View from our beachside cafe.
The Lantana Hotel - the coloured lights don't show up.
Riverside. These boats take tourists out after sunset carrying lanters making a beautiful sight.
Saturday 31 March 2018
Friday 30 March 2018
Vietnam - Hoi An Day 2
Yesterday was very relaxing for Bob and me. Ingrid and Elise had booked a cooking class which included going to the market to buy the ingredients and taking a boat ride along the river to a fishing village to try to catch fish for the menu. They were tranferred into the round basket woven curricles and given a fishing pole with a length of line and a hook which was predictably unproductive but fun. They were then taken to a very professional kitchen and put to work. They thoroughly enjoyed themselves and also eating the dishes they prepared.
Meanwhile Bob and I decided to go to the beach. This was just to see the sights rather than to swim and get a tan. The hotel shuttle service drove us out and back as a free service. It was an interesting drive as we had not seen this part of Hoi An before. Enroute we went past a large area of rice paddies and I was amused to see a buffalo lying on his belly close by the road with his owner stretched out along his back having a nap. Of course the camera is never ready when you are driving past but I resolved to watch for them going home. Unlikely as it seemed they were still there when we returned but this time he was carefully helping a young woman onto the buffalo's back. It was a contrived and clever photo opportunity which no doubt earned him handy cash while the rice gets on with growing. I still missed the opportunity because I really didn't expect they would still be there and didn't have the wits to ask our driver to stop.
The beach was a private area precisely defined and hired by the hotel. There were lounges with palm frond shade umbrellas, clean sand, blue water with waves and proprietors who supervised the access and operated a cafe which delivered cold drinks to the beach. Bob checked the water and found it surprisingly cool for the tropics. Apart from that we reclined on the lounges reading our books and watching the other guests. 45 minutes before our 3 hour excursion was up we strolled up to the cafe for lunch which was tasty and cheap. The proprietors came to tell us when the shuttle had come to collect us and we strolled down to be taken back to the hotel as truly pampered tourists.
When Elise and Ingrid returned the female contingent went for our tailoring fittings. Elise's blouse and my slacks fitted perfectly. Mine only needed the button at the waist band to be marked to ensure exact fit. Ingrid's was more complex and required a bit more work but we were assured everything would be ready for us to collect on our way to dinner at 630 and it was.
We enjoyed our meal at the Secret Garden again and strolled home for an early night. This tourist life is quite tiring.
Meanwhile Bob and I decided to go to the beach. This was just to see the sights rather than to swim and get a tan. The hotel shuttle service drove us out and back as a free service. It was an interesting drive as we had not seen this part of Hoi An before. Enroute we went past a large area of rice paddies and I was amused to see a buffalo lying on his belly close by the road with his owner stretched out along his back having a nap. Of course the camera is never ready when you are driving past but I resolved to watch for them going home. Unlikely as it seemed they were still there when we returned but this time he was carefully helping a young woman onto the buffalo's back. It was a contrived and clever photo opportunity which no doubt earned him handy cash while the rice gets on with growing. I still missed the opportunity because I really didn't expect they would still be there and didn't have the wits to ask our driver to stop.
The beach was a private area precisely defined and hired by the hotel. There were lounges with palm frond shade umbrellas, clean sand, blue water with waves and proprietors who supervised the access and operated a cafe which delivered cold drinks to the beach. Bob checked the water and found it surprisingly cool for the tropics. Apart from that we reclined on the lounges reading our books and watching the other guests. 45 minutes before our 3 hour excursion was up we strolled up to the cafe for lunch which was tasty and cheap. The proprietors came to tell us when the shuttle had come to collect us and we strolled down to be taken back to the hotel as truly pampered tourists.
When Elise and Ingrid returned the female contingent went for our tailoring fittings. Elise's blouse and my slacks fitted perfectly. Mine only needed the button at the waist band to be marked to ensure exact fit. Ingrid's was more complex and required a bit more work but we were assured everything would be ready for us to collect on our way to dinner at 630 and it was.
We enjoyed our meal at the Secret Garden again and strolled home for an early night. This tourist life is quite tiring.
Thursday 29 March 2018
Vietnam -Hoi An 29/3
Yesterday we strolled into the Ancient City across one of the three bridges. Much has changed since we were here five years ago. The riverside where our hotel is located was a fairly barren area with just a paved sculpture park hinting at what was planned. Our Latana Hotel did not exist then along with a night market which is inundated with hoards of "day tripper" tourists between 6-00pm and 8-00pm each night. We assume that most of them are coming from the huge resorts 45minutes away in DaNang. Elise and Ingrid ventured into the market while they waited for us to arrive on Wednesday evening but Bob and I have deferred till tonight.
Yesterday we did a couple of walking trips around the Ancient City. The first time was a scouting trip to look at tailors and orient ourselves. Having settled on a tailor (one of several recommended by the Hotel) we parked Bob at the outside table and chairs and began the fun. Elise and I were quite quickly satisfied but I hope Ingrid has kept space in her suitcase for her new wardrobe.
Elise's sharp observation skills found the sign at the entrance to the lane housing The Secret Garden Restaurant which my cousin Robert had highly recommended. We had lunch there and it was so enjoyable that we are going back for dinner tonight.
After a second stroll around the old town in the evening we chose a restaurant close to home for dinner. The town is beautiful at night. The Street of Lanterns has morphed into the Town of Lanterns and so it is very colourful when they are all alight. I will try to take a photo to do it justice tonight. The crowds of course spill out of the night market and fill the streets which means I will have to be focussed in more ways than one to get that photo tonight. The plus is that they all climb into their tourist coaches and go away at 8-00pm sharp.
Yesterday we did a couple of walking trips around the Ancient City. The first time was a scouting trip to look at tailors and orient ourselves. Having settled on a tailor (one of several recommended by the Hotel) we parked Bob at the outside table and chairs and began the fun. Elise and I were quite quickly satisfied but I hope Ingrid has kept space in her suitcase for her new wardrobe.
Elise's sharp observation skills found the sign at the entrance to the lane housing The Secret Garden Restaurant which my cousin Robert had highly recommended. We had lunch there and it was so enjoyable that we are going back for dinner tonight.
After a second stroll around the old town in the evening we chose a restaurant close to home for dinner. The town is beautiful at night. The Street of Lanterns has morphed into the Town of Lanterns and so it is very colourful when they are all alight. I will try to take a photo to do it justice tonight. The crowds of course spill out of the night market and fill the streets which means I will have to be focussed in more ways than one to get that photo tonight. The plus is that they all climb into their tourist coaches and go away at 8-00pm sharp.
Pagoda Photos
Modern mosaic work which was all over the new buildings.
Happy Buddha carved from wood.
Linh Phuoc Pagoda -near Da Lat
After our discovery of the Pagoda per favor of Wendy Woo I decided to search the net to see if I could find out some more information. Thank goodness for the net. It was built between 1949 and 1952 apparently from the design by a 5th Century Buddhist Monk. It features the dragon prominently throughout the decoration. Some of these I noticed in passing and some I captured on camera. This was almost accidental as the site was intensely developed and and quite overwhelming to take in in a 45 minute visit. At first the descriptions on the internet sites were deceptive because they focussed on one building only. Then I discovered that the temple was fully renovated in 1990 by a benefactor and new buildings added. The original temple is covered in mosaic made from broken bottles but the newer buildings seem to use modern ceramics. The dragon statue in the garden, built from bottles didn't rate for my screen shots.
There is now a museum as well with ornately carved and marble and inlaid wooden furnishings. The Bell tower, highest in Asia also displays a stature of the Lady Buddha which is covered in artificial flowers. This is the only Lady Buddha I have seen and I tried hard to capture her in the camera but the light was all wrong and she is hiding. There are also many statues of the Laughing Buddha which are more modern I think.
I will put the photos on a separate post.
There is now a museum as well with ornately carved and marble and inlaid wooden furnishings. The Bell tower, highest in Asia also displays a stature of the Lady Buddha which is covered in artificial flowers. This is the only Lady Buddha I have seen and I tried hard to capture her in the camera but the light was all wrong and she is hiding. There are also many statues of the Laughing Buddha which are more modern I think.
I will put the photos on a separate post.
Wednesday 28 March 2018
The Crazy House and Trai Mat Temple
Da Lat March 28
We planned our extra morning in Da Lat with the aid of the "Lonely Planet Vietnam" guide that I had downloaded on my tablet. Wonderful how technology and the WA library system can make travelling easier. With the advice of our very helpful hostess who had generously given us a 2pm checkout time we set off for the Railway Station. There one of those serendipitous moments occurred. As we arrived the local tourist train was about to leave for it's 30 minute trundle up to the nearby vlllage. I forgot to check the name, I will have to put it in the photo collection.
We scrambled to get tickets and were ushered aboard. There were three of the original French era carriages: 1st Class, Soft seat Benches and Hard Seat Benches. We were in the middle. Our experience with hard seats in Myanmar never forgotten.
As we left the fringe of the city the market gardens and the green houses began. Every inch of ground seemed to be planted or covered with plastic sheds. Along the edge of the railway track edible bits and pieces were growing. We had been encouraged to try a dish of Morning Glory at the restaurant the previous evening and yes it is the same purple flowered vine that grows at home. It is rampant here as well and although it was definitely edible we won't list it as a favourite vegetable.
We struck up a conversation with a fellow Aussie on the train who is from Tassie. He told us he was on a Wendy Woo tour and his companions were in the hard seat carriage. As we left the train for the one hour stop over we saw them being led up the street by their guide. After photographing the train we ambled after them and discovered an amazing temple complex and museum down a side street. The buildings must have been developed over many many years as the ornamentation and complexity were amazing. We happily browsed for the time available and then rode the train back to town. A taxi back to the Central market allowed me to post my aunt a card and then we headed to the Crazy House. This is the creation of an architect who is also the daughter of a former political leader. She has the position and power to carry it off. It is a work in progress and is constantly growing. The construction must really challenge to builders. One photo of the Ocean Room was included in my hastily posted and undecribed photos just before we left for the airport to fly to Da Nang. The arial walkways are almost intimidating and it is difficult to work out where they will lead you. But at the heart of the house are small ensuite bedrooms where you can stay and a very comfortable living, relaxing area.
We then taxied back to our accommodation and walked up to the nearby bakery to buy "bah minh" which are delicious crunchy baguette rolls filled with meat, salads and herbs. We couldn't inquire too specifically due to language limitations as to what the meat was but it looked fairly typical cold meat so we took it on trust. We sat in the entry porch of our Homestay to eat watched by our hostesses hopeful dog. There was just time to do some last minute emailing then it was off to the airport for the flight to Da Nang. The plane was late arriving and we thought we would be very delayed but after an amazingly quick 15 minute turn around we were taxiing down the runway. From Da Nang we were colllected by our Hoi An hotel transport and then met up with Ingrid and Elise. They had arrived at 10-30 am so had had time to catch up on some sleep and do some exploration. We caught up while Bob and I ate a late dinner then it was early to bed.
We scrambled to get tickets and were ushered aboard. There were three of the original French era carriages: 1st Class, Soft seat Benches and Hard Seat Benches. We were in the middle. Our experience with hard seats in Myanmar never forgotten.
As we left the fringe of the city the market gardens and the green houses began. Every inch of ground seemed to be planted or covered with plastic sheds. Along the edge of the railway track edible bits and pieces were growing. We had been encouraged to try a dish of Morning Glory at the restaurant the previous evening and yes it is the same purple flowered vine that grows at home. It is rampant here as well and although it was definitely edible we won't list it as a favourite vegetable.
We struck up a conversation with a fellow Aussie on the train who is from Tassie. He told us he was on a Wendy Woo tour and his companions were in the hard seat carriage. As we left the train for the one hour stop over we saw them being led up the street by their guide. After photographing the train we ambled after them and discovered an amazing temple complex and museum down a side street. The buildings must have been developed over many many years as the ornamentation and complexity were amazing. We happily browsed for the time available and then rode the train back to town. A taxi back to the Central market allowed me to post my aunt a card and then we headed to the Crazy House. This is the creation of an architect who is also the daughter of a former political leader. She has the position and power to carry it off. It is a work in progress and is constantly growing. The construction must really challenge to builders. One photo of the Ocean Room was included in my hastily posted and undecribed photos just before we left for the airport to fly to Da Nang. The arial walkways are almost intimidating and it is difficult to work out where they will lead you. But at the heart of the house are small ensuite bedrooms where you can stay and a very comfortable living, relaxing area.
We then taxied back to our accommodation and walked up to the nearby bakery to buy "bah minh" which are delicious crunchy baguette rolls filled with meat, salads and herbs. We couldn't inquire too specifically due to language limitations as to what the meat was but it looked fairly typical cold meat so we took it on trust. We sat in the entry porch of our Homestay to eat watched by our hostesses hopeful dog. There was just time to do some last minute emailing then it was off to the airport for the flight to Da Nang. The plane was late arriving and we thought we would be very delayed but after an amazingly quick 15 minute turn around we were taxiing down the runway. From Da Nang we were colllected by our Hoi An hotel transport and then met up with Ingrid and Elise. They had arrived at 10-30 am so had had time to catch up on some sleep and do some exploration. We caught up while Bob and I ate a late dinner then it was early to bed.
Photos from Da Lat 27/28 March
Tuesday 27 March 2018
Da Lat Tuesday 27th March
Well the bus trip was uneventful but the bus itself was a bit unexpected. We were travelling with Futa Bus which is the bigest busline in Vietnam. Surprise one was that they transport door to door. We were collected from our hotel in Nha Trang and delivered by mini bus to our hotel in Da Lat. Surprise number two was that all their long distance buses are now sleeper buses. These have seats which reclise almost horizontally and are full length as long as you are less than six feet tall. It also helps if you have small Vietnamese size feet as there is a sort of foot locker and I had to tip my feet sideways. We had to take our shoes off to board the bus but when we stopped for lunch the restaurant had a basket of thongs placed at the door of the bus so you didn't have to struggle in to shoes. I should memtion that the seats/beds were in three rows with aisles between and two decks high. Bob and I were on the lower deck and it was not an elegant proposition to get out. Having said all that they were quite comfortable and the windows were designed to give a good view of the passing scene. If fact because I was in the middle row my view forward through the windsreen was too good at times. The bus was half an hour late leaving because there were lots of hotels to pick up from. The road into the mountains was full of hairpin bends but the driver was intent on arriving at the scheduled time. Fortunately Bob had commented when we stopped for lunch that the driver was very good. At one particlular moment I was convinced the we were going to head on. The bus came up on a steam roller occupying our side of the road and pulled out to overtake despite a small car oncoming. Thankfully the rule of "might has right"prevailed and the car stopped, giving way.
Da Lat has proved to be as beautiful as we had been told. Spring is springing here and there are flowers everywhere. The French Colonial mansions have been retained and maintained and there is a lot of them. During the "American War" both sides recognised the beauty of the town and it was embargoed from attack. This morning Bob and I went on a local tour bus to see the sights as this was the most efficient way to spend our one day. We were the only foreiners apart from one young man from the Phillipines. A first we were objects if great interest especially to the eighty year old gent in the seat in front. He subjected us to repeated scrutiny but after we visited the Palace and took his photo in dress up regalia we were mates. We visited the King's Summer Palace, the Catholic Cathedral where a soon to be bride and groom were having a photo shoot. Weddings are only held on Fridays and Sundays and the Cathedral is only open on Sundays.
We then visited a flower business which seemed to manage mainly "flowers for ever" (ie artificial) but also had beautiful grounds, then a coffee retailer where I bought some preserved mulberries which are yummy. Lunch was a bit too traditional Vietnamese for us to really enjoy but Bob bravely ate the unidentifiable seafood in his soup which was meant to be prawns. We decided afterwards that it was probably unskinned squid. My ginger chicken came as small chunks of mostly bone with a sliver of flesh left after i had removed the skin, which was a struggle. The spinach in Bob's soup was delicious and we had enough for lunch. Thereafter we visited a Buddist Pergoda with lots of Buddhas and beautiful gardens, a waterfall and a meditation monastery, again with beautiful gardens. We arranged to leave the tour in the central town area thinking this would be our only opportunity to photograph the lake whiich is the focus of the city. This we managed but arrived back at out hotel to discover that our flight to meet up with the girls has been rescheduled from 12-30 to 17-30. So now we have to to rethink how we spend tomorrow.
I haven't mentioned our accommodation here as yet. We are staying in a Homestay which is very central and very cheap. Our superior room has all the comforts of home and the young woman who manages tbe place on behalf of the owner is incredibly obliging and efficient. What's more we had our first decent cup of coffee with breakfast this morning.
Da Lat has proved to be as beautiful as we had been told. Spring is springing here and there are flowers everywhere. The French Colonial mansions have been retained and maintained and there is a lot of them. During the "American War" both sides recognised the beauty of the town and it was embargoed from attack. This morning Bob and I went on a local tour bus to see the sights as this was the most efficient way to spend our one day. We were the only foreiners apart from one young man from the Phillipines. A first we were objects if great interest especially to the eighty year old gent in the seat in front. He subjected us to repeated scrutiny but after we visited the Palace and took his photo in dress up regalia we were mates. We visited the King's Summer Palace, the Catholic Cathedral where a soon to be bride and groom were having a photo shoot. Weddings are only held on Fridays and Sundays and the Cathedral is only open on Sundays.
We then visited a flower business which seemed to manage mainly "flowers for ever" (ie artificial) but also had beautiful grounds, then a coffee retailer where I bought some preserved mulberries which are yummy. Lunch was a bit too traditional Vietnamese for us to really enjoy but Bob bravely ate the unidentifiable seafood in his soup which was meant to be prawns. We decided afterwards that it was probably unskinned squid. My ginger chicken came as small chunks of mostly bone with a sliver of flesh left after i had removed the skin, which was a struggle. The spinach in Bob's soup was delicious and we had enough for lunch. Thereafter we visited a Buddist Pergoda with lots of Buddhas and beautiful gardens, a waterfall and a meditation monastery, again with beautiful gardens. We arranged to leave the tour in the central town area thinking this would be our only opportunity to photograph the lake whiich is the focus of the city. This we managed but arrived back at out hotel to discover that our flight to meet up with the girls has been rescheduled from 12-30 to 17-30. So now we have to to rethink how we spend tomorrow.
I haven't mentioned our accommodation here as yet. We are staying in a Homestay which is very central and very cheap. Our superior room has all the comforts of home and the young woman who manages tbe place on behalf of the owner is incredibly obliging and efficient. What's more we had our first decent cup of coffee with breakfast this morning.
Sunday 25 March 2018
Views from the train
From the railway bridge.
Dragon fruit plants which are trainer up concrete pillars.
Harvested rice stubble with dragon fruit in the background.
Rice paddies.
Sunday 25th Hotel Galliot, Nha Trang
We were up early because even though we had packed up the evening before we needed to have breakfast and be away by eight o'clock. This was our long train trip from Saigon to Nha Trang, 7.5 hours. We arrived earlier than the stipulated 30 minutes prior to departure and struck up a conversation with a couple from Sydney. Retirees like us but he was a real train buff who enjoyed talking about train trips they had made. Bob had booked a "soft sleeper" for us figuring that on such a long trip it would be good to be able to stretch out. This still was incredibly cheap. The carriage was new and clean and we had the lower bunks. There was clean linen including a pillow and a duvet which was good because the aircon was very efficient. Shortly we found that the upper bunks would be occupied by a young Vietnamese family. The couple had a little girl of 3 or 4 and a baby. We didn't hear the little girl make a peep the whole day. She was very shy and I know she slept most of the trip. The baby only wailed for food and it was very peaceful. The parents didn't speak any English but we had some conversation with sign language.
We had stocked up with some fruit and snacks as we didn't know what food would be available but to our surprise a basic meal was delivered to our room. Boiled rice with some small pieces of chicken, cabbage and fruit. This was enough to keep the worms happy. I tasted Bob's share of the unkown fruit but didn't like it and handed mine up to our upstairs conpanions.
The train arrived on time and our taxi delivered us to our Hotel which is very comfortable. We took a walk to the mini mart, one of about 6 nearby. To our delight we discovered fresh milk, product of Da Lat which is our next destination. Nha Trang is a popular seaside town and we went to look at the beach after shopping.
Our dinner restaurant was selected by the einee meenie process from the many options and the food was very good. The restaurant was very busy and the waitresses were young and inefficient in the main. We watched bemused as they ran around in circles and were on the point of leaving when the one efficient one spotted our annoyance a detailed off a server. Fortunately the food made up for the choas and it was interesting to watch.
We had stocked up with some fruit and snacks as we didn't know what food would be available but to our surprise a basic meal was delivered to our room. Boiled rice with some small pieces of chicken, cabbage and fruit. This was enough to keep the worms happy. I tasted Bob's share of the unkown fruit but didn't like it and handed mine up to our upstairs conpanions.
The train arrived on time and our taxi delivered us to our Hotel which is very comfortable. We took a walk to the mini mart, one of about 6 nearby. To our delight we discovered fresh milk, product of Da Lat which is our next destination. Nha Trang is a popular seaside town and we went to look at the beach after shopping.
Our dinner restaurant was selected by the einee meenie process from the many options and the food was very good. The restaurant was very busy and the waitresses were young and inefficient in the main. We watched bemused as they ran around in circles and were on the point of leaving when the one efficient one spotted our annoyance a detailed off a server. Fortunately the food made up for the choas and it was interesting to watch.
Photos from Saturday
Scenes from the Park
Fine Arts Building
I forgot to mention that the courtyard area was full of children engaged in artistic endeavours.
Saigon Saturday 24th
We went a bit more slowly on Saturday. This was partly because the walking on Friday had antagonised the bursitis Bob has developed on his right knee. We started with a gentle stroll through the 10 hectare Park just near our hotel. The write up we had seen indicated that we would not only enjoy the trees and open space but see the locals taking their exercise. What we hadn't realised was that because it was Saturday the park was a mecca for families having breakfast at small cafes around the fringes. It was very social and the children running around increased the vibrancy. We also saw a wedding party which had attracted a flotilla of photographers and a young model being captured on the surrounds of a beautiful lilly pond (photographically).
There were young men playing foot badminton, children on roller skates, people doing ti chi, and some like us just strolling and taking in the scene.
From there we walked to the Fine Arts Museaum. This is located in 3 buildings from the French Colonial ere so was worthwhile in itself. The art ranged from traditional lacquer paintings through to modern impressionist and some excellant bronze sculptures depicting head and shoulders of women from different ethnic groups. There was a lot of space given to depictions of war scenes and although the skill was unquestionable we were quite pleased to move on to the more modern works. Some we walked past quite quickly but some was either beauitiful or striking. Unfortunately after climbing up to the third floor I came over dizzy and felt faintly nauseated thereafter so I didn't take as much interest afterwards. I moved from bench to bench and viewed from a sitting position. There was a very nice Special Exibition in one gallery with the hopeful Artist sitting with his paintings. I think perhaps Bob was contemplating the possibility of purchasing one but the logistics were just too difficult.
Due to my wobbly condition we went back to the hotel by taxi and I took some electrolyte drink and had a rest. This seemed to solve the problem so we went to a nearby restaurant for lunch. This little restaurant was quite close but tucked away up a nearby laneway and we had almost given up trying to work out how to get there. It serves only a five course set menu but fortunately the serves are small and we came away satisfied but not stuffed.
After another horizontal rest we ventured out for dinner. This time we took a taxi over to a busier area to a large restarant recommended by our receptionist. Being Saturday night the traffic was bumper to bumper and the trip was slow. As well our driver knew the street but not the restaurant. It was a long street and the numbers on opposite sides didn't match. Unfortunately our helpful receptionist was one digit out giving us the number which had us looking on the wrong uneven number side of the street. The frustrated driver ended up at the right number but the wrong place. We gave up at this point having realised the problem and walked back which required two death defying street crossings and at least half a kilometre. The meal and the people watching was good so we enjoyed the restaurant which rounded off the day.
There were young men playing foot badminton, children on roller skates, people doing ti chi, and some like us just strolling and taking in the scene.
From there we walked to the Fine Arts Museaum. This is located in 3 buildings from the French Colonial ere so was worthwhile in itself. The art ranged from traditional lacquer paintings through to modern impressionist and some excellant bronze sculptures depicting head and shoulders of women from different ethnic groups. There was a lot of space given to depictions of war scenes and although the skill was unquestionable we were quite pleased to move on to the more modern works. Some we walked past quite quickly but some was either beauitiful or striking. Unfortunately after climbing up to the third floor I came over dizzy and felt faintly nauseated thereafter so I didn't take as much interest afterwards. I moved from bench to bench and viewed from a sitting position. There was a very nice Special Exibition in one gallery with the hopeful Artist sitting with his paintings. I think perhaps Bob was contemplating the possibility of purchasing one but the logistics were just too difficult.
Due to my wobbly condition we went back to the hotel by taxi and I took some electrolyte drink and had a rest. This seemed to solve the problem so we went to a nearby restaurant for lunch. This little restaurant was quite close but tucked away up a nearby laneway and we had almost given up trying to work out how to get there. It serves only a five course set menu but fortunately the serves are small and we came away satisfied but not stuffed.
After another horizontal rest we ventured out for dinner. This time we took a taxi over to a busier area to a large restarant recommended by our receptionist. Being Saturday night the traffic was bumper to bumper and the trip was slow. As well our driver knew the street but not the restaurant. It was a long street and the numbers on opposite sides didn't match. Unfortunately our helpful receptionist was one digit out giving us the number which had us looking on the wrong uneven number side of the street. The frustrated driver ended up at the right number but the wrong place. We gave up at this point having realised the problem and walked back which required two death defying street crossings and at least half a kilometre. The meal and the people watching was good so we enjoyed the restaurant which rounded off the day.
Friday 23 March 2018
Photo from the Street Walk
Notre Dame Cathedral with scaffolding.
HCMCity Sat 24th March
Having looked at the available recommended tours we noted that most of them were motorbike tours around the city due to their ability to cope with the traffic congestion.. Having looked at the number of motorbikes and the traffic we decided to walk. We spent the morning following the walking tour mapped out in the Lonely Planet which took in most of the significant places and streets in the central city area.
First stop was the main market which was handy because I needed a hat having decided that it was easier to buy than pack. I found a very attractive, wide brimmed locally made woven bamboo one and negotiated a price while Bob was looking at shoes. Unfortunately I had neglected to extract some Vietnamese Dong from him so when he returned we had a fierce discussion when he decided that I had paid too much. He did part with the necessary money at my insistance. He was very lucky later that I said nothing when he decided that the sneakers he had bought were copies and showing signs of wear after our mornings perambulations.
From there we walked to a street which was almost entirely shops of antiques. It was magically almost completely free of traffic, The houses were older style and well maintained so there is obviously money in antiques. It was a lovely refuge from the nearby frantic traffic and we sauntered along looking at the displays even though the items were of no relevance to us.
The following set of directions brought us closer to the river and gave us views of some of the business district. We stopped for a while by the Saigon River to watch the river traffic and a very smart newish ferry. Around the next corner was Dong Khoi street which was known as Rue Catinat in the French era and is the class street of the city. It contains all of the top hotels; The Magestic, the Caravelle and the Continental . Along with these are restaurants such as Maxims and the expensive boutiques. It was a beautiful street made attractive because it wasn't particularly wide and was tree lined as well as having well cared for buildings.
Thereafter came the Opera House, the People's Committee Building (massive old rajhe) , the Notre Dame Cathedral( under renovation), the Central Post Office, the Concert Hall and the Reunification Palace. Apart from the Post Office we admired from the outside. Hoever we then came upon the Diamond Department Store and just had to have a look at where the rich people shop. It had the usual items expected in a department store but also had a food hall and a small supermarket. I did price my favourite cosmetics but decided that the price saving didn't warrent carrying them for the rest of the trip. This brought us to the far end of the street with our hotel and we ambled home to airconditioning and a rest.
In the evening we followed directions to a street food van not far from our hotel which is recommended by all the travel guides. A family team make pork bah minh which is a crisp roll stuffed with minced pork patties BBQ'ed over charcoal, and local herbs and cucumber. Normally I wouldn't risk a street van but this was so well written up and no one had reported after affects so we joined the queue. It was delicious and we only needed a very small meal later.
Early to bed for a good nights sleep.
First stop was the main market which was handy because I needed a hat having decided that it was easier to buy than pack. I found a very attractive, wide brimmed locally made woven bamboo one and negotiated a price while Bob was looking at shoes. Unfortunately I had neglected to extract some Vietnamese Dong from him so when he returned we had a fierce discussion when he decided that I had paid too much. He did part with the necessary money at my insistance. He was very lucky later that I said nothing when he decided that the sneakers he had bought were copies and showing signs of wear after our mornings perambulations.
From there we walked to a street which was almost entirely shops of antiques. It was magically almost completely free of traffic, The houses were older style and well maintained so there is obviously money in antiques. It was a lovely refuge from the nearby frantic traffic and we sauntered along looking at the displays even though the items were of no relevance to us.
The following set of directions brought us closer to the river and gave us views of some of the business district. We stopped for a while by the Saigon River to watch the river traffic and a very smart newish ferry. Around the next corner was Dong Khoi street which was known as Rue Catinat in the French era and is the class street of the city. It contains all of the top hotels; The Magestic, the Caravelle and the Continental . Along with these are restaurants such as Maxims and the expensive boutiques. It was a beautiful street made attractive because it wasn't particularly wide and was tree lined as well as having well cared for buildings.
Thereafter came the Opera House, the People's Committee Building (massive old rajhe) , the Notre Dame Cathedral( under renovation), the Central Post Office, the Concert Hall and the Reunification Palace. Apart from the Post Office we admired from the outside. Hoever we then came upon the Diamond Department Store and just had to have a look at where the rich people shop. It had the usual items expected in a department store but also had a food hall and a small supermarket. I did price my favourite cosmetics but decided that the price saving didn't warrent carrying them for the rest of the trip. This brought us to the far end of the street with our hotel and we ambled home to airconditioning and a rest.
In the evening we followed directions to a street food van not far from our hotel which is recommended by all the travel guides. A family team make pork bah minh which is a crisp roll stuffed with minced pork patties BBQ'ed over charcoal, and local herbs and cucumber. Normally I wouldn't risk a street van but this was so well written up and no one had reported after affects so we joined the queue. It was delicious and we only needed a very small meal later.
Early to bed for a good nights sleep.
Thursday 22 March 2018
Vietnam March 2018- Ho Chi Minh City
Day 1. Our flight departed at 1am so it has been a very long day. However it was mitigated by the fact that Singapore Airlines sprang a surprise at check in time. They "selected " us from the queue, along with possibly some others, to offer to upgrade us to Business Class at a 60% discount on the gap fare. We looked at each other and then Bob took the plunge and said yes. He can't sleep in airline seats because he refuses my solution of taking a sedative so the thought of being able to lie flat was too attractive to resist. The flight wasn't long enough as a result but at least we had four hours of sound sleep after our glass of French champagne.
Saigon airport has a new terminal since we were here five years ago and they had plenty of staff checking passports so we were out at the taxi rank within 30-40 minutes even though we arrived just behind at least one other large flight. The taxi ride to the hotel was a different story. The taxi was modern and the driver was competent but the traffic was horrendous. Just as we were about to puĺl away the taxi contoller pushed another passenger into our cab presumably because his hotel was near ours and the airport was frantic. The road was worse and the police blocked our driver from taking his prefered route because it was "log jammed". We then went round and round the mulberry bush, or so it seemed and it took us over an hour to reach the hotel. Fortunately our fellow passenger was interested in a chat and helped to pass the time. He is a Fenchman who has lived and worked in Singapore for many years for a consultancy company. He spends most of his time flying between Singapore and nearby SE Asian countries to attend meetings. He loves Singapore and has made his home there with a wife and young son.
Our hotel is comfortable and we have had a shower and been to the local supermarket for milk, water and beer so we are off to a good start. Hopefully we will get to explore further tomorrow after a decent sleep.
Saigon airport has a new terminal since we were here five years ago and they had plenty of staff checking passports so we were out at the taxi rank within 30-40 minutes even though we arrived just behind at least one other large flight. The taxi ride to the hotel was a different story. The taxi was modern and the driver was competent but the traffic was horrendous. Just as we were about to puĺl away the taxi contoller pushed another passenger into our cab presumably because his hotel was near ours and the airport was frantic. The road was worse and the police blocked our driver from taking his prefered route because it was "log jammed". We then went round and round the mulberry bush, or so it seemed and it took us over an hour to reach the hotel. Fortunately our fellow passenger was interested in a chat and helped to pass the time. He is a Fenchman who has lived and worked in Singapore for many years for a consultancy company. He spends most of his time flying between Singapore and nearby SE Asian countries to attend meetings. He loves Singapore and has made his home there with a wife and young son.
Our hotel is comfortable and we have had a shower and been to the local supermarket for milk, water and beer so we are off to a good start. Hopefully we will get to explore further tomorrow after a decent sleep.
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