it was art.

Do you not think so? The agriculture-based country has many forms of vegetation both for food and decor.

We found a food court in the city and the moment we entered it, we were given a card to spend. 

All payments on the food will be recorded in the card and we pay as we exit.

That's the famous spring rolls and the Hoi An noodles.The noodles were a first time for us and dad loves it . I thought it was ordinary. Hoi Ann; maybe we will visit it one day. We have seen the north and south. The next trip will be the central portion of Danang, Hue and Hoi An. Yes, it is a nest appointment.

This platter of rice and meat pie is nice. Notice the greens attached to it. It is fresh and we notice almost every local cuisine is accompanied by them. The fibre will cause you to visit the toilet not once but many times. The first evening was nothing but local cuisines.

We ended the first day with a good fill.

Next day was allocated to a city tour.