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| From Vietnam |
Still called Saigon by the people here, Ho Chi Minh City passes muster. Until I landed here, I didnt know what to expect or even if I would like the country enough to stay. I was purely going on recs of trusted travellers. But I could tell from the first taxi ride, and even just from walking out to the driver, that it would be good. Based on just a few hours obervation, it reminds me of India in some ways, a dusty city full of motorbikes passing by old and new buildings. Unlike India, however, I feel less crowding and see less (almost no) major poverty. In Mumbai you pass so many slums and beggers, but not here (at least not in an obvious way). So a plus on that count. Also, you can see the people are friendly, definitely warmer than people in the other asian countries I have been to on this trip...a trait that westerners would be more used to. Lastly, a special vibe, some energy that seems familiar in other hot-climate cultures. That combined with the natural feeling of relaxation you get from warm weather and the presence of palm trees :) These factors successful negate the stress of the busy city - like the fact that I am sitting at an open air internet cafe only a few feet from a busy street full of honking motorbikes. Yes, I must be charmed.
At 7pm, I am meeting Mario, his girlfriend Kristy and Dmitriy for dinner, our first rendez-vous since arriving today - all on separate flights. Who could have imagined just 3 months ago that I would be flying into Saigon to meet my former Lehman co-workers? C'est bizarre.
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| From Vietnam |
Non! Tres extraordinaire! It's amazing you can be on the other side of the world, a day ahead of us, and give us a blow by blow account of your travels in nearly real time. Saigon, aka HCM City, probably still exhibits the Western influence imposed during its colonial days under the French and the U.S. presence in the 60's. Have fun avec votre amis! Don't know if a Frenchman can understand that but I am confident you can. Bon Chance! Pere
ReplyDeleteYes I always understand our quasi-french :) You would love the history aspect and in fact I am too. I am learning so much. It's been a fun and valuable part of traveling.
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