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The minibus to the border wasn't quite what I or the others has been expecting. Unlike the big organized buses I'd previously taken across Cambodia, we were squished into a minibus that spat exhaust back at us. But rather than deal with another delay into Vietnam, we grumbled and accepted. Should have grumbled a little louder once at the border, as I was duped out of $1 which I later found out was a custom official pocket liner. At least it was a small amount!

Vietnam Action

Coffeecat
2005-12-24 18:53:07

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The minibus to the border wasn't quite what I or the others has been expecting. Unlike the big organized buses I'd previously taken across Cambodia, we were squished into a minibus that spat exhaust back at us. But rather than deal with another delay into Vietnam, we grumbled and accepted. Should have grumbled a little louder once at the border, as I was duped out of $1 which I later found out was a custom official pocket liner. At least it was a small amount!

We had a chance to leave our luggage at the tour company in Saigon in order to look around for a decent hotel. Is it Saigon or Ho Chi Minh City? Officially, and on any map it's HCMC, but in day to day conversation it is still lovingly called Saigon. Having changed the city's name back in 1976 when Vietnam finally unified, Ho Chi Minh was the most respected leader of Vietnamese independance, and a suitable name that will eventually stick on the end of everyone's tongue.

Within a few minutes of walking through the streets of this city my eardrums were quivering with horns, beeps, toots and blaring sirens just letting me know that they're going to a second. "Okay okay okay!" It's a learning curve in the correct procedure of crossing the street, but certainly managable with a pounding heart beat. As 20 people per day die in a motorcycle accident, it's wise to keep your eyes open and head turning. Hester and I circled our way through the streets to find the Reunification Palace. It was more of a place to just walk by although the surrounding park was pleasant. Having been built in 1966 to serve as South Vietnam's presidential palace, it was then taken over in 1975 by communist tanks that rolled in and took over Saigon. A few blocks away we found Notre Dame which I found rather amusing. The sight of Mary surrounded with neon lights in front of the beautiful stained glass windows sparked some interesting conversation ...