Hello Saigon….

5 AM alarm buzzed and it was time to go!

Our driver awaits, such nice people, he is quiet and polite. We drive to the airport with his Vietnamese disco like music playing tunes on the radio. The pink ball of the Sunrise is in the distance over the river as we go over the bridge to exit(Loi Ra) Hoi An. The pink ball followed us all the way to the airport passed rice fields, a gorgeous view of Marble Mountain and all the high rise fancy hotels being built around Da Nang. 

We arrived to airport, checkin as our seats for this flight were not able to be selected until check in. As we approach together they weigh our carry on suitcases, I apparently packed more in mine and am over the limit, mine weighs 14 kg, while Rach is 11.7 kg. I have to check my case, this gives me a bit of anxiety from past bad experience lol 🙂 Rach says its fine. I recall the fact that I have rainbows 🌈 following me around and let go, trust the universe, all will be ok. Look back at the photo I posted yesterday that R took of me…..its crazy lighting or as I like to believe, higher powers with meaning. We have fellow travelers along for the ride in Vietnam protecting us. Anyways……the counter lady assigned our seats. Another mini Audrey/mommy moment as I like things the way I like them and am a girl who has needs. After seat assignment I said “ oh i need an aisle” the lady is like oh its further back, cant sit together. My aisle is important to me……rach got a window, lady says is Exit Row ok? Absolutely- jackpot, extra leg room- Im very happy. 

We proceed to gate, amazing facts, no one cares about liquid here, you can take water through security. We have now boarded plane, my luxurious row where I can do leg stretches, cant even reach the seat in front of me if I try. Rach would have had 2 men crowding her in, no thank you! She decides she will take window next to me until kicked out….once passenger approaches, she points to her assigned seat and the nice gal follows directions. We are settled in to these spacious seats, laughing that WE are in charge of the plane, g-d forbid it goes down, us next to this big EXIT door. Ha ha ha

Saigon/Ho Chi Minh City….
We are greeted by the hotel driver, Tuan. He speaks great english and is a perfect greeter to a brand new City. I learn he is a Capricorn, had worked on a cruise ship for 1 yr, yes I let him know I lasted in that job for 1 week, lol….he had worked in hospitality in Dubai as well but is back to his homeland. We arrived at our new home for 1 night. Its spectacular!! Has a very french vibe, totally comfortable and classy. Very dollhouse like with a complimentary tea in the afternoons. The whole place looks like a tea room with fancy china and pretty light colors for ambiance. Room wasn’t ready yet so we ventured out to find lunch, having not eaten breakfast. We ended up at a Greek restaurant. Apparently this city is known for good food and many types of cuisine. The food was good but terrible service. I will not be giving them a good review on TA. 

We made it back with 30 minutes to rest before getting picked up for half day City tour with Tram. The room is super cute. Another good find after lots of research for the perfect location and affordability. Tram volunteers for Saigon Hotpot, they are a volunteer type free walking tour company. They don’t even accept tips and once receive they donate to their charity of choice. I highly recommend this company if you visit, as it was a true gem to have found. Tram took us to The Independence Palace, War Remnants Museum, Notre Dame cathedral, and the central Post Office. 

I learned so much information today about the Vietnam war. UJ, thanks for the private email lesson on the history and facts. I truly had no idea this war lasted 17 years. And that at the same time JFK was assassinated, the President of Vietnam was as well. Our gal mentioned conspiracy stuff and now Im even more convince than before. Need to have serious convo with you, UJ….really missing my dad right about now as he would have 1. Provided me with info and been typing away, and 2. Loved our day out today learning so much here. First was Independence Palace, which used to be the White House type place for President of Vietnam. We toured the entire Palace, while hearing stories of the North/ Communists vs South/ Republic. The french influence and fighting that went on here…. its truly amazing to us, that Vietnamese people are so accepting and forgiving. According to guide, in 2000/2001 the normalization occurred with relationship with the US. I obviously need to  understand it all better. So much bombing and tanks, russian tanks are on display too. There was a cinema room with very old projectors, my dad would have loved. 

Next was the War Remnants Museum. Here were many stories from Vietnamese perspective about it all. Most fascinating room was all about tye toxic Agent Orange. How it affected 4 generations of families. A positive story was a photo of conjoined twins at the torso, they were born in 1984, are still alive and 35 yrs old today. The room was covered with kids, adults- men and woman who were affected by Agent Orange. So many defects, deformities, skin disease etc. a crazy display but one of those must see. 

As we walk this beautiful City, I am reminded of NYC yet sleepier, even though just as big. Actually I’m curious…Saigon is 10 million population, what is NYC. We passed by our first Starbucks ever seen in Vietnam. It had rained earlier so the streets are wet and the humidity is intense , although it has cooled down a bit. We make our way to Notre Dame Cathedral- its closed and under construction. Next is The Central Post Office, a famous building which is the oldest and largest PO in Vietnam. A beautiful french architecture. We have the lay of the land now and Tram wakks us back to hotel to say good bye. 

We get back just in time for our free afternoon Tea at beautiful hotel. Yummy finger foods of cakes, crepes, sandwiches, and these most delish corn rice pancakes- the perfect of savory and sweet. Wow….coffee and tea was great too.

We nap, rest, get ready for a real night out. Thank you mommy for folding my nice outfits in plastic, no wrinkles and I’m in my cute silky romper for a dinner out at the only restaurant reservation of the trip. Anan did not disappoint. The taps style street food experience was great! The Truffle/Mushroom/ Quail egg pizza was a fav, along with silky fried Tofu, frogs legs for me and Wagyu Pho for R. A funky cocktail for each too. Sitting next to us was a yucky deal…..a 70+ man had seriously hired a 20+ something to be with, their interaction seemed very off. Another couple mentioned it too after they left. We were all discussing , when in Saigon……

We had 2 places to check out, The Bitexco Financial building has a bar on the 52 nd floor. We sat up there overlooking this huge City with a drink. A band was singing american music…..we snapped a bunch of photos because you honestly feel on top of world. Than walked to the famous Rex Hotel, checked it out just because it was on bucket list. We walked back on the Rodeo Drive of this City- a pedestrian only street and took in our last night in vietnam, all lit up like a mini Time Square. 

Its 12:30 am here, but Danielles Birthday in San Diego…..shout out Happy Birthday to you!! Woohoo! May all ur wishes come true, 💫🥳

Until tomorrow…..gotta go to bed- love you all
Hugs and kisses!
Laurie sue XO