Some days in the city where the US army lost a war against communism, is it really lost?
In Saigon we experienced once more Couchsurfing which was again a good introduction into the local culture of this city. Tony gave us a warm welcome and guided us to a really nice local restaurant where we got to try some delicious food, different to what we’re used to as Vietnamese food.
Good conversation that naturally went through Viet war, the Cong, Ho Chi Minh, and recent history that one wants to dig in situ. To our surprise Tony reflected how locals, or him, admire the US despite the mess they left due to the war. An opposite feeling to the one we perceived in the south.
The Vietnam War museum is an interesting place to study this a bit more. It tells reasons of war, US trying to push out local communist partie, commanded by Ho Chi Minh. Reaction of US youth. Main Battles. What the US army did during the war and the “legacy” they left.
Unlike Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City is attractive and has some nice and enjoyable neighbourhoods, but of course more westernised. MacDonalds, Luis Vuiton, Pizza Hut and fashion shops makes you question yourself where is the communism that roles the country…
There are still some authentic attractions like the main post office, lot of history in it and a good chance to send some post cards...
The river flows through the city and its coast is quite picturesque with funny Viet touches.
The central post office
Mr. Ho Chih Minh
Colourful rice
Food wise we had a much nicer experience in this city than in Hanoi. The local night market is always a good option for dinner.
The characters of this chapter were two Nigerian professional football players, who played in Nigeria, Italy and Thailand before coming to Vietnam. Diego and Martin met them in a boys night, that drove them to this guys who seemed to be the most locals of the place. We kept seeing them every night. Strong and sincere personalities that you can tell had a special star. People of good.
“Do the best you can, and leave the rest to god, in every sense.”
On the second day we chose a more outdoor activity. With the same mood that one goes to Tigre in Buenos Aires, we toured to the Mekong river delta,. Many things to visit on the oldest transited Delta. Sailing on a boat and finding some “typical” stuff such as a coconut candy factory, local style lunch, tea with local manufactured honey and a music band while enjoying some tropical fruits.
The day ended with more sailing on small rowing boats along the smaller channels in the delta.
Coconut candies factory
The perfect end for a pleasant day, going back to the restaurante we loved...
All in all it was a good place to close the Vietnam chapter of the trip. Though crossing the streets is still as challenging as in Hanoi, we found nicer people in Ho Chi Minh City and more welcoming.
