On leaving

Saigon was exciting and bustling and full of making new friends, laughter and honest, spirit-fueled talks. It jarred a little after the quiet charm of Hue. I had forgotten how cities can sometimes tug and claw at you, how they demand attention. I walked, I explored, I marveled at the public spaces, had fancy coffees and missed the simplicity of ca phe sua in Hue, saw a water puppet show, saw the city from rooftops and balconies. I met people who were lovely and kind and felt like a harbor in the dark blanket that so much group work had settled on me. Now it is time to head home, for I am weary.

Water puppet show - fascinating

Outside the theater

Ben Thanh market

Sunday in Hue

So we are discovering an interesting thing about the places around our hotel. Most of them are drinking places. So only beer + alcohol. Or like all the cafes we went to in the morning. Only coffee + tea + other drinks. We finally went in one and sat and asked for coffee. Then for bread. They didn't really have bread but they got us some. They were really nice baguettes with sweet butter in them from a place called Ly Baguette. The coffee was delicious! Super strong and sweet, just the way I like it! It seems like we aren't quite getting to switch to a room with a desk and more cupboard space today, which is a little sad but not the end of the world. One more week of living out of a suitcase! 

Ho Chi Minh: First Impressions

Exercise bikes at a park we walked through.
What a great idea!

Today was spent exploring Ho Chi Minh/Saigon. Our hotel (Meagan and I) is in District 1 and I'd like to think we had an active, yet lazy morning with lots of iced tea and coffee and cold water and a walk around Ben Thanh market that did not end in a single shopping bag. We met and made friends both for lunch and dinner and it was a nice way to be introduced to the city. I haven't been able to enjoy any of the food because of the heat but I will get to it.

Idol at Giac Lam pagoda