The City Tour

After you have heard from me, you will surely almost know what's in store on your visit to Saigon.

The Notre Dame Cathedral

This is an extract from an online page :

Constructed between 1863 and 1880 by the French colonists, following their conquest of the city, the building reaches a height of up to 60m. Bishop Lefevre put the first stone for construction of the church on 28 March 1863. Initially, it was called Saigon Church. The name Notre-Dame Cathedral was given after Bishop Pham Van Thien held a ceremony to install the statue of Peaceful Notre Dame, made with granite from Rome, in 1959. In 1962, Vatican anointed it as Saigon Chief Cathedral conferred it basilique. Since this time, this cathedral is called Saigon Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica.

The cathedral’s address is No. 1 Cong truong Cong xa Paris St., right at the intersection of Pham Ngoc Thach St, Le Duan St and Cong xa Paris St.

But nothing is more interesting than setting foot on the grounds of the cathedral.

Like most European churches, the building is stable and inspiring with its architectural facade. Today the church is visited by tourists on weekdays and on Sundays, mass is on.

The guide told us that young couples will scribble their love messages on the walls of the church to express hope and sincerity; whereas can it be more genuine than outside the premises of the church?

This is a local sweet but I reckon it would be too sweet for my liking but the display caught everyone's attention. The Vietnamese are an enterprising lot; full of zest to catch up with the world for all their lacking years. They are truly doing fine and one cannot help but feel their enthusiasm.

The Old Post Office

So majestic and old but nevertheless still functioning steadily. This building built under the influence of the French is still relevant today. People still do go round for stamps, delivery service and the like.

Inside there are pockets of souvenir stalls offering local products.

Coffee is the inevitable pride of the country and a drink will surely increase your adrenaline. I attempted a cup on an evening and that also meant a night without a wink. I traced my sleeplessness back to that cup of pleasure !

The War Museum

 No tourist will leave the country without a visit to the museum but it is a place of bad memories of the consequences of human pride and error. The visit gave reason for us to understand better the sufferings of the Vietnamese and the Boat People epsiode. It is sad to leave your motherland in search of safety and survival. How is it that you cannot be secured in your place of birth and are treated so unjustly ? Why is the world so full of foolishness? Some strive for a long life whereas others are chased around just to live. Sad.

In the museum there are plenty of photos on memorandums , peace treaties and of course horrific consequences of war. The lame, crippled, and distorted are the results of selfish acts. But the tour guide kept reassuring his guests that the past is forgotten or may be best  forgotten  for future development. He kept confirming that they do not hold grudges against the raiders; a term that is mild.

The pictorial consequences of Agent Orange

Agent Orange was a powerful mixture of chemical defoliants used by U.S. military forces during the Vietnam War to eliminate forest cover for North Vietnamese and Viet Cong troops, as well as crops that might be used to feed them. The U.S. program of defoliation, codenamed Operation Ranch Hand, sprayed more than 19 million gallons of herbicides over 4.5 million acres of land in Vietnam from 1961 to 1972. Agent Orange, which contained the chemical dioxin, was the most commonly used of the herbicide mixtures, and the most effective. It was later revealed to cause serious health issues–including tumors, birth defects, rashes, psychological symptoms and cancer–among returning U.S. servicemen and their families as well as among the Vietnamese population.

The above is again another extract from historical records.

 War remnants.

This is the famous photo of war agony.

 I cannot imagine what sorrow they had to go through to survive in their own motherland. Wars are bad. The photos were a grim reminder of cruel decisions.

I also noticed the silent respect of the tourists a lot of whom were Caucasians in their quiet respite. We were not able to speak much as the photos were haunting.

Though we enjoyed learning more of the history, we were also glad to leave the grounds for a breather.

The Reunification Palace 

This is where politics and foreign dignitaries convene.

Called the reunification palace, we were given a guided tour on the functions of this building.

 South East Asian maps to depict the importance of political agendas.

This row of telephones is a sight. We had such phones in the home in the 60s and 70s but today have become obsolete. So, it was a welcoming sight. We must not throw away old items, right?

They do come in useful at the oddest time.

 Stately rooms for dignified visits and conferences.

 These are some gifts from foreign dignitaries; the items are extracted from extinct species hardly available but would represent integrity and respect.

I was particularly attracted to this gift.

Elephant feet; the epitome of goodwill.

 The Dining Hall.

 The venue for games and relaxation.

We were told that this is the ballroom for dance and drinks after dinner.

The roof top for helicopter landings when dignitaries arrive.

From the top level of the palace, the lookout is beautiful.

 Before leaving the palace, we were shown the underground hideout during war times. The communication appliances seem intact and were essential for coordination.

 This was where the president slept .

On the way out, this long and narrow lane drove my imagination wild. 

What was it like during the commotion days? 

Vietnam is full of war reminders.

Now, the freed ones are all out to capture all that was denied.

So we see the city come alive at the Ben Thanh market is filled with the most robust activities of trading. Name any local product and it is found there. The cheap labour here has attracted big names like Zara. Ken and Crocs to establish their bases here. So it is not uncommon to find rejected famous products being sold at a fraction here. Look around carefully and you are bound to get something you like.

Dad said we have had enough of all that was there and refused to allow me to indulge. We are not to buy things to keep aside or worst still to be thrown away. Being the good girl, I kept myself away.

But girl friends will have a whale of a time here.

The locals are not afraid of hard work and even when night has befallen, they do not allow any slothfulness to be the excuse for early retirement. They work while the sun shines and when the sun sets. No sunset.

The local sticky rice is a hit among those who are familiar with it but we kept ourselves away mainly because the cuisine may just cause indigestion to our  bodies. But it was a refreshing eye opener.

Nuts and coffee are within everyone's buy. Cashew nuts, walnuts, almonds and all are abundantly found here though can be pricey. 

Coffee is too strong for us. 

I am still for my Muar 434 coffee.

An almost astonishing discovery was the presence of so many Malaysians mostly from the Malay community gracing the night markets. Vietnamese vendors spoke the Malay language and goods are sold in Ringgit Malaysia !  They recognize Malaysians almost immediately and proudly display jubahs, luggage, cloths, bags and popular merchandise. They sure know how to target us. This also once again exhibit their business acumen; truly Chinese. Their historical connection with Mainland China is undeniable. Many Vietnamese of Chinese origin flocked here in the early years and their cultural impact has been strong ever since.

This is familiar ground. Fruits found here are found in Malaysia; durians. pomelos, dragon fruit, pineapple and water melon. The fruits were good after the many bowls of pho we had during the day time. 

Pho in the morning, afternoon and night; breakfast, lunch and dinner.

We ate and ate like no tomorrow.

Who would dare leave the land without it?

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.

The Last Lap

Tokyo

When people mention the city, we will naturally associate it with heavy traffic buzzing at every nook and corner. There must be large crowds thronging everywhere and it was just satisfying that we have seen the number 1 city of Japan. 

We touched Odaiba, a large artificial island in Tokyo Bay. It was across the Rainbow Bridge in Central Tokyo. The view is mesmerizing and the evening sun at the background added a perfect hue.

The loving couple had to pose in this manner to have the photo taken.
On ordinary times, we do not do that.
So selfie is truly commendable.

 A good night's rest at Tobu Hotel gave us the much needed energy for a long day in the city before we embarked for home. When in Tokyo, this is a routine place; the Asakusa Kannon Temple. Apparently this is the oldest in Tokyo and many come here to ask for favour, protection and prosperity.

Here too is the shopping spot for all. There are hundreds of small stores offering goods of multiple kinds and colours. Just name them. All things Japanese are found in the shops lining the streets around this temple albeit most are traditional products like kimonos.

 This one product surely caught my attention as I remember dad used to carve mice and squirrels out of the brown brushes and we place them as decorative items around the house. The children will remember it well.

 This father and son team are into some craft making and they seem traditional and I am amazed that the son is obedient enough to continue the family trade.

The items are representative of most stalls found here.

Souvenirs, art and craft and the like.

 The Imperial Palace is in the city of Tokyo. The much loved Emperor is revered among the Japanese. We could not go any closer as it was heavily guarded. The moat around the palace is so typical of all palaces as it provides extra security.

We stole a shot here and that's the closest we could manage.

The park to the palace is vast and spacious.

 High rise buildings are seen from afar.

 The well looked after park is so typical of Japan.

To plant is easy, to keep it well maintained is the test of tenacity.

 Our last shopping was in the city of Ginza.

But before that we were at a mall that had that huge robot representing the futuristic trend of the country. In fact, chores and businesses will be taken over by them one day. The trend is towards that. ROBOTIC in every way.

 Ginza is for the rich and famous.

It is to be seen only.

For the affordable ones, this is a shopping haven for the latest and most trendy.

As tourists, the more spendthrift will find their match here.

But what's there to buy that we cannot have back home?

But how can we leave the country without this kitty product for our Emily?

Dad patiently walked around the mall and finally found it for his beloved grand girl.

Yes, it is time to see Emily again.

She is so adorable, isn't she?

With a look at Tokyo, it also meant the end of the Japan tour.

To God we give thanks for the privilege, journey mercies and good company.