[I copied this off my old hotmail account way back when ... I used to email these out to a list of subscribers ... posted on 14.02.2013 from an original email blog]
Early this morning, I went for a leisurely stroll to the fruit and bicycle markets to see all sorts of strange-looking fruits. About the only thing I recognised is dragon fruit, some huge mango, jambu air and of course, durian. Yeah! They have old smelly here too.
Then I went to the Saigon River for a walk. Some of the nicest 5-Star Hotels in colonial style buildings are located here. After that, it's a quick motorcycle ride to this "roundabout" where lovers come at night to pak to. In the morning, it's a popular place for coffee n ciggies. It's like every man here smokes. The whole roundabout is filled with deck chairs. We sat down, lit Ho Chi Minh's fave ciggy - 555 (I know. The "ah pek" cigarette) and enjoyed a couple of local coffee. Not too bad to idle some time.
After that, it was lunch. Local sandwich. A foot long affair with all sorts of ham, fish, bacon, etc stuffed itside. I thought the bread was gonna be pure murder since it looked like three-day old bread but it was surprisingly delicious and for only USD0.40.
Then we went to see Notre Dame Cathedral. Yes there is one here by that name and it was really grand. After that, we took a ride to the Military Museum. The exhibits are the usual but what was interesting was what they had to sell there: GI's dog tags. I dared not purchase them. Imagine they belong to some poor dead people and are being hawked off at USD1.50 each. There are two sections - one original and one re-produced. I bought an original peace badge given by the government to those who supported them. At least, that is from someone alive. Ugh!
There were some really cool lighters though.
Aside from that, I also dropped by Unification Palace. Hugh sprawling grounds with old historical rooms where the North and South finally came to live at peace with each other after all the foreign powers like the French n the USA were kicked off. We also dropped by to see some traditional long houses, etc.
Ok lah. Dinner time. Wonder what my guide will provide tonight.
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