A Day at the Beach.. or maybe not

Well, we missed the boat - literally. Got down to the pier in plenty of time to catch the 9am boat only to find out that it was leaving at 10am and that the only boat available to take back to make it worth our while left the beach at 4:30 - a bit late since the trip would take close to 2 hours.  We went for plan B. We would have to figure out a way to go tomorrow. Only we have to be back in time to meet the group for dinner. Not sure ho doable it will be.

Plan B was cooked up at about 2am when we both were wide awake - still adjusting to time zone mania. We chose what tourist stuff we still needed to see and then use Google maps to plot a circle from our hotel.  When the beach plan died, we headed back to the hotel to print out Plan B. We needed to get a USB thumb drive to put it on - so just like with the screwdriver - it took a couple of stores and some friendly folks to finally find what we needed. 

With maps, directions, and gps in hand (plus we brought lunch with us also), we headed out on foot to Site number 1: The History Museum.  However, on the way there, we stopped into a "Made in Vietnam" clothing market and I bought a couple of very lightweight capris - very comfortable and very cheap. Right before the History Museum we passed the War Remnants Museum. We made another detour to poke around their grounds. More US tanks and shot down war planes. This is turning into a very popular theme for lawn ornaments. Finally made it into the History Museum, which is housed in an old pagoda. It was quick because they close down for afternoon lunch. Across the way another pagoda type building which was built as a  WWI French Memorial. Took a peak inside before heading to our next site.


From here we headed to the Jade Emperor Pagoda.

One of the most interesting pagodas in Vietnam, the Emperor Jade is filled with smoky incense and fantastic carved figurines. It was built by the Cantonese community around the turn of the 20th century and is still buzzing with worshipers, many lounging in the front gardens. Take a moment to look at the elaborate statuary on the pagoda's roof. The dominant figure in the main hall is the Jade Emperor himself; referred to as the "god of the heavens," the emperor decides who will enter and who will be refused. He looks an awful lot like Confucius, only meaner. In an anteroom to the left, you'll find Kim Hua, a goddess of fertility, and the King of Hell in another corner with his minions, who undoubtedly gets those the Jade Emperor rejects. It's spooky.

The place was packed with mostly locals praying. We really didn't see too many tourists. Incense just fills the air outside and inside.

Next stop was Independence Palace. Along the way,we ran into a street entertainment group. Very colorful group of guys. They do a bit of everything including managing the large dragons on parade day. It was getting to be lunch time. We needed a place to sit - that wasn't in the street - and also needed use of facilities. Lo and behold a McDonald's. I have to admit that Mac's comes in very handy while traveling in foreign countries.  You can always rely on good climate control and clean bathrooms. We ordered a couple of drinks and some fries, and went upstairs and ate our own sandwiches.  With some nourishment in us, we were able to make it down to the Palace. This is either called the Reunification Palace or Independence Palace. Take your pick. It is a modern design from the 60's - which reminded us of our Palm Springs tour. We toured around and shot some pix.

Post Office

On the way back to the hotel, we ran into the Notre Dame Cathedral. Walked past that into a wonderful old post office. The building had the effect of a train station, only it sold stamps. It also housed many gift shops. Picked up a few postcards and stamps while there.  

We were in search of a pool, so we popped into the Caravelle Hotel. Tres grand. Went up to the 7th floor pool and was told that they did have a day rate of about $30 each. This did include use of all the facilities - sauna, steam, gym, etc. This sounded like a better alternative than trying to make it all the way out to the beach. The place was deserted and we were pretty much finished with sightseeing and all the noise anyway.  We kept that in mind and decided to see if the Sheraton had the same deal. Their's was better - even cheaper! $35 for the two of us! Same stuff even a cafe and bar.  Plus it is just a few blocks from our hotel. It is also going to be a whole lot warmer tomorrow - somewhere in the mid 90's. It should feel good to just hang out and chill for a day.

the barber of Saigon

All in all, we wound up having a great day and didn't even get hit by a scooter! We passed some very interesting folks along the way: the barber, the key maker. We bought a sugar cane drink that was out of this world. In the past two days, we covered an awful lot of territory and experienced it all: the sights, sounds, and smells that make up Ho Chi Minh City. 

It is nap time before going out to dinner.

Just got back from Cuc Gach Quan which was recommended by the couple from San Diego that we met at last night's dinner. A $2 taxi ride to a part of the city we haven't seen yet brings you in front of this non-assuming door which opens up to the restaurant that goes on for days. The restaurant is housed in an old colonial French building - an old country style house. The food was outstanding. The waiter guides you through the menu and helps put a meal together that is right for you. We had the soft shelled crabs, eggplant with onions in fish sauce, and home made tofu with mushrooms in this sauce that was amazing.  We chatted with a couple from Portugal who were touring and on their last city before going home to Lisbon.  They told us not to miss Cambodia. Looks like we will have to come back to Southeast Asia.  We had a wonderful time this evening.  And, although it was tough getting up, it was well worth the effort. A must if you ever find yourself in HCMC.

The lights of Tet 2015

Next time:  Keeping cool in the pool....