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.

Mount Fuji

En route to the coveted spot of Mt Fuji after the wasabi experience, we put a night at Matsumoto.

In Matsumoto, we were introduced to the oldest castle in the prefecture of Yamanashi. Well, to me it is so alike the castles in Korea as they are neighbours and carry architecture similar to each other.

With a moat around it, the castle is the most visited spot for tourists I guess but the hot afternoon with its strong breeze took a toll on my umbrella. It overturned and I lost it ! This is what I remembered of the town.

The evening though was quite authentic as we got to experience to dress ourselves in their different forms of kimono known as montsuki? It was truly a chance of a lifetime to be in them. They were placed at the hotel we stayed for the night.

The futon bed together with the tatami mat was a final touch to our Japanese experience. But I am afraid that I have to confess that it was not altogether comfortable as getting up in the night to ease was a challenge. Given a choice, I would still go for the conventional bed. But nevertheless an experience I would hate to miss.

The Japanese Koi was a friendly lot; at least they like dad. He loves the species and has never stayed in a house without them. Yes, dad must have fishes wherever he puts up a home. So, it was a mutual affection.

This was the group that travelled together throughout the 8 days. All 29 of us come from all sorts of background but there were at least 3 teachers among us. Most travelled as families taking the Hari Raya break reason to be together. It was nostalgic as I recalled the days when dad and I travelled with our girls. Now it is getting extremely challenging to make a trip together. Truly challenging.

We dressed to the night for the group shot; didn't we?

We jolly well sleep well.

For the next day we went up the most talked about place in Japan.

Mount Fuji is graced by different levels according to heights.

Many have scaled it but never try to venture it alone.

Clement told us that an Ipoh young student lost himself and his remains to be found only many years later to the agony of his parents.

Yes, thank you dear God for a chance to be photographed with Mount Fuji behind us. It was easy to teach it as a subject in Geography but altogether different to touch its soil. It was hot but cool at the same time.

Dad took a panoramic shot and yes a shot to be etched in our memories. I am glad I can record all the experiences for us to recall in our older days.

 It was unforgettable .

Some are even more adventurous as they put up nights at the site; to explore in greater details. So, it is not surprising that hotels are available for rent and stay.

It is not cheap though as the products sold at the souvenir shops were hiked up in price. Truly to capture the tourists.

Horses are here for rent too. We saw many hikers ready for the climb and there were guides willing to help them make the climb.

Here, tourists of all nations are seen.

Many came for the highest mountain in Japan and see its beauty.

If you ever have a chance to be here, this is the first spot that will greet you.

Very touristy and cheerful.

In our 60s, we look forward to more experiences that will add enrichment and rest for ourselves. When children cannot travel where we go, we still hope we can make a good trip with them someday too.

 Mount Fuji was a great maiden visit.

After Mt Fuji, it will soon be time to go home.