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, 25 March 2018
Views from the train
From the railway bridge.Harvested rice stubble with dragon fruit in the background.
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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